But what if he was not?
Elizabeth laid a gentle hand on her arm. “Oh, Sera, you must not let his reputation cloud your judgement. People can change, and perhaps there’s more to him than meets the eye. Give him a chance, as you would with any other suitor.”
Seraphina smirked and folded her arms across her chest. “Is that right? Is that advice meant to be for my benefit, or is it rather the same thing that you have been telling yourself every moment since interacting with Lord Thorne?”
“I …” Elizabeth’s blush impossibly seemed to darken. “It is applicable to both in equal measure!”
“I only danced with him to dissuade Lord Blackwood from leering at me as he was!” Seraphina exclaimed. It was easy to offer the half-lie as an excuse. It was why she had bothered accepting the dance in the first place … but it would not be why she accepted a second were it to be offered to her.
A secret thrill bolted through her core as she recalled his fingers brushing against her skin — his voice in her ear as he whispered. Goosebumps rippled down her spine as she forced the memory away.
As much as Seraphina wanted to dismiss the idea, Elizabeth’s words resonated with her. She knew she should guard her heart against the allure of a man like Lord Ashford, but the memory of their dance lingered, leaving her heart in disarray. She could not deny his strange pull on her, and she found herself torn between caution and curiosity, wondering what destiny had in store for her and the enigmatic Lord Tristan Ashford.
“Sera, I must confide in you,” Elizabeth began, her voice barely above a whisper. “I believe Lord Thorne is finally considering taking a wife.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened in surprise. “Lord Michael Thorne? But he has always been known as a notorious bachelor, never one to settle down.” she held Elizabeth’s hands tightly in her own. It was no secret that Lord Thorne had always been the object of Elizabeth’s affections. If it was true and the rake was not merely toying with her friend, it would be exciting news indeed. For Elizabeth’s sake, she could only hope that his intentions were true.
“I know, but I have noticed a change in him lately,” Elizabeth explained. “He spoke about watching everyone court and peacock themselves tonight, and it almost sounded like he was considering doing the same.”
A mix of hope and apprehension filled Seraphina’s heart. “But how can you be sure, Elizabeth?”
“He described his ideal woman, and as he spoke, I could not help thinking he was describing me,” Elizabeth replied, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “He talked about intelligence, wit, and a woman unafraid to speak her mind. And he said she must have a heart that beats only for him.”
Seraphina could not help smiling at her friend’s enthusiasm. “Elizabeth, you know I want nothing but happiness for you, but are you certain he was referring to you?”
“I cannot be completely certain, but I cannot help but hope,” Elizabeth admitted with a wistful sigh. “I have admired him for so long, and now it seems like he might be looking for something more meaningful in his life.”
“But what if he does not see you in that way?” Seraphina asked gently, concerned for her friend’s heart.
“I will do everything in my power to make him see me,” Elizabeth declared with determination. “I will court him, seduce him if I must. I will not let him slip through my fingers without trying.”
“Well, then I shall support you, of course.” Seraphina squeezed her friend’s hands, hoping they were not on a fool’s errand. She envied her friend’s ambition. She knew what she wanted and would not hesitate to go after it. As she should. Seraphina, however, did not feel nearly as bold. She was certainly not brave enough to open herself up to ridicule of exposure or potential heartbreak from doing the same. No matter how handsome Tristan might be.
“Oh, can you imagine the scandalized looks on our mothers’ faces if they knew what we were discussing?” Elizabeth giggled, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“Indeed!” Seraphina replied with a soft laugh. “They would probably faint from shock.”
“But you know what they say, desperate times call for desperate measures,” Elizabeth teased, her gaze drifting towards Lord Thorne, who was conversing with another group of guests.
“Desperate measures indeed,” Seraphina murmured, her thoughts momentarily drifting back to the enigmatic Lord Ashford.
As if reading her very mind, Elizabeth asked again. “So, what about Lord Ashford?” Elizabeth asked, nudging Seraphina playfully. “You have been quite mysterious about the whole encounter.”
Seraphina’s cheeks flushed faintly, and she offered a cryptic smile. “He is ... different. I cannot quite put my finger on him. That is all that I wish to say on the matter.”
“Different? In what way?” Elizabeth pressed, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“He is charming, and he knows it, but there is an air of mystery about him,” Seraphina mused. “He is not like the other gentlemen who are eager to win my favour for the sake of it, it seems.”
“Interesting,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “And how do you feel about him?”
That was the question of the hour. Almost against her will, Seraphina’s gaze turned out over the ballroom in search of Lord Ashford. He had not taken anyone else onto the dance floor, to her surprise and pleasure, for she could not see his deceptively good dance skills in action. When she found him — her heart fluttered in her chest, and she quickly looked away before he noticed her searching for him. She whipped her focus back to her friend instead.
Seraphina’s gaze faltered, and she hesitated for a moment before replying, “I cannot say. I hardly know him, and yet, I find myself intrigued.”
Elizabeth nodded understandingly, sensing the conflict within her friend’s heart. “Well, take your time, Sera. There is no need to rush into anything. Besides, we have more important matters at hand,” she said, glancing back at Lord Michael Thorne with a determined glint in her eye. “Such as the fact that Lord Blackwood still cannot keep his beady black eyes off you.”
“I cannot fathom why he continues to stare at me so intently,” Seraphina said, her brow furrowed with concern.
