His Not So Sensible Miss by Jane Charles

Author:Jane Charles [Charles, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-05-09T21:00:00+00:00

*

Dillon was trying not to watch Marius dance with Emily, but he was holding her too close, and whispering in her ear. What were they discussing?

“She does look beautiful tonight,” Claresta observed. “She is also dancing with a besotted husband so I don’t believe you have cause to worry.”

Dillon turned back to her. “I’m sorry. It was rude of me not to grant you my full attention.”

“I am not insulted, merely curious.”

“How so?”

“Mother told me that you needed to find a titled wife this season.”

“She was warning you about me?” Dillon teased with a smile.

“Somewhat, I suppose,” Claresta admitted, not returning his smile at first. “If that is the case, why pursue Emily?”

Dillon shrugged, not wanting to give much away. “I cannot help myself.”

“I believe you might be as besotted as your friend.”

Dillon smiled down at her. “You’re probably right, Lady Claresta.”

“What of your duty then?”

“That is a difficult question. I cannot answer until I know where the lady’s heart lies.”

“If Emily returned your feelings, would you defy your parents?”

Dillon let his face relax, no longer forcing a smile. The question Lady Clarista asked was not to be taken lightly. “If it came to that, then yes, but I ask that this conversation remains between us. Until I have a chance to speak with Emily, I don’t wish to make plans for my future.”

Claresta studied him seriously. “I will guard your secret and wish you luck.”

Dillon’s lips broke into a big smile. “How can I lose with you in my corner?” He turned her quickly. “Now tell me, why are you so certain you wish to proceed with this assumption I am courting you?”

“Oh, the answer to that is quite simple,” she giggled.

“Enlighten me,” he urged.

“It probably hasn’t gone without your notice that because of who I am a number of gentlemen have sought me out.”

“Quite understandable.”

“I recently began to notice that since you have been seen in my company often, the numbers are dwindling.”

Dillon pulled back. “If I am impeding any courtship please let me know.”

“No, the opposite actually.”

“How so?”

“Well, you do have a reputation.”

“Inflated,” Dillon corrected. As with the others, he still couldn’t understand why he and his friends had been so sought after.

“I have determined that the only men who would risk courting a duke’s daughter and also try to remove you from my side are either one of two types of people.”

This was interesting. “What type would those be, though I am afraid to ask?”

“Either desperate for an heiress or, they truly like me for who I am.”

“How can you determine which is which?” It was actually sound thinking.

“You will tell me, of course.”

“Me?” He practically choked.

“Yes. You see, I’m using you.” She smiled sheepishly.

“I am hurt that you think so little of my feelings,” Dillon stated with mocked indignation.

Claresta rolled her eyes. “Please, we both know you are not hurt in the least. What I would like you to do is let me know, in your opinion, if any of the gentlemen who call on me are fortune hunters.

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