It hadn’t taken long for Winston to decide not to bother. Why fight a losing battle? Better that he continued to be thought of as a carefree rogue than a fool.
Trentworth heaved a beleaguered sigh and looked away. “I truly hope you change your mind. I don’t like to see Eliza upset.”
Winston was tempted to walk away but remained where he was, undecided whether to be hurt or touched by their concern. After a moment’s reflection, he chose not to decide, a pattern of the last half a dozen years from which he wasn’t willing to deviate. He preferred neutrality as it resulted in fewer arguments and disappointments.
“I appreciate your concern, but all is well,” Winston insisted.
He waited for Trentworth to put the moment behind him so he could do the same. He didn’t intend to allow the duke’s remarks to ruin their friendship.
Trentworth held his gaze for a long moment. “I know I can’t say anything you haven’t heard before, but you are capable of more. I look forward to the day when you finally realize it.”
Winston had definitely heard the same message from his sister, but it meant something coming from a friend who had been through his own share of challenges. He ignored the small pang of what?—longing? He wasn’t sure. A shrug of his shoulders helped to dispel the uncomfortable feeling.
“So,” Trentworth said as he studied the horse once again, “you approve of the mare?”
“I do. Eliza will love her.” Winston grinned, unable to resist teasing his friend, and anxious to shift the duke’s focus to a more lighthearted topic. “Probably more than she loves you.”
Trentworth laughed as Winston intended. He’d learned long ago that humor was one of the better ways to deflect topics he was uncomfortable discussing, and he would continue to use it.
The future could wait until he was damn well ready to deal with it. And that was not today.
Regent Street bustled with shoppers as Millie and Tibby made their way toward the modiste’s. Though the air was chilly and the sun nowhere to be seen, she still felt the lure of spring, and it was refreshing to be out of doors.
“Thank you for offering to meet me here.” Tibby smiled. “I didn’t relish making the selections on my own, and Michael insists everything looks nice on me. I am in need of an honest opinion.”
“The pleasure is mine. I’m happy you asked me. Besides, shopping is always more enjoyable with a friend.” Millie sent Tibby a knowing smile. A week had passed since the league meeting, and Tibby looked even happier, if that was possible. “It’s not every day you have the privilege of ordering a new gown or two to make room for a baby.”
Tibby’s blush warmed Millie, her excitement over her pregnancy delightful. “You’re right. It’s not.” She paused before a shop window but closed her eyes as she drew in a deep breath. “I am beside myself with joy and overemotional with it.” She opened her eyes and turned to Millie. “Thank you for understanding.”
“And thank you for sharing it with me.” Millie looped her arm through Tibby’s. “Now let us see what the dressmaker can do.”
“I only want two or three new gowns,” Tibby said as they continued forward. “Several of my current ones can be modified to loosen the waist and will serve me well for the next fewmonths. After that is when attire becomes more challenging, or so Phoebe has told me.”
“I cannot wait to see you then.” Millie shared another smile. “Already you’re glowing with happiness. Captain Shaw is pleased, as well?”
“Very much.” Her friend’s expression softened. “Thrilled, in fact. However, I tend to think he will soon be driving me mad with his overprotectiveness.”
Millie’s heart melted. “As he should be.” At Tibby’s questioning look, she quickly added, “Protective, that is. Not the driving-you-mad part.”
Tibby laughed. “He is spoiling me rotten in between writing another book as quickly as he can. Apparently expecting a child is helpful to his creativity as an author. He says the ideas are flowing faster than he can write them down.”
“How exciting! That means we will soon have another book to read. I cannot wait.” Millie enjoyed his mystery novels. They held just enough suspense to keep one on the edge of their seat. She was willing to endure a sleepless night or two as they were impossible to put down.
“Your support, along with the other league members, has been so helpful. He is appreciative of you all.”
“He’s an excellent author, and we are the lucky ones to get to read his work.”
“Miss Davies?”
The deep tone of a familiar masculine voice caught Millie’s attention, and she turned to see the very man who took up far too many of her thoughts of late.
Winston Chadwick, the Marquess of Linford.
“Linford.” How she hated the blush stinging her cheeks. He couldn’t possibly know of her feelings for him, therefore, there was no need for embarrassment. At least, that was her hope. She dipped into a brief curtsy. “How nice to see you.”
“I hope the day finds you well, Linford,” Tibby added with a dip of her head.
“Lady Shaw. It does indeed.” Winston glanced between the two of them. “How fortuitous to come upon you both. I hope Captain Shaw is busy crafting his next novel.” He lifted a brow at Tibby.