Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,71

she was the only one who touched his heart.

“Shall we head back?” he asked. “I know you’ll need time to dress for tonight’s event. I cannot wait to see this evening’s gown.”

She smiled, her dimple showing. “It is a rose color. I’m very partial to it.”

“Sit with me tonight,” he said. “The gathering is small. We can take a spot on the back row in order to see the room clearly. It will allow us to talk about those present. Maybe even revise our lists.”

Her violet eyes drew him in. If they weren’t on a busy street, he would give in to the urge to kiss her. In fact, Weston didn’t care what George had said. He tired of the games. He wanted to ask Elise for her hand in marriage.

Tonight.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Elise thanked the parlor maid for her assistance in helping her dress this evening and went to her dressing table. Her chignon had stray tendrils, most likely from her walk in the park with Weston. She removed the pins and combed it out, redoing the hairstyle and securing it again until it was smooth.

She had no intention of sitting with him at tonight’s musicale. Frustration built within her. She feared that he wasn’t looking for a wife at all. That being back in London had awakened his rakish tendencies and he would find fault with any woman she suggested. She had carefully vetted the three she had presented to him. They were all beautiful and charming and would make for an excellent duchess. Weston seemed determined not to like any of them. She hadn’t asked him how his afternoon calls seeing them went. She knew merely dancing with someone at a ball wasn’t a good way to get to know a person. Surely, though, all three visits hadn’t gone sour.

At least two of the women would be present at tonight’s event. Lady Millicent, who was making her come-out this Season, would be attending because her parents were close friends with the hosts. Lady Morrow, the widow with the two-year-old daughter, had also mentioned to Elise last night that she’d been invited. It would give Elise an opportunity to watch Weston with both women and see what might be the matter. Perhaps he was scared. Although she didn’t think anything could frighten him, the possibility of marriage for the next several decades might be making him uneasy without him realizing it. That could be why he hesitated and found reasons he didn’t want to pursue them.

She wondered why he’d also found fault with every gentleman she’d mentioned having an interest in. Suddenly, she realized why. She didn’t have any brothers but her friends had told her how protective they could be, especially older ones. Elise and Weston had formed a close bond during the time she’d spent at Treadwell Manor. It had grown over the last month during his many visits. No wonder he didn’t seem to approve of any of her potential suitors. He most likely never would. Knowing this, she decided she would speak to him tonight regarding the situation.

She stood, allowing the gown to billow about her and smoothing it into place. She had fallen in love with the bolt of rose silk and knew once it was made up, the gown would become one of her favorites. Again, the neckline was too low for her tastes, though she’d seen many in the same style at last night’s ball and decided it must be the latest in fashion. She certainly looked different now than when she’d made her come-out. Her clothes then had all been selected by her mother, who made sure they were all girlish and prim at the same time. No wonder Elise hadn’t attracted many men that year, as compared to last night and today’s flood of suitors. It hurt that her mother had seen her as competition, which was ridiculous. Mama had been married to the most wonderful man in the ton and had never acknowledged it.

Elise claimed her reticule and went downstairs. As on the previous night, she found Weston waiting in the foyer. His appreciative smile let her know the gown was a success.

“You look ravishing, Elise. Men will admire you and grovel at your feet.”

“Speaking of that,” she began and took a deep breath before proceeding. “I will no longer require your opinion regarding my suitors.”

His eyes narrowed. “Why not?”

She decided to test her theory. “I have no father or brother and I believe you have assumed the role of