“Exactly.” Garland nodded. “And we appreciate it.”
Winston hesitated, uncertain what to say, surprised by how touched he was by their words. He hadn’t thought of his actions as anything special, but he appreciated them mentioning it. Perhaps he wasn’t always the worthless individual he believed himself to be.
“Thank you,” he muttered as he looked away, uncomfortable with the compliments.
He caught his breath as Millicent joined Mrs. Sinclair and Lady Garland, the smile on her face tightening his chest. And she wasn’t even looking at him. How...odd to have such a reaction at just the sight of her.
Clearly he needed more time with her to release this strange urge. Just because he wanted to speak with her and perhaps share a kiss didn’t mean his vow to delay marriage was in danger. She was only a passing fancy, something he’d experienced before, and the sensation would soon pass.
Her yellow gown trimmed in green brought to mind a buttercup, bright and cheery, and made her smooth skin glow with good health.
He took a step forward only to catch himself. There was no need to rush over to greet her. Appearing overeager wouldn’t do and would only gain the attention of his friends, which he intended to avoid as it would make matters difficult.
With a quiet sigh, he turned away and listened to the discussion on banking, the moment a reminder of how much he enjoyed their company.
Why he had ever thought men like Maynard were his friends, he didn’t know. Better that he spent his time with men of honor and intelligence rather than bored rogues seeking diversions at someone else’s expense.
The sight of Viscount Dunthorpe entering the ballroom had Winston’s lips twisting as he remembered his promise to the man. He hoped the viscount decided he didn’t need Winston’s opinion on the three ladies he was considering. The viscount should make his own decisions. Why didn’t Dunthorpe simply speak with each one, dance with each one, then decide who best suited him? It seemed like a simple enough way to decide between them.
“Are Trentworth and your sister attending this evening?” Garland asked, distracting him from his thoughts.
“Can’t say that I know.” Winston looked about for the couple without success. He’d prefer not to have two more pairs of eyes watching him this evening, given his agenda.
“Forgive me, gentlemen,” Sinclair said, “but I do believe it is time for a dance with my wife.” The warm look in his expression as he watched her had Garland chuckling.
“Excellent idea. I will do the same.” With a nod, Garland followed Sinclair toward the ladies.
If both danced with their wives, that would leave Millicent alone, at least briefly. Perfect. This was his chance to have a few words with her.
He turned to face her fully, waiting for the men to walk away with their ladies before joining her. He was certain she would be grateful for his company. No lady enjoyed standing alone in a ballroom from what he knew.
Yet before he could take more than a step in her direction, Viscount Dunthorpe greeted Millicent. Her welcoming smile caused unease to fill him. The viscount spoke to her briefly, and then offered his hand, which Millicent took, and the pair moved toward the dance floor.
Blast it. Was Millicent one of the three Dunthorpe had his eye on? Surely not. But Winston couldn’t deny the likelihood of it, given what he had just witnessed.
A hint of worry took hold. He needed to find a way to share that kiss as quickly as possible before Dunthorpe decided to pursue her. Even better, he should find a way to convince Dunthorpe to stay away from Millicent.
Though the ballroom teemed with people, the dance floor wasn’t particularly crowded. Burgundy velvet drapes framed the nearby tall windows, and a few potted ferns were placed around the room. Mirrored panels reflected the light from the chandeliers, helping to brighten the space.
Millie curtsied then took the first steps of the waltz with Viscount Dunthorpe, watching him with concern. She was surprised he’d sought her out for a dance when he’d shown little interest in her before. Did that mean he knew of their fathers’ idea to arrange a match between them?
The thought was worrisome, yet she didn’t think he would have asked for a dance otherwise. However, he didn’t appear particularly attracted to her based on his current bored expression. He was his usual reserved—and uninteresting—self.
His looks were pleasant enough, she supposed, with brown eyes and dark hair brushed to one side. A weak chin marred the symmetry of his face as did narrow lips. When he wasn’t smiling, he appeared to be frowning. Did he tend to expect the worst much like his mother seemed to?
She gave herself a mental shake. No need to list his potential flaws when she was far from perfect herself. She should focus on his personality and intellect. Perhaps coming to know him better would help her decide whether a match between them was something she could consider.
It was just that she suddenly felt very rushed. Events were racing out of her control, and she wasn’t sure what to think or do.
Millie sighed. All she knew was that Dunthorpe was not Winston.
She spun with Dunthorpe’s guidance, trying to find joy in the movements. After all, she liked dancing. It wasn’t as if she had the opportunity to do so that often. A few dances each ball was as much as she could hope for.
Even her younger cousin, Catherine, whom she often chaperoned, danced more than she did. Her cousin’s popularity made watching over her a challenge. Luckily, Millie wasn’t doing so this evening. All the more reason to enjoy herself, especially when it came to dancing.
She forced a smile as she once again faced Dunthorpe. He took her hand, his other one on her waist. If only she felt something other than the urge to step away from him. Was it possible that would change with time? Who could she ask if there was a chance her feelings might grow?
Her gaze caught on Frances, who danced with her husband. The joyous smile on her friend’s face as she looked into his eyes was enough to make her sigh. No purpose would be served in asking Frances or the other league members when they were all in love. She supposed that meant she would have to ask one of her sisters. Though they’d never truly said, she felt certain they had not found the love her friends in the league had.