“That is my thinking at least,” she murmured. “I shall put these accounts - all of them - in ‘The London Ledger’ over the next few publications. I hope we shall learn more about this highwayman.”
“And have you anything else - or anyone else – you should like to enquire about?”
Miss Millington made her way back across the room, hiding her face and her expression from Elizabeth as she took her seat again. Confused, Elizabeth blinked.
“No.” She spoke slowly. “Unless there is someone you think I ought to include?”
“I only meant Lord Winterbrook.” Speaking plainly, Miss Millington grinned as Elizabeth looked quickly away. “He appears very eager for your company of late.”
Upon hearing his name, such a heat ran through Elizabeth that she could not answer for a few moments. Struggling to know what to say, she looked first at Lady Yardley and then at her friend again.
“I - I believe that Lord Winterbrook has improved himself, or at least his impression upon me, a great deal since our first meeting.” Speaking slowly, Elizabeth put a great deal of her heart into her response. “I thought him brash and a little arrogant at first and I will admit, there are still traces of that within his character. However, there is a tenderness about him that I hadnotexpected, a kindness that runs through his character. He is most enjoyable company and, I will admit, very handsome as well!”
She finished with a giggle, the seriousness of their previous discussions now lifting from her. Lady Yardley chuckled, and Miss Millington laughed aloud, making Elizabeth smile all the more.
“That is good.” Lady Yardley tipped her head a little. “Then might I ask if you have feelings for this gentleman? After what you have agreed upon with your friends – that you should all only wed gentlemen who care for you and for whom you care also – is it that Lord Winterbrook rouses such feelings within your heart?”
Elizabeth did not even need to consider.
“He and I have danced together, conversed together, laughed together, and walked together and I find I desire to do even more of all of these things.” Her gaze went to Miss Millington. “My heart quickened even when you mentioned his name, so yes, I will admit that my heart is affected, and I am glad of it.”
Miss Millington smiled.
“Would you accept him if he were to ask to court you?”
Pondering her friend’s question, Elizabeth’s gaze drifted idly for a few moments.
“I think I should need to know the state of his own heart first,” she answered carefully. “I have told him of my expectations when it comes to matrimony, and he is very well aware of them. Therefore, I hope that should such a thing take place, he will confess that his heart does pull towards me in return. If that is so, then I should be very glad to accept him.”
With a small sigh, Miss Millington smiled gently.
“Then I hope that he will give you the answer you desire.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands tight together, her heart turning over in her chest at the thought of what answer she might receive from him, should she have need to ask.
“As do I, Miss Millington. As do I.”
* * *
“Yet again,you have taken my waltz, Lord Winterbrook.”
Elizabeth’s smile tilted up at Lord Winterbrook though, to her surprise, his eyes widened a little and his mouth did not curve as she had expected.
“Do you mean to say that you would prefer someone else to stand up with you?” Putting one hand to his heart, he inclined his head. “Forgive me, I ought not to have been so selfish. If you desire someone else to waltz with you, then I would be glad to step back.”
“No, indeed you misunderstand me.” Laughing, she reached one hand out and put it on his arm for a moment. “The truth is, Lord Winterbrook, that I am truly delighted that you have taken my waltz, even if it is for the third time. It is only a small concern which lingers.”
“Which is?”
“I worry that some may remark upon it.”
Instantly, brightness flooded his expression and he grinned, now returning to the confident gentleman she knew him to be.
“And what if theyshoulddo so?” He lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. “I should not care one whit if society believes I am caught up with you, Lady Elizabeth, for indeed, that is the truth.”
Heat burned flames up Elizabeth’s veins, suddenly ignited by his words. Staring at him, she allowed her smile to fall to one side, only for him to step closer. A little startled, she made to pull her hand away, but he caught it, his fingers lacing through her own, albeit in a guarded manner, and only for a few moments.
“This is not the way I wished to have such a conversation, but I fear it will not wait.” Taking a breath, he lifted his chin just a little. “Lady Elizabeth, I have a fervent desire to court you, if you would wish to be so courted.” A gentle red rose in his face, his eyes no longer holding hers but darting around her face. “Mayhap I ought to go to your mother to ask such a thing but, given that she is absent this evening and given that my patience has worn thin, I cannot help but express my desire to you alone. I want very much to court you, Lady Elizabeth. It has been my desire for some time, I believe, growing quickly and without restraint.” A sudden frown marred his expression, and he dropped his head. “Forgive me for being tardy with my request.”
