they might hold meaning for them. Although certain men did take an interest, Leonora knew of only a few examples where men and women were simply friends. In these instances, it was most often the case that the two had known each other since childhood, which had allowed them to form a bond much like that of siblings. However, for a man and woman to meet in adulthood and then simply become friends was something quite unheard off. Yet, was it possible?
For the simple truth was that whenever Leonora looked at Lord Gillingham, her thoughts turned toward friendship. Thus, she was genuinely shocked when he suddenly took a step toward her, the look in his eyes changing. Where before there had been amusement and the joy of conversation, there now was something different. Something much more intimate. Something that did not speak of friendship.
“I must tell you, Lady Leonora,” Lord Gillingham said quietly, “that I have come to enjoy your company greatly. I find myself looking forward to every occasion that allows us to meet and speak in the manner we just did. You possess a mind like my own, and I believe we would suit each other.” He cast her a tentative smile. “Would you not agree?”
Leonora swallowed, not certain how to reply. She did not wish to offend or hurt him; yet, she had to fight the impulse to look toward a column on the other side of the ballroom behind which a man stood who drew her thoughts every moment of every day. “Yes, I quite enjoy speaking with you, my lord. I have often wished for a friend with whom to discuss these matters.”
The look in Lord Gillingham’s eyes darkened a bit. “I suppose friendship is the best foundation for marriage, would you not agree?” A meaningful look rested in his eyes as he watched her, gauging her reaction.
Although Leonora felt her hands clamp together, she willed a smile onto her face. “Indeed, I cannot disagree with you. Friendship is something invaluable.”
Lord Gillingham inhaled a slow breath, then nodded. “Will you think on it, Lady Leonora?” The look in his eyes told her without doubt what it was he wanted her to consider.
Her mind spun, and she felt herself utterly incapable of any decision. “I shall think on it,” Leonora finally told him, not wishing to rebuff him without consideration, but knowing that she could not bring herself to accept him.
Not now.
Perhaps not ever.
Unbidden, her gaze once more strayed to one particular column on the other side of the ballroom and a deep sigh full of longing left her lips.
Chapter Thirty-One
A Confrontation
Even from across the room, Drake could not help but think that Leonora’s face suddenly seemed pale. Something had upset her.
Someone.
Lord Gillingham.
What could the man possibly have said? Drake felt his hands ball into fists. Indeed, Lord Gillingham had seemed eager, speaking animatedly and inching closer to Leonora ever so slowly. Drake had been hard-pressed to remain where he was, reminding himself that she was not alone. They were in a crowded ballroom, and her family was not far off.
She was safe.
That was all that mattered.
Drake exhaled a deep breath when Lord Gillingham turned and walked away in the direction of the refreshment table. He wondered if Leonora had asked the other man to procure her a drink. However, when his gaze returned to her, the spot where she had been before was now empty.
Instantly, his insides tensed and his gaze began searching for her in a frantic manner. It traveled over the faces of her family, took note of a dark glare upon Lady Christina’s face as she stared at a young gentleman across the ballroom. He noticed a friend by her side looking miserable, her gaze almost glued to the floor. He saw Phineas dancing with his wife and Lady Juliet seeing to their grandmother’s every need. Drake saw all that, but he could not spy Leonora anywhere. Where could she have gone?
Gillingham returned to where he and Leonora had stood only moments earlier, a frown upon his face and a glass in his hand that was clearly meant for her. He too seemed taken aback, confused by her disappearance.
Drake wanted to rush across the room, but he called himself to reason. He could not act with haste. He needed to think, to find her. She could not have gone far. She had to be somewhere in the ballroom, did she not? Why would she leave her family’s side? What had Gillingham said