"Why don't you sign Catherine's card and make it three," Felington said.
"Oh, I cannot," he said, as he hastily looked for an excuse that would not make Catherine feel bad, "you know it is my grandfather's engagement ceremony. I have to ensure that everything goes as planned. I could not possibly do that if I spent most of my time dancing."
"Loosen up just a little, Callum," Felington said, "I am certain the Duke would understand if you decided to dance for just a moment."
Callum swore under his breath as he succumbed to the pressure. He knew that if he continued to argue with Felington, he would simply be calling more attention to the fact that he had no interest whatever in dancing with Catherine.
Catherine's eyes lit up when he signed her card and even when she walked away afterward.
"Can you not see that Catherine is smitten by you?" Felington said, the moment she walked away.
"I am certain that is not true," Callum said. He had noticed Catherine hovering over him for as long as he could remember but seeing that Felington himself noticed, Callum wondered how many people in thetonalready knew that Catherine fancied him.
"Do not tell me you haven't noticed yet, Callum," Felington said.
Callum shrugged, not saying anything.
"I am thinking of pursuing Louise anew," Felington said, as he broke into a smile.
"Indeed," Callum replied, "I saw you sign her card earlier."
"I have to make certain that everyone in thetonknows that I have an interest in her," Felington said.
"Just a while ago, you wanted nothing to do with her anymore. In fact, you replaced her with another maiden on the day that you were supposed to announce your engagement to her. What changed!" Callum asked.
Felington simply shrugged. "Emily has trashed my name on the mud. What better way to regain my dignity back than by snagging the most sought-after maiden in the season."
Callum frowned. He could not believe that Felington's intent for pursuing Louise was so he could improve his reputation in theton.
"So, you do not love her?" Callum asked.
"Love?" Felington asked, before bursting into loud laughter that generated curious and displeased looks from people around.
Felington laughed some more before he finally stopped.
"I suppose I could think about finally falling in love when I am as old as the Duke. For now, love is the last thing on my mind," he said.
"Tell me, Callum," Felington continued, "do you think it was love that made me leave Louise for Emily?"
"Well, that was what you told me," Callum said, "you said you decided to jilt Louise because you loved Emily."
"You should have known that I was simply fooling around. I saw that Emily had a better dowry and I decided to leave Emily for her. It really is that simple," Felington said, "as the heir of my family, it is my duty to improve our finances and social standing. That is my priority when I am picking my bride, not love. If my bride is not bringing in financial benefits, then her presence must improve my family's social standing."
"Why are you telling me all these, Felington?" Callum asked, exhausted from his friend's rambling.
"Because I want you to see the gem that is right in front of you," he said.
"Gem?" Callum asked.
"Catherine is from an influential family that even your grandfather, as strict as he is, would approve of. Moreover, her family is wealthy, therefore, she would come with an impressive amount in dowry," Felington said, "she is easily the best match you could possibly make and if you are not quick, another bachelor would ask for her hand before you are able to."
"Felington, I have told you that I am not interested in getting married to anyone," Callum said.
Felington shrugged. "And I know that if you were to ever change your mind, Catherine is the best choice for you.
"Ha, it is time for the dance. Wish me luck as I go dancing with my soon-to-be fiancée," Felington said before hopping off in Louise's direction.
Callum felt the anger simmer in his heart as he watched his friend go over to the woman that he had deep feelings for. The fact that Felington saw Louise only as an accessory that he could use to improve his social standing annoyed Callum greatly. Louise was too beautiful, too adoring, and too witty to land in the arms of a man who was too absorbed with himself to know a good woman when he saw one.
