For a moment, Milbourne’s eyes flicked briefly toward her, but there was no warmth. Instead, he gave a short, dry chuckle.
“Bees are predictable. People, less so,” he said, his voice low and measured.
Elizabeth tilted her head slightly, attempting to catch his interest. “Surely, Lord Milbourne, you find some of Londonsociety to your liking? There must be some amusement to be found amidst the crowds.”
He regarded her for a moment as if weighing whether she was worth answering.
“I do not attend these events for amusement,” he said tersely. “They are obligations. Distractions at best.”
Elizabeth nodded, trying to maintain her composure. “Of course, obligations. But even obligations can have their moments of pleasure.”
She reached out, lightly touching the lace of her sleeve as if to soften the conversation.
“Tell me, what music do you enjoy? The orchestra playing this afternoon is quite lovely.”
Milbourne’s gaze darkened slightly, and he glanced past her toward the bandstand.
“I tolerate music,” he replied curtly. “It is necessary noise to fill the silence at such gatherings.”
Elizabeth’s smile faltered but did not disappear. She tried to coax some conversation from him.
“Do you play any instrument yourself, my lord? Or perhaps sing?”
“No,” he answered abruptly. “Such pursuits are frivolous.”
She swallowed the sting but pressed on. “And books? I am told Hampshire has a fine library.”
His eyes narrowed, and he gave a brief shake of his head. “I prefer the written word to be concise. Novels and poetry are indulgences for those without real purpose.”
Elizabeth blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Indulgences?” she echoed softly.
“Yes,” he said, voice hardening. “A distraction for idle minds. I do not waste time on such things.”
Elizabeth’s fingers tightened around her fan. She felt the weight of his gaze, cold and judging.
She summoned a small laugh, attempting to lighten the mood. “Well, we all need some indulgences now and then, do we not?”
Milbourne’s expression remained unchanged.
“I have no need for them,” he said flatly. “My time is better spent on matters of consequence.”
The conversation stalled, and Elizabeth felt the panic rising in her chest. She tried once more.
“Perhaps we could discuss travel? I hear the Continent is quite lovely this season.”
Milbourne’s mouth twitched, and he yawned openly before replying. “I don’t believe we are suited,” he said bluntly, cutting off her words. “May I be excused?”
Before Elizabeth could respond, a cold hand seized her arm.
Lady Grisham had materialized from thin air.
She all but dragged Elizabeth behind a trellis, away from the crowd. The soft rustle of leaves did little to muffle the fury in her voice.
“What wasthat?” she hissed, her lips tight with rage. “What have you done?”
“I—I don’t know,” Elizabeth stammered. “He was unpleasant from the beginning. I tried—truly, I did.”
“That man is an earl. He is believed to be worth more than three country estates. And you lost him in less than five minutes!”