“How do you mean?” Winston was insulted. “You asked my opinion, and I’m giving it to you.”
“Yes, well, I called on her and had a nice conversation with her and her mother.”
“You called on her?” Winston was astounded. Panic rose, causing his breath to quicken. His palms grew damp, his mouth dry. “When?”
“Just the other day.” Dunthorpe looked pleased with himself. “And the dance last evening was nice as well.”
“Nice?” What was that supposed to mean?
“Yes. She is quite graceful.”
Millicent was much more than that. She followed his lead effortlessly and he liked the feeling of her in his arms.
“The more I think upon it, the more reasons I find to like her,” Dunthorpe continued.
“Such as?”
“She is kind, always polite.” He paused to think. “She is pretty. Or at least she has nice eyes. Brown, I think.”
Winston took a gulp of his drink to keep from grabbing the viscount by the throat. Her eyes weren’t “nice” or “brown.” They were cobalt blue and beautiful.Shewas beautiful.
“She seems to like to do more than shop, although her penchant for reading is concerning.” Dunthorpe leaned forward, elbows on the table as if speaking in confidence. “My father says that’s never good. They soon think they know more than you.”
Millicent knew more than either of them put together. Winston was sure of it. That was an excellent trait as far as he was concerned. Why wouldn’t he want a wife who challenged him and with whom he could share interesting conversations?
“I think she might make an excellent wife.” Dunthorpe leaned back in his chair. “I plan to send her flowers tomorrow. What kind do you think she prefers?”
“Flowers make her sneeze.” Winston did not want Dunthorpe to send Millicent flowers. He didn’t want him anywhere near her, especially when he clearly didn’t appreciate her finer qualities.
“Truly?” The viscount frowned. “She did mention she admired hedges. But she seemed to enjoy the flowers at the garden party earlier this afternoon.”
“That’s different.” The man’s words sank in. “Wait. You saw her today?”
“Yes. We met at the Thurston garden party and spent a pleasant hour together.” His lips twisted as if deep in thought, oblivious to Winston’s upset or his rising panic. “Perhaps I could send chocolates instead.”
Winston had heard enough. He tossed back the rest of his drink and stood. “Another terrible idea. You should think these things through before you act, Dunthorpe.”
“But I—”
“And next time, don’t ask my opinion if you’re not willing to listen.” With that, Winston took his leave, unable to believe how quickly the situation was spiraling out of control. He couldn’t seem to catch his breath at the idea of Millicent no longer being available to talk or flirt with. She couldn’t marry Dunthorpe, but he didn’t know how to stop it.
Chapter Fourteen
“Darling, look at this!”
Millie glanced up from reading a book in the drawing room to see her mother leading the way for the butler who carried a large bouquet of flowers.
“Aren’t they beautiful?” Her mother’s excitement over the flowers had Millie staring in surprise. “How wonderful.”
Millie’s heart tripped as she admired the beautiful blooms in a variety of colors. “Lovely. They’re for me?” she asked when the butler continued toward her.
Surely they weren’t from Winston. But oh, how she wished they were.
“Yes,” her mother advised as Millie gestured for the butler to place them on the nearby table. “Here’s the card that accompanied them.”
She reluctantly took the envelope her mother handed her and opened it, bracing for disappointment. Sadly, she was correct.
Her mother, who peered over her shoulder to read the message, clapped her hands. “Viscount Dunthorpe. Howwonderful.” She squeezed Millie’s shoulder. “I am so happy for you, dear.”