Page 14 of Courting the Earl
Geoffrey found his gaze continually drawn to the older Miss Pearson. He’d waltzed with both Lydia and her cousin during the Clarington ball, and he’d enjoyed dancing with Eleanor more. She intrigued him but he couldn’t say why. It was clear she was completely devoted to her cousin, and yet he still found himself thinking that he could bring her around to his way of thinking.
It was impossible to ignore her despite the fact she seemed to go out of her way to fade into the background, as she was doing now. For some reason, that fact annoyed him. He attributed it to the way she seemed to believe that she was too old to be noticed by members of the opposite sex. Yet his sister was older than her and was newly wed and with child. It bothered him to think that many would have placed Abigail in the same category as Eleanor—women who were too old to consider for anything other than a quick tumble.
Lydia Pearson was clearly the beauty of the family, but no one would say that Eleanor was unattractive. Her medium brown hair made her pale skin appear almost translucent. And when he’d stared into her brown eyes while dancing with her, he couldn’t help but feel that they hid all manner of secrets.
With the younger Miss Pearson, he felt as though he already knew everything there was to know about her. She was pleasant enough, but he found it impossible to care much about the things that engrossed her. Right now she was gazing about, concerned only with learning who else was there.
But Eleanor… He almost felt compelled to expose her secrets. She kept everything carefully hidden, and he wanted to know what she was thinking. He was very aware of her just on the other side of Lydia, one step behind them. The circumspect chaperone.
He glanced at Lydia, who was waving at everyone she passed. But there was a fervent, searching quality to her gaze that had him wondering if she was looking for someone in particular.
“Do you read, Miss Pearson?” he asked.
Lydia scrunched her nose. “No. Ellie is always trying to encourage me to read more, but I’ve never been a great reader. And don’t even get me started on poetry.”
She gave a small shudder that he supposed was cute. But it made him feel sad for her. He couldn’t understand why society tried to discourage reading in young women. It was a pastime he enjoyed as well.
“So how do you pass the time?”
“I like to practice on the pianoforte. And I enjoy drawing, but I am not nearly as talented as Eleanor.”
He waited for her to pick up the thread of conversation, but she said nothing else. She was more interested in waving and smiling at the people they passed than trying to get to know him. He had the sudden image of being bound forever to a woman who barely spoke to him. That wouldn’t do.
“Your father told me about your plans for this season.”
He had her attention now. “My plans?”
“He told me you were intent on enjoying the coming months to the fullest and that you didn’t wish to make our arrangement known.”
Her mouth turned into a pout that he was sure would have many stumbling over themselves to ease her worries. “I hope you don’t mind. But I thought it most unfair to expect us to wed so soon. My first season is only starting.”
He nodded. “I understand completely. And I agree with you.”
She frowned. “You do?”
“Of course. One can hardly expect you’d be content to shackle yourself to someone you’ve only just met. It is perfectly reasonable for you to want some time to enjoy yourself.”
She was nodding now. “I’m so glad you agree. Mama said you might want to press the matter of our marriage.”
He wished she’d stop speaking in such an animated fashion. People were already looking their way. Before long, everyone would know they were betrothed.
“I would never want to force you into something you don’t wish to do. You’ll only have one first season. It is only right that you should enjoy it.”
He hesitated a moment, wondering how much to press the issue. He didn’t want to offend Miss Pearson and risk the wrath of her parents. He needed her on his side.
“It is clear that your mother dotes on you. And when I spoke to your father, I could see that he cares for you very much.”
Lydia smiled. “I am most fortunate. Mama and Papa are wonderful. And of course I also have Ellie. She’s so patient with me.” She lowered her voice. “I’m sure I try her patience at times, but she never shows it.”
He tucked away that little nugget of information about Eleanor. “Your parents would do anything for you?”
Lydia nodded, content in her knowledge that Lord and Lady Appleby would move heaven and earth for her. But would they agree to break their agreement if that was Miss Pearson’s wish?
“I am not one to force someone to marry me if they don’t wish to. The notion of forced betrothals is abhorrent to me.”
Lydia’s attention had wandered off to a couple who were engaged in what appeared to be a heated disagreement, but his words had her looking up at him again. Her brows drew together. “Are you saying that you find the idea of marrying me abhorrent?”
He cursed silently. He would have to be more careful with his choice of words. “I’m saying that neither one of us knows the other. It is quite possible that you’ll find you don’t wish to marry when the season ends.”
