“Of course,” Connor said, his voice more of a grumble. “You look lovely tonight, Eden.”
“Thank you.” She felt her cheeks heat again, because it had been quite a while since two handsome men had squared off against each other, seeking her attention. This had happened on occasion during her first few Seasons out, but she’d experienced nothing like this in years.
Not that Connor had any serious interest in her, but it did warm her heart to know he was not completely immune to her charms.
She had no more time to think about Connor now that Lord Aubrey escorted her to his parents. Lord Lothmere and his wife were friendly and interesting to talk to. They had traveled extensively on the Continent this past year. Eden listened as they told her about the canals of Venice.
“Quite beautiful,” Lady Lothmere said, “but I do not recommend visiting in the height of summer. There is a foul stench that pervades the city on the hottest days.”
They then spoke of the damage done on the Continent during the years of war. “My regiment was mostly based in Belgium,” Lord Aubrey said. “In truth, we were primarily reserve units until Waterloo. We were in the thick of it then. A terrible loss of lives on all sides. But people are ever resilient, quickly rebuilding what was destroyed. And there was much destruction, but also many places that remained untouched and beautiful.”
“I haven’t traveled outside of England,” Eden admitted. “But I have read much about Greece and Italy and the majestic Alps.”
“I enjoy a good book myself,” Lord Aubrey said, “but it is not the same as actually seeing the sights. You ought to travel, Lady Eden. Who knows? Perhaps after you are married.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” she said, blushing as he cast her a meaningful smile.
Was he suggesting he would marry her?
She glanced away to avoid his smile.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Lord Aubrey’s sister, Persephone, was chatting with Connor and his mother. Eden heard the girl’s youthful laughter and wondered whether Connor was warming up to her. There was no doubt these Lothmeres were a handsome family. Both the son and the daughter would make profitable matches, especially since they both seemedquite efficient in the manner in which they approached this house party. Lord Aubrey had homed in on her while his sister had shot like a bullet to Connor’s side.
Eden had grown wary over the years and was not so swept away by Lord Aubrey’s rakish smiles and doting attention. In all likelihood, he was more enamored with her wealth than with her. The same might be said for his sister, who was all giggles and coquettish smiles for Connor because he was the duke. He was the prize.
Despite his repeated declarations that he had no interest in remarrying, could the astute Persephone persuade him that a young wife was exactly what he needed?
Chapter Six
“Lord Aubrey seemsto have taken a serious liking to Eden,” Connor’s mother remarked later that evening while Connor was dancing with her. This was no formal ball; however, Connor chose to claim his mother for the first dance in order not to give any particular peahen his preferential attention.
They were all too young for him, giggling like schoolgirls because that was what they had been until they were pushed out into the world earlier this year.
He, just like his mother, had noticed Aubrey hovering over Eden, quietly circling her like she were prey. The viscount had a good reputation and could be a potential match for Eden, but Connor simply did not know enough about him to pass judgment. “Yes, his attentions are hard to overlook.”
He tamped down the uneasy feeling now churning in his gut. What was it about Aubrey that bothered him? Why should Eden not find happiness with him?
Well, she had only just met the viscount. Eden was a practical woman. Connor would never consider her a gushing romantic. She wasn’t going to leap into a commitment as important as marriage with just anyone, and certainly never upon so short an acquaintance.
He shouldn’t make too much of this Aubrey chap.
“I think Eden looks particularly lovely tonight, don’t you? Lord Aubrey cannot take his eyes off her,” his mother remarked.
He growled at her—dear heaven, growling at his own mother—as he led her in a twirl. “Why the sudden fascination with Eden?”
She looked up at him innocently. “I am merely remarking on how pretty she is.”
He snorted as he led her in another twirl. “I could have told you that. She hides behind her spectacles, but her beauty is obvious for anyone who bothers to look beyond them. By the way, why isn’t she wearing her spectacles? Did you hide them from her?”
“I merely insisted that she not wear them tonight.”
“She wasn’t wearing them at this afternoon’s tea, either. Why?”
His mother cast him an admonishing look. “Need you ask? I want her to be seen in her best light. None of these men will look at her if they think she has spent her life buried in books.”
“Has she asked you to match her with anyone?”
“No. However, I have taken it upon myself to match her with someone I deem quite suitable. The dear girl may be smart as a whip, but she does not always know what is best for her.”
