Yes, on paper the Duke would be a better option than Lord Oxbridge. He ranked much more highly—it would be a much more advantageous match. And he had, thus far, done nothing to offend her.
On the other hand, she hadn’t met him yet. And that was certainly going to be a problem.
She wished she could ask to be introduced to him. But she had promised her cousin that they wouldn’t worry about finding gentlemen for courtship at this ball. She still wanted to help Eugenia enjoy herself. And she couldn’t very well go up to someoneelseand ask to be introduced to the Duke. That wouldn’t look good at all.
Eugenia grabbed Esther’s hand suddenly. “Look,” she whispered, peering over the hedge.
Esther looked—and gasped.
Aunt Tabitha was standing shocking close to a gentleman she didn't recognize. She was gazing into the gentleman’s eyes. The scene was obviously a romantic one.
“What is shedoing?” Esther hissed. “Who is that?”
Eugenia shook her head. It was clear she had no idea.
“Did you know she was involved with someone?”
“Do you think that’s what this is?” Eugenia asked.
“It certainlylookslike it. My goodness! They look as if they’re about to kiss!”
Eugenia made a face and giggled.
Esther knew what she meant. Who would want to kiss Aunt Tabitha? Her aunt was certainly not unattractive—though she was no longer young, her features were striking and her figure was lovely. But she was so conniving. So unkind.
“If she’s interested in him, I’m sure it’s only for his money,” Eugenia whispered. “Someone ought to warn him!”
Esther felt an unpleasant sensation in the pit of her stomach. She agreed with Eugenia’s assessment of her aunt’s intentions. But to hear them characterized as something negative…that was troubling. Esther herself was intent on marrying for money, after all. Had that detail escaped her cousin’s notice? And what would Eugenia think if she knew that Esther was intent on marrying simply to resolve her family’s financial troubles?
Would she also want towarnany gentleman who might become interested in me?
She stepped back and stumbled over a loose rock.
Aunt Tabitha looked up quickly, stepping back from the gentleman she was with. “Is someone there?
Eugenia gasped and grabbed Esther’s hand, pulling her away. Esther allowed herself to be led. Both ladies broke into giggles as they rounded the corner, and Esther couldn’t help thinking of her aunt, somewhere behind them, suspiciously exploring the area, trying to find the person who had made the noise.
She was jerked from her thoughts, however, when she rounded another corner and almost ran right into a gentleman walking in the opposite direction.
Chapter 7
Iwish I was anywhere but here.
Hugh Warriver, Duke of Hallowbinder, knew better than to let any hint of displeasure show on his face. He knew all too well how quickly opinions of others were formed among the members of thetonand this certainly wasn’t his first Season. He had seen gossip accumulate about a number of people, and he had seen how whispers could become understood as fact.
I know better than to let anyone see me as unpleasant or ungracious!
And yet, there were times he wished more of the young ladies of thetonwould form anunfavorableopinion of him. Perhaps that would be better than being so blindly adored.
He turned his attention to Lady Catherine, who had been at his side for the past half an hour and showed no signs of leaving him alone. “I’m sorry, My Lady,” he said. “What were you saying?”
“Oh,” Lady Catherine giggled, obviously not at all troubled that he had allowed his attention to wander. “I was just telling you, Your Grace, that my own family will be throwing a ball later this Season. And of course, I hope to see you there.”
“I’d say you can count on that,” Hugh said.
If he’d seen a way out of it, he would have chosen not to attend. It wasn’t that he disliked balls—in fact, he rather enjoyed dancing and spending time with people. But over the years, he had learned what he could—and couldn’t—expect at these events.
When he had been a few years younger, embarking upon his first Season, he had dared to believe that he might find love. But that seemed like a silly dream now, something that only a child would believe. It was clear that all the young ladies at these events were here for social advancement. Most of them looked no farther than his title before setting their sights on him.
