Whether Dunthorpe would also attend remained to be seen. Winston doubted the viscount had heeded his advice about not sending Millicent flowers or chocolates. The man seemed determined to pursue her. The list of reasons Dunthorpe found her appealing had been achingly familiar, though he’d done a poor job of describing them.
The viscount didn’t value her highly enough. Winston shrugged away the whisper of guilt that reminded him he hadn’t proved his own regard for her either since he wasn’t willing to formally court her.
“There’s plenty of time,” he muttered to himself as he eased his way through the crowd. There was no reason for panic. At least, that was what he told himself despite the nervous energy that simmered within him.
“Plenty of time for what?” Viscount Garland asked.
Winston blinked, not having seen his friend even though he’d walked directly past him. “For the ball. Felt like I waited hours to greet the hosts.”
“Yes, quite the crush, isn’t it?” Garland glanced around. “Hard to find anyone with so many people in attendance.”
Winston looked at those nearby, hoping Millicent might be visiting with Garland’s wife but didn’t see them. “Is your wife here?”
“She is visiting with friends just over there.” The viscount tipped his head to a group of ladies a short distance away.
Winston’s heart leapt at the sight of Millicent among them.
“Is all well?” Garland asked, frowning at the hand Winston had unknowingly pressed to his heart.
“Oh.” Winston dropped his hand, embarrassed by the action. He didn’t know what was wrong with him of late. It wasn’t as if he were a lovesick lad. Surely a little more time with Millicent would be enough to shed his fixation.
In fact, if he were smart, he’d search for a more suitable lady this very evening. A widow, perhaps. Someone experienced, with no expectations of him or their relationship. Yet somehow the idea held no appeal.
Clearly the situation was causing him to lose his mind, he realized with a frustrated sigh.
His gaze returned to Millicent, admiring her as she spoke with the Marchioness of Montfort, along with Lady Garland and several others.
She looked radiant in a pink gown that brought to mind delicate rosebuds. Her animation and warm smile had him smiling in return.
Caleb Godwin, the Marquess of Montfort, joined them. “Good to see you, Linford.” He reached out to shake Winston’s hand.
“It’s been a while.” Winston had enjoyed the stories of his time in America when he’d last seen him at the club, but that hadbeen months ago. Such was the life of a newly married man, he supposed. How shocking to realize Winston no longer thought less of him for preferring to spend time alone with his wife.
“Garland, don’t you think Linford has the look?” Montfort asked as he studied Winston.
“Yes, I do,” Garland agreed, his amusement obvious.
“What look?” Winston asked, frowning as he glanced between them.
“Besotted,” Montfort said with a grin. Then he leaned closer. “Take it from us—it’s far easier if you simply give in.”
“Excellent advice.” Garland nodded.
“I have no idea what the two of you are talking about,” Winston lied.Besotted? The idea was preposterous.
Yes, he had a certain fascination with Millicent at the moment. But infatuations passed, and soon another would take its place. It was the way of things. How often had he witnessed his father do the same, despite being married?
He needed to remember that or risk hurting Millicent. Never mind that he’d considered courting her in the future. In order to do that, he would have to work harder to purge his father’s traits.
The two happily married men standing beside him didn’t know him. He wasn’t like them, no matter how much he wished he were.
But there was one thing he was very good at—pretending. Pretending that none of it mattered. That family and societal expectations didn’t concern him. That losing Millicent wouldn’t hurt. That he found it all amusing.
Winston forced a smile. “I believe you have me confused with someone else. Just because you’re both in love doesn’t mean the rest of us are.”
Yet his gaze slid to Millicent as if to confirm his lie.
Damn if Dunthorpe didn’t arrive just then, greeting Millicent with a smile followed by a polite nod at the others in the group.