Page 86 of Courting the Wrong Duke

And, judging by the way his attention settled immediately upon Sir Bennet, he had noticed exactly what she had hoped he would.

His expression altered so briefly she might have imagined it, the smallest tightening around his mouth before the familiar calm returned.

Rosalind lowered her eyes to hide her smile.

Perhaps this absurd little game was going to be far more enjoyable than she had anticipated.

Sir Bennet proved perfectly agreeable company. As they joined the waltz, he spoke enthusiastically of horses, Parliament, and his mother's unwavering determination to see him married before Christmas.

Rosalind listened with polite interest, offering just enough encouragement to keep the conversation flowing, though every so often her attention wandered elsewhere.

William never seemed to stray very far.

Whether speaking with another gentleman or standing quietly beside one of the marble columns, she caught him looking in their direction often enough that she began to wonder if he realized he was doing it.

The thought amused her immensely. He was certainly convincing as an attentive suitor.

By the time the music came to an end, Sir Bennet had thanked her for the dance no fewer than three times before escorting her back to her mother with impeccable courtesy, bowing once more before disappearing into the crowd.

Rosalind had scarcely resumed her place beside her mother when another gentleman approached, confidence already settling into his smile.

“Lady Rosalind, may I have the honor of the next—”

“I am afraid not.”

William's voice reached them a heartbeat before he did.

He stepped smoothly between Rosalind and the gentleman with such practiced ease that, for a fleeting instant, it almost seemed he had anticipated the interruption.

“Lady Rosalind has already promised the next dance to me.”

His tone remained perfectly pleasant, accompanied by an apologetic smile that left remarkably little room for argument.

The gentleman looked from William to Rosalind before inclining his head. “In that case, I wish you both an enjoyable evening.”

As he departed, Rosalind became acutely aware of her mother's expression beside her.

Her mother was watching William with unmistakable satisfaction.

Rosalind suppressed a sigh.

Her mother was almost certainly planning the wedding already.

William, blissfully unaware of the direction her mother's thoughts had undoubtedly taken, offered Rosalind his arm. “Shall we?”

Rosalind accepted it at once, though not before glancing discreetly toward her mother.

Her mother had already been drawn into conversation by another lady, her attention thankfully occupied for the moment.

Satisfied they were beyond her mother's hearing, Rosalind allowed William to lead her toward the dance floor. Only then did she tip her head slightly toward him, lowering her voice to little more than a whisper. “You play the jealous suitor remarkably well.”

The corner of William's mouth lifted. “I merely endeavor to make our performance convincing.”

She looked up at him, unable to suppress her smile. “You certainly convinced that poor gentleman.”

“I should hope so.”

“You reached me with astonishing speed.”