Page 27

12

Sebastian

With everyone weary from traveling that day, the gentlemen did not linger over their cigars and whiskey following supper. When they went to join the ladies, quite a few of them had already retired for the evening, and Sebastian excused himself as well. He was far more exhausted than he normally would be after traveling to Gregory’s house.

Likely because he’d had to be far more engaged this evening than he normally would be. Engaged, charming, and watchful. This was not going to be a relaxing house party, not with his agenda.

He’d readied himself for bed and dismissed his valet, only to find himself tossing and turning. Weary or not, sleep was not coming easily. Every time he closed his eyes, the faces of the young ladies went through his mind, along with his impressions of them… and interspersed with all of them was the vision of Miss Hu.

Sebastian did not have a formal list of attributes he wanted his bride to have, though he did have some idea. All of which he’d provided to Miss Hu. Everything he’d said, all four of the young ladies she’d suggested seemed to have. They were all beautiful, intelligent, and had their own interests about which they were happy to converse. He’d enjoyed speaking with all of them. He’d been impressed by Lady Darcy’s machinations, even though it made him a touch wary of her as well.

Whoever married her would likely find himself dancing to her tune without even realizing what was happening. Whether or not that someone would be Sebastian… well, it remained to be seen.

There was one attribute he had not included in his discussion with Miss Hu because how could he talk about such things with a young woman?

One did not converse about attraction and desire with a young lady. Even if she was a matchmaker. He doubted he would have even spoken about such things with her grandmother.

But it was still a necessary component of a successful marriage as far as he was concerned. He did not need a love match, but he did want a wife with who he felt a certain kind of connection, a level of desire. Something that had not sparked with any of the debutantes he’d met today.

Something that he did have with Miss Hu herself.

Which was disconcerting to say the least.

It was possible that the attraction was fleeting. He hoped so. Miss Hu had certainly not given him any reason to think that she would welcome his advances, even though he would swear the desire was mutual. That he affected her just as much as she affected him.

He did not think that was wishful thinking.

Which was why, as each young woman came to mind, so did Miss Hu. When he compared them to her, as delightful as they all were, as good a job as she’d done in picking them for him… the one factor that they did not meet was one that neither he nor they had any control over.

Which left him tossing and turning on a very comfortable bed.

Eventually, he could not take it anymore and got up. Donning his dressing gown, he hoped that taking a walk would help to expend some of his energy. At the very least, he could go to the library and find something to read. Something engaging enough that it would distract his mind and boring enough that he would be able to sleep.

Even if he could not find anything, it was better than remaining wide awake in his bed.

The rest of the house was silent as he made his way through the halls. The single gentlemen were in a separate wing from the ladies by design. While quite a few shenanigans could happen at house parties, Sebastian doubted there would be much bed switching at this one. All the couples who were invited were happily married, and because of the aim of this party, there were no accommodating widows, either. Everyone would be likely to be on their best behavior.

He made his way down to the library, opening the door as quietly as he could, and frowning when he saw a handheld gas lamp already set on one of the tables. He was not alone in here.

“Hello?” Closing the door gently behind him, he scanned the room and stifled a groan when the young woman in one of the chairs got to her feet.

Miss Hu.

Of course.

Also wearing a long dressing gown, which opened in the front for just a moment to reveal a frothy white nightgown underneath. Her long, black hair was braided into a single length, which hung down over her shoulder nearly to her waist. A book was held in one of her hands, which she must have been reading before he came in.

“Your Grace.” She dipped into a curtsy.

“No need for that, Miss Hu. We are hardly formal here at the moment.” Sebastian gestured between them, indicating both of their nighttime attire. He cleared his throat. “I am sorry for interrupting your reading.”

“It is no fault of your own. I should have taken the book up to my room.” She hugged the book to her chest as Sebastian came closer, as though she was feeling vulnerable, though she also lifted her chin in defiance of that emotion.

“Why did you not?” he asked, curious.

Had she been hoping to meet someone here? Or even arranged to? Remembering how she’d smiled at the younger Mr. Fenley during the evening meal, a flash of jealousy ran through him. She could not seriously be interested in that fop, could she? Though Sebastian did not blame the man for his obvious interest in her.

Still, she could do better than a wet-behind-the-ears youth with more enthusiasm than fortune.