She fixed her expression, which was obviously contorted in disagreement. She needed to do something. “I can understand why you would feel that way. I think these events are predominantly for women. Is your wife here tonight?”
“No.”
So snappy, no wonder she refused to be dragged along.
“Do feel free to sign my dance card if you face boredom tonight. I would be honored.”
“I am sure I can find a way to bide my time.” He smiled politely.
Before she could fumble any further, Rowan finally approached, standing next to her. “Miss Snow, I have been looking for you everywhere. Mr. Melbrooke, it is wonderful to see you!”
He reached in front of Alice’s face to shake the man’s hand, and she made a mental note to complain about it later.
“Your Grace, I have not had the pleasure of speaking with you yet this Season. The men of the ton are raving about some amazing business deal you have. Is this your attempt to give it to me?”
“Something like that, Sir,” Rowan admitted plainly, and to the two’s surprise, the man chuckled quietly.
“I can respect that, young man. Now, tell me, are you two working together?” Mr. Melbrooke eyed the couple, who looked nervous. He smiled again, shaking his head. “I miss young love.”
“I should leave you two,” Alice started, watching the Duke’s face contort in panic. “I am going to get another glass, Your Grace. I will come back.”
Rowan nodded and she made her way across the room, watching him from afar. He was so handsome, it was hard for Alice to even comprehend it. The way the light glowed against his jawline and made his eyes sparkle as he went on about business she never understood.
She felt a tug in her chest.
No, Alice. You cannot fall for him! It was fine when it was simply physical, but you cannot let yourself develop feelings for him…
She thanked the butler with a silver platter of glass champagne flutes as she grabbed two refreshments and kept her eyes glued to the man she was becoming too attracted to for her own good.
“Miss Snow!”
She turned to see a young man bumbling through the crowd of black waistcoats and poofy dresses. She did not recognize him and caught herself furrowing her brow as the boy with curly blonde hair stood before her. He could be no more than sixteen years old.
“Good evening! Apologies for my manners. I wanted to meet you. My brother was right, you truly are the most beautiful lady here!”
She felt a blush grow on her cheeks, politely smiling and bowing her head. “I apologize for my confused look, I?—”
“Oh, I never introduced myself, I am Lord Eaton’s brother, Marcus. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you. I cannot wait to get to know you better.”
Alice was a bit confused by the interaction, especially because she had not seen the Earl at the last event and did not know if he had found another lady to chase.
Everything with the Duke has made things so confusing… I must speak to him tonight about where we stand. Perhaps if I put in more time, I can win his heart.
“Do tell your brother that I am looking forward to dancing with him tonight. I will be here if he is looking for me.” She gave a cheeky smile, and the boy bowed deeply, grinning and running off.
It was sweet of him to come and introduce himself, and Alice walked back to the Duke with her smile still on her face.
“I do not understand how someone would be uninterested in a deal as alluring as that, Your Grace,” Mr. Melbrooke muttered, sounding slightly annoyed. “I am just failing to see the catch.”
“There is no catch, Sir. I promise you, I just want to see my father’s legacy restored. I was gone for too long, but I am taking charge of operations and would do well with as many investors as possible. Welcome back, Miss Snow. Is this for me?”
She nodded politely, handing Rowan the glass. Turning to the man who looked totally lost in his head as he weighed the options, she attempted to sweeten the deal. “I have seen many men find confidence in His Grace’s business dealings, Sir. My brother found interest as well.”
Before the Duke embarrassed him in his own home. But he does not need to know that.
“The Baron is a respected man, and he knows how to use his money. That is why he has so much of it!” Mr. Melbrooke winked at her, and she chuckled quietly. “I will need to discuss the financials with my family and decide what we are looking to invest in, but I am feeling confident that I would like to join your venture.”
“That is just wonderful news, Sir!” Rowan grinned, pushing his glass toward Mr. Melbrooke’s. Alice stared up at him, examining his excitement. It made her happy to see him like this. “I hope we can find a deal that satisfies the both of us.”
