“Oh, no. Are you certain? These things often take time. That much I can say with certainty. I nearly gave up on Michael more than once even after we announced our pretend betrothal.”
Millie had difficulty believing that considering how devoted he was to Tibby now. “I confess I am rather envious that the two of you were living next door to one another at the time. Finding opportunities to speak privately is more challenging than I could have guessed.”
“True.” Tibby smiled. “I suppose that means you just have to be more creative.”
“Without anyone, especially my mother, noticing?” Millie shook her head. “Nearly impossible. In truth, I thought I wasmoving forward but the situation has drawn to a close.” The thought made her heart ache, yet what else could she think when she hadn’t heard from him? “I fear nothing is to come of my secrettendre.”
Tibby sent her a sympathetic look. “As I said, don’t give up quite yet. The Season has hardly begun and with it, more events will be hosted, which will provide more chances to be together.”
“There is one other issue that muddies the waters.”
“Oh?”
Millie sighed. “Viscount Dunthorpe. Apparently, his father and mine think a match between us is wise.”
“Oh, dear.” Tibby bit her lip as she studied Millie. “That lends a layer of difficulty.”
“Indeed.”
“Do you have...feelings for Dunthorpe?”
“No.” Millie watched the passing scenery but all she could see was Winston with his jade eyes and charming smile. The mere thought of him was enough to send her pulse racing. Thinking of Dunthorpe not only didn’t speed her heart but left her with a faint sense of dread. How could she possibly marry him?
“Well then, if time is of the essence, it becomes even more vital to proceed with your bold moves now.”
Millie looked at her friend. “If only it were that easy.”
“The things in life we cherish are worth the effort. If opportunities don’t arise, then it is up to you to create them.”
The carriage rolled to a stop before Millie could reply. Tibby’s confidence was reassuring, but it wasn’t as if Millie could send Winston a message to request a meeting.
Or could she?
What if he refused? She’d be terribly embarrassed if she pursued him only to have him tell her he didn’t return her regard. But that last kiss had been wonderful. Heated, in fact. There was definitely a spark between them, though she neededto decide how much she was willing to risk when he’d made it clear he wouldn’t marry her. The spark they shared wasn’t just about exchanging kisses. She enjoyed his company and liked to think he felt the same. Was there a way to remind him of the simple pleasure they felt when they were together?
She followed Tibby into the modiste’s, hoping her friend didn’t notice how distracted she was. Her thoughts remained on Winston and where they could meet, much like a mouse nibbling a piece of cheese, unable to set aside the possibility.
Soon Tibby was modeling the new gown, the glow of happiness on her face making Millie smile. Knowing how happy her friends were in their marriages confirmed that action of any sort would be worth the risk.
Better to be embarrassed than live with regret.
And though Eliza seemed convinced that Millie and Winston wouldn’t suit, she hadn’t seen them together. Still, Millie worried that Winston’s sister didn’t think she was good enough for her brother. Though Eliza liked her, and Millie felt the same, this was so much more than that.
This was forever.
But Millie knew in her heart she could help make Winston happy and he would do the same for her. She gave herself a mental shake as she waited for Tibby to try on the second gown. She worried about something that might never happen. Winston had made it clear he wasn’t ready to marry and convincing him otherwise was an uphill battle, even if they were attracted to one another.
“That one is lovely, too.” Millie watched as Tibby turned in a circle. “The blue is flattering on you. And with the small bustle and high waist you will be able to wear it much of the pregnancy.”
“Do you think so?” Tibby studied her own reflection in a tall mirror as she tugged at the loose waistline.
“I have no doubt. Having seen my sisters go through several, I can say it with confidence.”
“True. How lucky you are to have older sisters on which to rely.”
“Most of the time,” Millie said wryly. “Other times, they are a nuisance.”
Tibby laughed as she’d intended. “I can only imagine.”