“Nothing is the matter with me,” William muttered and glanced out the window.
Lizzie scoffed. “You are a terrible liar.”
Her comment caused his jaw to clench and he turned towards her.
“Yes?”
“What ails you, Will? First, you were rude and obnoxious at the wedding, not even to mention foxed most of the day. Then, I hear from James, you were rude to Emma as well.”
Will shrugged. “I am merely in a mood.”
“If you are in a mood, please do not direct that frustration towards people who have nothing to do with it. Father would slap you on the back of your head if he were here.”
“But he is not here,” William grumbled and crossed his arms.
“You are such a child today,” Lizzie muttered. “Or rather, more than you usually are. Perhaps you should have refrained from joining us at the ball.”
“Spare me the lecture, Elizabeth,” William muttered.
Lizzie pointed her finger at him. “I will not allow you to spoil this ball, even if I have to lock you inside a linen closet. Is that clear?”
Will straightened on the seat where he sat, heat flaming his cheeks. “That will not be necessary.”
“Good,” Lizzie answered with a satisfied nod and sat back against the velvet seat.
When the coach came to a stop at Retford Manor, William climbed out first and then assisted Elizabeth. They were ushered inside the large manor house and led to the grand ballroom, which was elegantly decorated with chandeliers and candelabra. The marble pillars were draped with soft cloths and bright green vines. Guests were elegantly dressed in gowns and formal attire, conversing animatedly in groups.
Just like every other ball designed to trap husbands.
William purposely avoided being in Emma’s sphere and sought out his single, male associate.
Mr. Carson Wallace, a neighbor and old friend, quickly unraveled the mystery of why William was behaving so strangely.
“It must be a woman.”
William glanced at his friend in exasperation and shook his head. “What do you even speak of, Carson?”
Carson chuckled heartily and motioned vaguely across the ballroom. “The young woman wearing the green gown. Is she the one who has you acting like a fool?”
“She is no one,” William grumbled.
“I see. If she were no one, why do you keep glancing in her direction? And when an eligible gentleman approaches her, why does your jaw clench? Jealous, Will?” Carson inquired.
William glared at him.
“If you have feelings for the young woman, there is no shame in making it known,” Carson pointed out, “before another man claims her.”
“Says the man who has been hiding his feelings for my sister for years,” William countered.
Carson’s jaw clenched and his eyes widened.
Before he could respond with a lie, Will scoffed at his friend. “It seems as though I am not the only coward here.”
“It is more complicated for me. She is the daughter of a duke, and I do not possess a title. I am not worthy of a woman such as Lady Elizabeth.” Carson sighed, then turned to William. “Why does this particular young lady have such an effect on you?”
“She infuriates me. Every moment we are together she cuts up my peace,” William admitted.
“Women do that, more often than you would imagine. But I shouldn’t have to explain that to you, Will.”
William shook his head. “None of them compare to Emma.”
“Ah, the lady has a name,” Mr. Wallace grinned. “What does she do to infuriate you so?”
Where to begin?
“She is strong-willed, and she doesn’t bow down to anyone. She speaks her mind, even if it isn’t appropriate,” William grumbled. “But she is radiant when she laughs, and her smile can light up the world. Look at her, Carson. Is she not the most magnificent creature you have ever gazed upon?” William asked, knowing he sounded tainted beyond compare. Then he winked at his friend. “Apart from my sister, of course.”
“Will, forgive me for speaking so boldly, but it does sound to me as though you have strong feelings for her,” Carson said.
“Nonsense. I cannot possibly have feelings for her...”William’s voice trailed off as he noticed Emma conversing with a young nobleman. Her eyes sparkled brightly as she clearly found what he was saying amusing.
Will’s chest tightened with rifts of jealousy.
“Green certainly is a good color on both you and her ladyship,” Carson cackled.
“Your wit, while it is above expectations, is completely unnecessary,” William muttered.
“Not to mention underappreciated,” Carson chuckled. “Perhaps, if you do not wish for other suitors to approach her, you should ask her to dance.”
William glanced at Carson for a moment and his brow furrowed. “And if she declines?”
“She will not,” Carson answered with the utmost confidence.
“You cannot be certain she won’t,” William said, sure he was right.
Carson grinned at him with a knowing smile. “While you and I were conversing, the lovely Emma has glanced at you perhaps fifteen times. The next glance always longer than the previous. It is obvious you affect her as well.”
William pursed his lips and nodded slowly. “Very well.”
“Simply be your usual, charming self.”
“Indeed, as it has helped me so much up to this point,” William answered sardonically.
Carson Wallace smiled sympathetically and patted William’s shoulder encouragingly. “You are the most charming man alive. You can have any woman you wish, Will.”
William smiled gratefully at his friend and confidant and glanced across the room at Emma. He straightened his shoulders proudly and made his way across the ballroom towards her.
Perhaps he could have any woman he wished, as Carson had stated, but the only woman he wanted, did not want him in return.
That was rather ironic, he thought to himself as his heart pounded in his chest and Emma’s bright gaze settled onto his.
Chapter Nine
Emma glanced up at Lord William, who seemed lost as he stood in front of her. Lost in thought perhaps, or simply lost altogether.
Frankly, it would not surprise her if William had been frequenting the refreshment table, despite being certain he had not. At least not
