“I must beg you to introduce me to your friend.”
Realizing that there had been a beat or two of silence, Constance cleared her throat.
“Yes, of course.”
The gentleman smiled in the direction of Lady Winterbrook, who then threw a glance at Constance, only to widen her eyes a little, evidently aware of Constance’s inability to do what had been asked of her. Constance took in a breath, forced a smile, and searched desperately for what she might say.
“Perhaps I may be mistaken, but I am sure that we are already acquainted.” Clearly seeking to assist Constance, Lady Winterbrook quickly spoke up so that Constance would not feel any sort of embarrassment. “It may have been when I was unmarried, however? I was Lady Elizabeth, but I am now Lady Winterbrook.”
The gentleman cleared his throat, then inclined his head a little.
“Forgive me, I do not recall it, although if we have already been introduced, I apologize for my forgetfulness. I am the Marquess of Seaton.”
When he bowed low, Constance quickly closed her eyes in relief before opening them again and putting a warm smile on her face.
“I am very glad to make your acquaintance… again.”
With a quiet laugh, Lady Winterbrook curtsied, then looked quickly towards Constance, her eyebrows lifting gently. Constance simply ignored the look, however, knowing full well what it meant. Yes, he was a Marquess, but that meant very little to her. Of course, his title was one her father would accept, but all the same, she would not simply tie herself to him because of his title or standing.
“Miss Millington, since there is to be no dancing this evening, might I hope that I can secure your dance card for the next ball, provided you are to be in attendance?”
Constance smiled quickly.
“But of course.” It would not be right of her to refuse a gentleman’s request and, secretly, she was glad that someone was willing to dance with her already. It would mean that she would not be standing back, hoping that her dance card would fill. “I am to attend Lord Hanley’s ball tomorrow evening.”
Lord Seaton smiled.
“Capital. I am to be in attendance also, so that will suit us both very well, and I shall be able to keep the promise I made to you upon our first meeting.”
Lady Winterbrook asked him something about how long he had been in London and while the gentleman answered, Constance considered his features. Hair that fell carelessly across his forehead, sharp eyes which seemed to take everything in at once, but were certainly warm in their considerations.
He was, she thought, someone who many would consider to be fairly handsome, and, given that he was a Marquess, he would be seen as all the more so, surely? This thought then led her to wonder why he was not betrothed or married already, given his high title. Surely marriage was a requirement since he would need an heir to that title? Mayhap, she considered, tilting her head a little, he had, perhaps, a desire to remain without the attachment of a wife for a time, as so many other gentlemen appeared to want. They sought out pleasure and excitement rather than any sort of genuine commitment. She had seen such gentlemen during her time in London, while her sisters were seeking matches. Mayhap the Marquess was such a fellow.
With a shake of her head, she looked away, aware that she was judging him much too harshly, and based solely on appearance alone. For all she knew, he might be an excellent sort, who as yet, had not found the right young lady to take as his bride.
“You appear to be considering something most deeply, Miss Millington.”
It was as if a fire had been set by her feet, such was the heat of her embarrassment. She had been so lost in her own contemplations that she had not been aware that Lord Seaton had been doing much the same, clearly wondering what it was that she was thinking of during her study of him.
“I was merely considering my recent conversation with you and wishing that we had been introduced under better circumstances.” It was a terrible lie, of course, but she could not exactly tell him that she had been wondering why he was not wed, as yet. “It was deeply embarrassing, for my esteemed mother was much too overwrought - and for that, I am profoundly sorry.”
The gentleman merely laughed and clasped both hands behind his back.
“Pray, do not let it concern you any longer. After all, I was the one who walked into you… or nearly did, at least.”
“All the same, I do hope that you were not too discomfited.”
His smile stole away any further concern.
“I was made aware of my foolishness, and rightly so. Therefore, I shall now make certain to always have my head lifted and my gaze fixed upon the path ahead with me, so that I might know where I am going, and who I might inadvertently walk into if I am not careful.”
Chuckling at this, he smiled broadly, and Constance found herself smiling back at him. He was a very considerate gentleman, she thought, easily amenable to all and every situation.
“I am relieved to hear it, Lord Seaton.”
“But of course.” Inclining his head, he took a step back. “Now, I shall leave you both, for I am sure that there will be many eager to converse with you, and I do not want to claim too much of your time.” His eyes went back to Constance. “And do remember that I am to claim your first dance at Lord Hanley’s ball.” he reminded her as she smiled. “Do not forget me!”
She laughed, promised him that she would remember and, as he walked away, she allowed her gaze to settle on him, watching as he made his way across the room.
