Page 2 of Finding Hope
“Not insincere, no, but I knew it would have the desired effect.”
“Gentlemen are odd creatures,” she replied.
“Men feel the same way about the fair sex. It keeps things interesting.”
Hope allowed her gaze to slide to Rotham and Miss Cunningham.
“I would not do that if I were you,” he cautioned.
“Why not?” Hope asked, though she knew she should keep her eyes on her partner. “What is the harm in looking?”
He shook his head sadly. “You have much to learn,mo stór.”
Hope bristled to defend herself.
“It is human nature to want what you cannot have, do you not agree?” he asked.
“So you are saying if he thinks he cannot have me, then he will want me?”
“Precisely.”
She shook her head. “And you say you are not odd creatures.”
“Smile, my dear. He is looking this way.”
Hope smiled her biggest smile and laughed.
Lord Carew touched a finger to her cheek and boldly caressed it.
“What are you doing?” she asked through the smile, which was so wide it almost hurt.
“Trust me.”
“Making me look like a hussy is your idea of making him jealous?”
Lord Carew laughed and bowed as the dance ended. He held out his arm to her, then escorted her from the floor. Hope could not help but see Lord Rotham and Miss Cunningham speaking with his mother, the Duchess.
“It is no secret Miss Cunningham is the Duchess’s choice for Rotham,” Carew said quietly in her ear. “They have been intended for each other from a young age, though nothing was made formal, I understand.”
“How am I to compete with that?” she asked, as much to herself as to him.
“You don’t,” he said.
“I don’t understand.”
“It is not you versus Miss Cunningham,” he explained. “That is the wrong way to look at it, and will only bring animosity between you.”
“So I am to befriend her?” she asked sceptically.
“If you must, but at least do not hold this against her. She may not wish for the match herself. Regardless of any affection they may feel, men do not enjoy cattish females with petty, bitter tendencies.”
“I cannot say I enjoy them myself,” she muttered. Instead of returning her to her table, Lord Carew kept walking. “Where are you taking me?”
“Have you had the privilege of being introduced to the Duchess?”
“No, but now is not the time.” Hope tried to resist and pull back.
“Nonsense. No time like the present!”
