The Aristocrat’s Charade_Brides of London by Joyce Alec

Author:Joyce Alec [Alec, Joyce]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-27T04:00:00+00:00

9

There was a sense of camaraderie growing between himself and Miss Grey, Peter realized. Gazing at her now, seated across the carriage and deep in conversation with Miss Smallwood, Peter allowed himself a long look at the lady he was courting. Her emerald eyes were glinting with happiness, as though she were very much looking forward to interviewing the proprietor of the boarding house, her chocolate-colored hair carefully pulled back under her bonnet. One or two small tendrils had escaped and played about her temples, bouncing gently as she laughed at something Miss Smallwood had said. She was not markedly beautiful but there was something about her that he could not look away from. Was it the lightness of her eyes? The way her lips curved as she smiled? He simply could not understand what it was about her that caught him now, as it had done the first time he had seen her.

Of course, the first time he had sought to court her, he had been much too eager. Having decided that he was to do all he could to find himself a wife, he had been transfixed by Miss Grey’s seeming ease of manner as she conversed easily with a good many acquaintances. Having sought an introduction, he had been delighted with her seeming interest in him and eagerly asked to call upon her. Their first afternoon visit had gone well, although it was rather brief. Thinking that Miss Grey might soon be caught by another gentleman once the Season began to progress, he had acted rashly and asked to court her after only one visit. She had been surprised but had agreed—and things had only worsened from there. Now, however, Peter had to admit that he was seeing something markedly different about Miss Grey. Now that she knew the truth about his difficulties, she had shown both compassion and understanding, and instead of turning away from him had sought to share in his troubles and help him find a satisfactory end. Moreover, she was doing her utmost to not speak rashly and was obviously taking a good deal more time to consider her words. Whilst he had come to appreciate her honest manner, he could not pretend he was not grateful for the consideration she had begun to show in that regard. Perhaps, if she continued to do so, then he might…

He shook his head to himself, stopping his thoughts at once. He could not allow himself to become caught up with Miss Grey, not in any way. He had to ensure that, whilst they continued to give the appearance of courtship, he did not allow his heart to become fettered. Yes, he was growing more considerate of Miss Grey and yes, he had come to appreciate her greatly in her willingness to help him, but he did not need to begin to feel anything of consequence for her. That would be entirely foolish, given that their courtship would come to an end once the identity of the person who had written the note came to light.

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