“What do you mean?” Esther asked, unsure of what he was referring to. “What’s the same for me?”
“Well, people must be very obvious about their intentions toward you as well,” the Duke explained. “It must be clear to you that they’re only interested in you for your looks. Which isn’t to say that you don’t have more to offer—I hope I’ve made it clear that I think you do. But so many gentlemen are just looking for the loveliest lady in the room. They don’t consider anything beyond that.”
“I don’t know if that’s true,” Esther said.
“It’s what you were concerned about with regard to your cousin, isn’t it?” the Duke prodded. “You though everyone found you more lovely than her, and that was why they gave you more attention."
Esther didn’t know what to say. So many thoughts assailed her at once that she was left feeling confused.
He thinks the way people pay attention to me instead of Eugenia is the same as the way people pay attention to him because of his title.
Did that mean he would feel the same way about her interest as she felt about the interest Lord Oxbridge had shown her? It sounded like it. She was interested in him because of his title, after all.
But that’s not the only reason I’m interested in him. He really is attractive. And he’s clever, too, and witty, and a good conversationalist. I can’t say I would be seeking courtship with him if he wasn’t the Duke, but I would certainly be enjoying his company, and that’s more than I can say for Lord Oxbridge!
No. She was overthinking the matter. The two things weren’t the same at all. Lord Oxbridge had been rude to Eugenia, and so had Lord Kensington. But Esther wasn’t being rude to anybody. She was being perfectly polite and cordial to the Duke, and he was the only one here.
What am I supposed to do, be standoffish with him? Not show interest because he might not approve of my reasons? Iaminterested. And he seems interested in me too.
After all, he had called her the loveliest lady in the room.
And besides, having the Duke interested in her was exactly what her family needed. It would allow them to recover their financial standing. And one day, Caroline would be able to stand where Esther stood right now.
Don’t feel guilty. You’re doing the right thing.
Chapter 12
Eugenia stood with her back to the wall, looking out at the sea of people on the ballroom floor.
Go and speak to some gentlemen,Esther had said.
But how was Eugenia supposed to do that? Surely her cousin hadn’t meant that she should simply walk up to them and introduce herself? Eugenia knew she could never be so bold.
No, it’s best if I simply wait here for Esther to finish what she’s doing.
She was sure Esther would be able to win the Duke’s notice. Everyone noticed her bold and beautiful cousin. Eugenia was less certain about whether Esther would gain the Duke’s admiration, which was the real prize—but if she didn’t, perhaps Esther would move on to someone else. That would be the sensible thing to do.
If there’s one thing Esther and I have in common, it’s that we’re both sensible.
Eugenia understood just as well as her cousin did the need to do right by her family and to make a good match for herself. Her mother had impressed upon her throughout her life just how important that was.
If Lord Oxbridge or Lord Kensington return, I’ll accept a dance with them.Even though I know they’re only really interested in Esther. Once they learn she isn’t available to them their attentions might turn to me.
“I beg your pardon,” a voice said. “Are you Lady Eugenia?”
She turned. A young gentleman was standing beside her and smiling, his head cocked inquisitively to one side. He had sandy-colored hair, bright green eyes, and a perfect smile.
Her heart fluttered.
“I am,” she said. “But how could you have known that?”
“Forgive me,” he said, bowing slightly. “I hope I haven’t made you feel uncomfortable. I inquired about you.”
“You inquired aboutme?” Whatever could this mean?
He smiled. “I hope you won’t think me forward,” he said. “A friend of mine told me he had met you.”
She closed her eyes. “Oh, no,” she said, feeling herself blush. “You mean the Duke of Hallowbinder, don’t you?”
