It sounded simple enough but was anything except that.
Millie knew so firsthand. Last summer, she had thought the man who held her regard might be interested in return, only to learn he was involved in a wager where a group of rogues attempted to be the first to dance with twelve wallflowers at twelve different balls in order to win a substantial sum.
To Millie’s dismay, she had been one of those wallflowers.
The dance she’d shared with Winston Chadwick, the Marquess of Linford, had been delightful, as had the few conversations they’d shared during those few weeks. Those moments had given her hope.
Until she found out about the ridiculous wager.
“What has you so pensive, Millie?” asked Eliza Carstairs, the Duchess of Trentworth, who also happened to be Winston’s sister.
Heat stung Millie’s cheeks, for she had yet to admit to Eliza, or anyone in the league for that matter, who her secrettendrewas. She tended to think Phoebe and Tibby might have guessed his identity, and her cousin, Prudence knew.
But most definitely not Eliza.
“Oh, nothing really,” she began, trying desperately to think of an excuse but reluctant to lie. “I suppose I’m just trying to imagine how wonderful Phoebe must feel.”
Eliza smiled, her expression softening as she watched Phoebe. “She looks so happy, doesn’t she?”
“Indeed.” Millie reached out to touch Eliza’s arm. “As do you. Clearly, married life agrees with you.”
“It does.” Eliza’s green eyes shifted to meet Millie’s. “I was certain that marrying Philip would be wonderful.” She leaned close as if to impart a secret and whispered, “And I often tell him I was right.”
Millie laughed. “Something every man enjoys hearing, I’m sure.”
“Most certainly.” A companionable silence settled over them as they watched the others who continued to admire the baby.
“Millie,” Eliza began, hesitation quieting her tone, “I must ask if you have considered moving forward with theFor Better or Worseagenda.”
Stomach clenching, Millie opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say. “I have, but I don’t believe it would work in this particular case.”
A delicate furrow marred Eliza’s brow. “Are you certain? Given that so many of us found success, I wonder if there is a move you have not yet thought of.”
There were so many options that had crossed Millie’s mind over the last few months that she was nearly dizzy with them. Yet none seemed possible.
Or perhaps it was more thatshewasn’t capable of them. In truth, she didn’t know.
Eliza leaned forward to catch her gaze. “What if we asked the group for ideas? Someone might have a suggestion.”
“Thank you, but no.” Millie forced a smile past the wedge of worry in her throat. “I wouldn’t want to bother them when I’m certain of the outcome. Any effort would be for naught.”
“I think if you asked, each of us would admit to that same feeling before making our bold moves.” Eliza shook her head. “Forgive me for pressing you. Please know that I only want to help. If there’s something I can do—”
She touched Eliza’s arm again, this time to stop her before she could finish the offer. Other than saying something positive about Millie to her brother to help him see her in a more favorable light, she couldn’t think of anything. “Thank you. I truly appreciate it. But I fear thistendreis simply not meant to be.”
Millie ignored the heaviness in her chest the admission caused, telling herself it was for the best that she made other plans that didn’t involve Winston. Just as she’d told Eliza, some things were not meant to be.
Chapter One
Two weeks later...
“She’s perfect.” Winston Chadwick,the Marquess of Linford, nodded in approval. “A real beauty.”
“Isn’t she?” Philip Carstairs, the Duke of Trentworth, and still his best friend, despite marrying Winston’s sister, Eliza, grinned. “I couldn’t agree more.”
The dappled gray mare galloped around the paddock with head held high, black mane blowing in the light breeze, and eyes bright with interest.
“My sister will love her.” Winston leaned on the white rail fence as he admired the mare.