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Truly this was torture. William scowled.
“Have I said something to displeasure you, my lord?”
“No.”
He spun her in a smooth twirl, shoved down his apathy deep inside, and prepared to be charming enough under the watchful eyes of theton.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
In a stunning surprise that will certainly have many maters of the ton wondering about a certain marquess’s intention, he has stepped out in society and danced with a particular lady twice. There was rife speculation that this lady might have won his favor and then in a stunning upset at Lady M’s midnight ball, another great beauty, the D of P’s only daughter seemed to have snagged his regard leaving one to wonder if one of our most elusive lords has finally met his match and is ready to settle down.
The Daily Gossip.
“Surely this is referring to Lord Trent,” Harriet said, her gaze gleaming. “You and Lady Priscilla.”
Pippa had been trying very hard to not think about the marquess and had thought by being at the club she might be spared. She scowled at her friends who only grinned back at her.
“What a triangle,” Miss Eveline Sutton, a recent member of Berkeley Square said with a laugh. “I do not believe Lady Priscilla is a true contender for the marquess’s attention. I mean, Lord Trent spent two days with you alone in Derbyshire. That puts you part ahead in the game, Pippa.”
Pippa tossed her hands in the air. “What game, Evie? There is no game afoot! And if there was, I certainly do not give a fig about being ahead.”
What she cared about was stilling the longing tormenting her for that one special gentleman. She glared at the wager board at 48 Berkeley Square, especially the line that placed her name beside the marquess as one of his potential brides this season. “Who wrote my name there?”
Several infectious giggles rose in the air. Pippa fought not to smile even as her heart broke into smaller pieces. The marquess had danced with Lady Priscilla twice in recent days. That he had danced with a few other society ladies hardly mattered. He had done so twice! Their eyes had met across the expanse of the ballroom a few times, but she had seen no glint of affection or anything in his stare. He had been merely…polite. Yet she had yearned to be with him, and had returned home, sobbing into her pillow, and wondering if she had made a dreadful mistake in refusing his honorable offer of marriage. Even if he did not love her yet, she had a lifetime to build sentiments between them. She had seen his kindness and honor and his character. Pippa should have trusted in those things and not acted contrary to the desperate hunger she had inside to be with him.
And worse, the gossips hinted that the duke’s daughter mentioned she might be tempted to marriage if an offer came from the marquess.
“There is a game afoot,” Lady Drusilla said, going over to the board. “We know the marquess is the one playing it, but we cannot tell who will be his ultimate goal.”
What?Pippa frowned and stepped closer. “What do you mean?”
“The rumors say he plans to marry this season.”
“Thatis most unusual,” Charlotte said, pushing back a strand of her silver blonde hair behind her ear. “Everyone says Lord Trent is…he is an unrepentant rake with no interest in the marriage mart; however, his recent actions must make one reconsider. He is very subtle and cunning about it, but he is bride hunting.”
Pippa felt faint. “I…surely you are mistaken.”
“I heard my mama talking with Lady Grantham,” Evie said with that naughty glint in her eyes. “They were avidly discussing that the marquess might be seeking a wife, and that there are four potential ladies he might very well choose from. Lady Priscilla Darby, Lady Sarah Moulton, Miss Caroline Barnaby, and our very own Lady Phillipa!”
Pippa pressed a hand over her chest, as if that would still the sudden lurching of her heart. It was then Pippa noted the table drawn on the board with her name and the other ladies’ names Evie had just mentioned. The table had four columns labelled name, dance, outings, and rank. The first entry was Lady Priscilla, who had two dances, one outing—with the description enclosed in brackets indicating a picnic, and rank first or second. The second entry was herself—Lady Pippa, who had two dances, one outing—in brackets, “drive and balloon ascent,” and rank first or second. The third entry was Lady Sarah, who had one dance, zero outings, and ranked fourth. The final entry was Lady Caroline, who had two dances, zero outings, and ranked third.
Pippa was appalled and amused in equal measure. “This is terrible!”
“It is fantastic,” Lady Jocelyn said, swishing over. “My brother mentioned there is now a wager at White’s wondering whom Lord Trent will marry; some are wagering for you but…” She took a fortified breath. “Most are wagering for Lady Priscilla. The whispers are that whoever he favors next with a dance or even an outing is clearly the lady who has his heart and then his real intention will be revealed. Isn’t it delightful?”
Good heavens!
“You can remove my name from the board,” she said, fisting her hand at her side.
“Why?” several ladies asked in unison.
“The marquess already demanded I marry him, and I said no.” Her voice cracked, and she pressed a hand over her mouth, closing her eyes tightly. “Given his temperament, I doubt he would express such a desire again.”
Harriet came over and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. “Why?”
Her lips quivered and she dredged up her will and firmed it. “He only offered because of the cottage. He does not love me,” she whispered achingly. “That was my reason then, but now I…” Her throat closed on the words, and she shook her head, feeling unable to speak.
“Do you love him?” Evie asked tremulously.
