Marina shifted on her feet and looked out toward the dancers, attempting to find a response Tabitha would accept. She paused too long, and that was all Tabitha needed.
“Do tell. There’s a story here.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Marina still didn’t look at her friends.
Tabitha grabbed her hand again. “Marina.”
“His country home is adjacent to mine. We are already well acquainted.”
Hannah jumped into the conversation. “Acquainted how?”
“It does not signify. He just wouldn’t be trustworthy in this endeavor. I have set my cap at Weatherby.”
“We’re not done talking about this,” Tabitha said. “I will get it out of you.”
“I don’t think Weatherby would be a very faithful husband, even ifhe is quite handsome,” Hannah said. Marina appreciated the shift in topic away from Evan.
Marina shrugged. “And Minto would?” Of course, Hannah was right. Weatherby was sure to keep a mistress. Even more so since there would be no affection between them. She wasn’t naïve enough to believe they might have one dance and fall in love. Especially when she would forever be thinking about a certain viscount who was trapped within her fractured heart.
Once the dancing started for the evening, Marina danced with Jude and then with Matt. Both amiable dance partners but not options to save her from the mess with her father. Weatherby was way more likely to marry her than Jude, even if they were friends. Jude had no intention of ever marrying and never hid that fact.
Matt would be a perfect husband to the woman lucky enough to win him, but he never so much as expressed a hint of attraction in her direction. Besides, she was almost certain that notion would break Hannah’s heart, even though Hannah would never admit to it.
Weatherby was the choice. She had a good feeling about Weatherby.
“I believe this is our dance, Lady Marina.” She glanced up from her thoughts to see the handsome marquess standing before her.
She shifted her features to the most charming countenance she could muster. “Indeed, my lord. I have looked forward to it all evening.” She could do this.
He led her to the center of the ballroom, and they were in motion as soon as the music began. She glanced into his eyes and felt nothing. Not feeling the urge to be ill was at least a start. She had to set reasonable expectations when pursuing a man she knew she didn’t care for.
“You look beautiful tonight, Lady Marina,” he whispered in her ear when he pulled her in for a turn.
“Thank you, my lord. I appreciate the kind compliment.” Sheglanced up at him with the sweetest smile she could muster.
“Indeed.” They switched partners, and when they returned to each other, he spoke again. “Are you enjoying the season thus far?”
She shrugged. “Perhaps it will become more interesting.”
“Lady Powis is your friend, is she not?” he asked. “Didn’t she just marry?”
“She did, my lord. I am quite happy for her, but I still find myself without an intriguing suitor.”
He laughed. “Outspoken, I see. I enjoy that, especially in such a stunning woman.”
Marina fought the urge to roll her eyes but maintained her sweet visage. She glanced around the ballroom and caught Evan watching her from the side of the dance floor. Glancing back at Lord Weatherby, she pushed herself to continue on her mission. “How about you, my lord?” she asked. “Are you enjoying the season?”
They were separated in the dance, and he answered her when they met again. “It is much improved dancing with you.” He focused his gaze on hers. “Might I call on you tomorrow?”
“I would enjoy that very much.” The dance ended, and she looked up at him through her lashes. “I find I am quite warm.” If she could get the man to continue to escort her, it would send the right message to her father and to Minto if they were watching. With any luck, the rumors of a courtship would start among theton. Perhaps she wouldn’t have to marry the man if the rumors did enough to dissuade Minto.
Weatherby took the bait. “Please allow me to escort you to the terrace for a breath of fresh air. It gets quite stuffy in these ballrooms.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She rested her hand on his arm and let him escort her to the terrace. It was much less stuffy, and she found the cool night air refreshing. She hated Minto even more, since he drove her to reduce herself to a simpering miss in order to pursue a man she cared nothing for. And all of it to avoid a marriage to a disgusting man.The injustice of it all was maddening. Women frequently found themselves in such situations because society valued a man’s desires more than a woman’s.
Marina contemplated what she desired and Evan’s lips flashed in her mind. She closed her eyes, willing the devil of a man to get out of her head. The memories wouldn’t relent, and she shivered.
“Are you cold, my lady?” Weatherby asked. He pulled her to face him, and she noted his eyes on her lips. She bit her bottom lip upon notice, not thinking how it would entice the man. The corners of his lips curved upward, and he pulled her closer to him. He was going to kiss her. This was it. If she were going to allow the man to pursue a courtship, she would allow his kiss.