“All flowers have beauty,” her mother quickly added with another glare at Millie.
“Very true, though I’m quite fond of hedges as well.” The conversation was ridiculous, and she couldn’t help herself from making it even more so.
“Hedges?” The viscount frowned. “Any reason you admire them?”
Guilt filled her since he was apparently trying to come to know her better and she wasn’t making it any easier.
“They offer both privacy and beauty,” she managed, doing her best to keep from laughing as she imagined what Winston would say if he were listening. “And they can be trimmed into so many different shapes.”
“I see.” Dunthorpe nodded, though his expression suggested he remained puzzled. “Does that mean you will be attending the Thurston garden party at the end of the week? I-I suppose they have hedges.”
Millie glanced at her mother, wondering if they would. When she nodded, Millie looked back at Dunthorpe. “We will. Are you as well?”
“I shall make a point of it if you’ll be there.”
“Splendid,” her mother said, smiling at them both.
Much to her relief, Dunthorpe took his leave soon afterward, though his departure didn’t lessen her upset.
“What was all that nonsense about hedges, Millie?” her mother asked as soon as the sound of the front door closing echoed through the house.
“I truly do like them.” What else could she possibly say if she wanted to avoid her mother taking her to task?
“Hmm. It was an odd thing to mention.” Her mother gave her another stern look as she reached for her embroidery. “Do be careful, dear. It is important that he likes you.”
What of my feelings?Shouldn’t I like him, too? She bit back the questions. After all, she already knew her opinion didn’t really matter.
While she’d intended to set aside her attempt to capture Winston’s interest after they had nearly been caught, she realized she couldn’t.
How could she settle for an arranged match unless she’d done everything she could to reach for love? The odds weren’t in her favor, but she had to try.
Chapter Twelve
The fine weather heldfor the next two days, but Millie’s spirits remained low. She hadn’t received any further messages from Winston and worried he didn’t want to see her again. Since he had no interest in marrying, apparently their simple dalliance proved enough to satisfy his curiosity.
The invitation to accompany Tibby to a fitting at her modiste’s finally lured Millie from the house into the bright sunshine. It sounded far more enjoyable than seeing Dunthorpe at the upcoming garden party, something she dreaded.
“Good afternoon.” Millie smiled as she joined Tibby in her carriage for the drive to Regent Street. “Are you excited to see your new gowns?”
“Yes, I confess that I am.” Tibby grinned, eyes sparkling with happiness, though she looked rather pale.
“Are you feeling well?” Millie asked, clasping her friend’s gloved hand with her own.
“A little nauseous is all.” She shook her head as if to deny Millie’s concern. “The leek soup at luncheon didn’t seem to agree with me. Or at least, not with the baby.”
“I don’t care for it either,” Millie admitted. “Clearly the baby and I are going to have much in common. Otherwise, you’re feeling well?”
“I am. I have been walking more often. The exercise seems to help settle my stomach but not always. Michael often accompanies me, insisting it helps him plot.”
“That is exciting to hear as it means we will soon have another book from one of our favorite authors.” Millie smiled, pleased she had come. Time with friends always improved her mood.
“Yes, you shall. He’s working hard to finish the next one before the baby arrives.”
“Wonderful.”
“So tell me,” Tibby began, and Millie knew immediately what her question would be. “Have you considered what we spoke of when we were last together? Is a bold move possible?”
“I have made some progress in that regard.” Millie attempted to keep the emotion from her tone but didn’t think she succeeded. “However, I fear it has ended abruptly.”