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Lady Satterfield brushed at her skirt. “I see. Well, that is not a glowing declaration.”
“I didn’t mean to disparage him at all. I do like him.”
“But do you like him enough to accept a proposal should he offer for you? It’s one thing to like a gentleman, and quite another to agree to spend your life with him. For some women, that sentiment is enough. For others, they might prefer to marry for love or…passion.” She gave Nora a meaningful look.
Yes, passion. Like the kiss she’d shared with Kendal last night. No matter how pleasant she found Mr. Dawson, she doubted he could make her feel like that. Furthermore, she wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.
“Anyway, you needn’t settle on Mr. Dawson—or anyone else for that matter—any time soon. Your popularity is only increasing, and I expect you will have several suitors clamoring for your attention.” She smiled widely as she leaned forward and gave Nora’s knee a quick pat.
“Thank you,” Nora said, grateful for any reprieve. Everything was moving so quickly. She’d gone from needing a job to provide for her future to being the toast of the ton.
She was having a hard time deciding what to wear. Selecting a potential bridegroom seemed a dizzying task.
Indeed, she found herself missing her quiet life in St. Ives—her roses and her books. Visits with her sister. She wrote to Jo nearly every day and eagerly awaited her sister’s replies, which came at the same pace. Jo was happy for Nora’s second chance, while at the same time astounded, like Nora, that she’d been given such a boon. Her father, on the other hand, had written only once—to say that he was now settled with his sister and brother-in-law. Nora felt sad to think that there was now nothing for her to go home to. In fact, she didn’t really have a home, unless she considered the Satterfields’, and she supposed she must.
“So what sort of marriage do you think you’d prefer?” Lady Satterfield asked. “I’ve been fortunate enough to fall in love twice. I admit I’d like to see the same happen for you.” She spoke with warmth and sincerity, and Nora was nearly overcome with gratitude and appreciation. In many ways, Lady Satterfield had become a surrogate mother, and, honestly, she was the best thing about all the abrupt changes in Nora’s life. The memory of Kendal’s kiss rose in her mind. Perhaps not thebestthing…
“Love would be nice,” Nora said. “However, I have no illusions at my age. I should be quite happy to find companionship and mutual admiration.”
“Don’t settle for something you don’t want. The right man is out there. I’m certain of it.” Lady Satterfield looked out the window again. “Ah, we’ve finally arrived.”
The footman opened the door and helped the countess step down from the carriage. The night was cool but dry.
Nora took the footman’s proffered hand and stepped from the carriage. Then she followed Lady Satterfield to the door of the massive town house. Situated in the heart of Upper Grosvenor Street, the Colnes’ address was exceedingly fashionable. It was a place Nora could never have hoped to visit during her prior Seasons. Now, however, she seemed to have infiltrated the uppermost circle and could rub shoulders with the Untouchables. She felt like an utter fraud.
As they made their way inside and through the receiving line, Nora allowed her mind to wander. She paid just enough attention to the proceedings so as not to make a fool of herself, while indulging the fantasies taking root in her brain. She thought of a future where she didn’t have to choose a husband at all, but could instead be independent and carefree. In that dream world, she’d kiss whomever she wanted with impunity.
“Miss Lockhart, you are a vision!” Mr. Dawson greeted her with a grin, his brown eyes lighting with appreciation. “I do hope I’m the first to claim a dance this evening.”
“Indeed you are.”
“Excellent, I shall find you when the set begins.” He gave her a brief bow before taking himself off.
Over the course of the next quarter hour, Nora collected enough dance invitations to last her the entire evening. She ought to feel excited. After all, this was what she’d wanted, wasn’t it?
Except now that she had it, she wasn’t at all sure she was satisfied. It suddenly felt as though she’d taken her life of the past nine years for granted.
She danced with Mr. Dawson and tried to imagine a marriage with him. ThepassionLady Satterfield had mentioned was nonexistent. But at the same time, he would make a perfectly acceptable husband.
That sounded so dull.
She danced with two more gentlemen before the supper break. When the music stopped, her partner led her from the dance floor, apologizing that he wasn’t going to stay for supper. Nora was suddenly quite glad, because there, standing beside Lady Satterfield, was the last person she expected to see tonight—the Forbidden Duke.
Kendal watched her approach, his green eyes dark and seductive, almost beckoning her. She felt a pull to walk directly to him, the memory of his lips on hers propelling her forward.
“Good evening, Miss Lockhart.” His voice was deep and captivating.
She offered him a curtsey. “Good evening, Your Grace. It’s a pleasure to see you here.” She didn’t intentionally infuse the comment with any sort of question, but dearly wanted to ask why he’d come. His attendance was bound to cause a stir.
The edge of his mouth ticked up. It wasn’t a smile, but she recognized it as him understanding her unasked query, particularly because his eyes seemed to glow with a suppressed emotion. She had the sense he was amused by this situation, and she longed to ask why.
“I was hoping to claim the next dance.”
Oh dear. Disappointment curled through her. Her popularity had never been more of a nuisance. “I am, unfortunately, already committed, Your Grace.”
The look in his eyes dampened. “Well then, I shall have to settle for a promenade.”
“Yes, after supper,” Lady Satterfield said.
