Page 44 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
As Lady Flora outlined her plan, Charlotte was acutely aware of every move Finlay made and chronicled them in turn. How he rocked back and forth on his feet when he was deep in thought. The way his lips tightened when he was holding back a remark. How his eyes flashed when he disagreed with a comment. In spite of her self-recriminations, Finlay was becoming her favorite subject of study.
“My, Flora, I’m impressed.” Lord Inverray’s voice held equal parts praise and astonishment.
“You don’t have to sound so surprised.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“I don’t think he sounds surprised,” the duchess said soothingly, whilst delivering a pointed glare to her sister.
“Aside from you, Juliana, and the Duchess of Darington…” the marquess hesitated as his gray gaze traveled across the room, “whom else do you plan on inviting to the group?”
Lady Flora lifted a shoulder. “We’re not sure. We were just discussing possible candidates.”
“We don’t want to invite too many ladies,” the duchess explained, “because exclusivity breeds interest. And we want people to be interested and willing to be a part of the venture in any way they can.”
“You should consider asking Miss Eddington.” Finlay directed his comment to the Campbell sisters, and she felt ignored. “From what I’ve learned of her, she’s quite keen on the social scene and no doubt has made many friends she can appeal to on behalf of the home.”
“Of course,” Lady Flora said even as she curled her lip, “we will add her name to our list.”
The duchess cut her off. “Oh, there’s Ashwood.” Her lips tipped up in a dreamy fashion. “Come, let him tell you about the progress being made on installing the conveyer in the Mildland colliery.”
With quick nods of goodbye, the siblings left to join a golden-haired man on the other side of the room, who placed a possessive hand on the duchess’s back when she arrived at his side, his eyes soft as he looked down at her.
Charlotte pivoted from the sight. Seeing a beautiful couple so enthralled with each other was more than her sensibilities could bear.
Clearing her throat, she addressed Finlay, who stood next to her. “You don’t have to stand with me, my lord. I’m aware your attendance here is for your campaign. I’m sure you have more people to charm.”
“Yes,” he murmured, accepting two glasses of champagne from a footman and passing her one, “I suppose I should go speak with Lord Eddington again.”
“He’s standing with his daughter, I see.”Charlotte’s chest grew tight as she took in Miss Eddington’s demure silhouette.“Now’s your chance to show your interest in her, and in front of her father as well. An ideal situation.”
“I suppose it is.” His tone was resigned.
“You don’t sound particularly excited.”
He turned to her, his gaze meandering over her face. “I don’t, do I?”
Charlotte swallowed and shook her head. “I thought flirting came as easy to you as breathing.”
She’d aimed for teasing but instead feared she’d sounded petulant.
“All things lose a little of their luster when you’re forced to do it, don’t you think?”
“Perhaps,” she hedged, “but if you really want something, you mustn’t quibble over the particulars needed to obtain it.”
“I’m still not convinced marriage is required for me to win Weobley, despite what I’ve been advised.”
“Why would marriage be advised? I would think as a viscount with the flock of friends you have, you could successfully win the seat without brokering a political union.”She hesitated and swished the champagne in her flute.“Although I would wager anyone would feel lucky to claim a young woman as accomplished and lovely as Miss Eddington for a wife.”
“I agree.”
Her heart constricted at how easily he said the words.
“And yet, this is never how I expected the courtship with my future wife to go.”
“Really?”
“I sense your doubt.” Finlay crossed his arms over his chest and flashed her a half smile.
“Aren’t all society marriages arranged for money, power, or connections?”
