Thomas was determined to be pleasant to everyone all evening. He had promised his Grandmamma, and he planned to behave himself, but it was demanding immense concentration and willpower to stay the course.
“Oh, Your Grace, it issucha grand honor to see you again,” Lady Hawthorn said. “I thought we were to meet up at Ascot, but you never showed. And I have not had a single note from you since then,” Miss Abigail said, obviously trying to cover up her irritation at being abandoned.
“I am unable to get up to London these days as often as I used to. My estate is requiring the majority of my attention these days,” he answered as neutrally as he could.
“Papa tells me you are actively seeking a wife,” she said with her sweetest smile. “I know a fine gentleman, such as yourself, must have a wide variety of young ladies to choose from. I hope you will not forget the many charming rendezvous we have shared. I was thinking it would be so lovely if you might join the family at our country estate in the next month or so. We have a fine stable and many delightful trails to ride. I would take it as a special favor, and I will make certain you have a most enjoyable stay,” she said as she leaned in and whispered the last part in his ear.
Mercifully for Thomas, the dance ended, and he escorted her to her table and left as quickly as he could.
“Well?” his Grandmamma asked as he returned to her table.
“Well what?” he asked but knowing full well what she was asking.
“Do not be obtuse, Thomas. What do you think of her? Might there be a spark between the two of you?”
“It is a dead fire, and there is no spark which could reignite it, no matter how much fuel you dump on it.”
Grandmamma crossed out Lady Hawthorn’s name. “Your next dance is with Miss Marjorie Dunnstable. Her father…”
“No, Grandmamma, I happen to know she is engaged to Edward Simpson. They are to be married next May.”
“Oh…” She crossed off her name.
“Excuse me,” he said, and marched over to check with Willoughby on the progress of the ball.
“Is all in hand, Willoughby?” Thomas asked.
“All is well, Your Grace. Supper is on schedule for nine o’clock as planned and we are well stocked with champagne.”
“Excellent. Carry on.”
“Your Grace.”
Thomas caught sight of Jenny sitting alone at the table. He could not believe how lovely she looked. He took a moment to just stare at her and appreciate her loveliness. But what was he thinking? He must get used to the fact that she was totally unsuitable as a bride. He then looked around the room and perused the other young ladies in attendance. Many were fine looking—although none struck him in the heart the way Jenny did. He realized he knew most of these young ladies. Many were from his circle of friends in London and the few that were not, either looked like farmer’s daughters or were so overly dressed to impress that he was immediately put off.
There were, however, a few young ladies he did not know, who were presentable. He resolved to meet with and attempt to get to know them. Perhapsonemight pass both his and his Grandmamma’s tests as being suitable. He decided that it was useless to follow the dance engagements his Grandmamma has set up for him. He headed toward the first of the young ladies that had attracted his attention and asked her to dance, even though his Grandmamma was waving wildly from her table for him to meet with the next young lady on her list.
* * *
Wilcox sidled up to his mother’s table and eased into a chair next to her.
“Mother, you have pulled off the most delightful event. Everyone seems to be having a grand time.”
“Wilcox…” she acknowledged. “Have you brought your widow with you this evening?”
“Alas, she was otherwise engaged. And besides, you did not invite her.”
“This is a ball to find Thomas a wife. Your Lady Monmouth has no children and thus was not invited.”
“Pity.” He sat with his hands in his lap looking out over the dancefloor.
“When are you returning to London?” Augusta asked.
“Next week. I have some important business to attend to.”
“Business that will bring you some real income?”
“That is my hope,” he answered looking for an opening to what he wanted to ask her.
