Page 47 of The Duke's Auctioned Spinster
“I am not entirely sure I am in a position to do that.”
“Oh, nonsense, you know everyone! And between you and me, you might put Lady Lydia up for auction. She has blossomed most beautifully over the last year, and I would be happy to part with a small fortune for the opportunity to court her,” he said.
There was a hungry look in his eyes that made fury simmer beneath Edmund’s flesh. His hands twitched. The thought of him getting his lecherous hands on Lydia was too much to bear.
“I shall think on the matter, but whatever happens, Lydia would not be involved.”
Leo’s eyebrows lowered to a scowl. “Good enough for the one you’re courting, but not your sister. I see, Edmund, I see. Or perhaps it’s me who isn’t good enough? I always thought wewere friends. Is it the worst thing in the world to offer me a little favor?”
“If you are referring to Lydia, then you are asking for more than a little favor.”
“But look at her, you might be her brother, but you are also a man. She is of the age where she is ripe for plucking. Going much longer without being married is a waste! I will make sure she has a fine life.”
Edmund glared at him. He grabbed Leopold’s pudgy arm, fingers sinking into flesh, and glared at him.
“You press too much, Leo. You are a friend, but the company I keep is not good enough for Lydia, and you should abandon such hopes. By all means, enjoy the party, but leave Lydia alone.”
Leopold had never been one to refuse a challenge, which was how he found himself in so many disagreeable situations. There was a glint in his eye as he wrestled his arm away from Edmund’s grip.
“I believe I shall enjoy the party. There are many people with whom I have not spoken, and I suppose if my path should happen to cross with Lady Lydia’s, it would be rude of me to ignore her.”
“Do not test me, Leo.”
“I thought you were one of us. What happened to having a jolly good time in life?”
“Not at the expense of my sister. You have been warned,” Edmund said, and walked away from Leopold before a scene was created. The encounter left him bristling with tension, and he was beginning to regret inviting Leopold at all. He noticed people glancing in his direction, and whispers followed. They were all expecting something from him tonight, something that would not happen.
And really, the only person he cared about enjoying herself was Rose. His gaze fell to her again, and he breathed deeply. The sight of her was enough to soothe his tension. He started to approach her, but her parents blocked him, having managed to escape his grandmother.
“We just wanted to say how wonderful this party is, and the cake is truly impressive. I am sure it will taste just as good as it looks,” Lord Bolton said.
“I certainly hope so,” Edmund replied. “I am glad you are having a fine time.”
“Indeed, and we always wanted to apologize for Rose’s conduct. She does not usually flout the rules like that. I hope it was not too inconvenient for you to spend time without a chaperone,” her father said.
“It was a misunderstanding, a simple matter on which we do not need to dwell,” Edmund replied.
“You are gracious,” Lord and Lady Bolton both bowed their heads. Then, the Countess lowered her voice to a whisper.
“And if you wish to ask Rose anything tonight, absolutely anything, you have our blessing, and we’re sure she will give you the answer you desire. It may not be my place to say this, but you have charmed her, Your Grace. She has quickly become fond of you,” she said.
“The feeling is mutual,” Edmund said, inclining his head before excusing himself. He adjusted his collar, feeling warmer than usual. Had Rose said something to her parents that she hadn’t shared with him? Had he been too charming for his own good? He’d warned her about developing feelings for him.
This was all becoming far too complicated for his liking.
He might need to bring a stop to it sooner rather than later.
Chapter Twenty
Clara was staring up at Rose with eyes that were impossibly wide and far too demanding for a child her age.
“Clara, you should not ask such personal questions,” Lydia said in a scolding tone, offering an apologetic glance to Rose.
“Charlotte told me that I should never be afraid to ask questions. It is the only way we can understand the world and the people around us. So, are you going to marry Uncle Edmund or not?” Clara asked. There was a hint of animosity in her voice, and the way she carried herself made her seem older than she truly was.
“I am afraid I cannot answer that. I would have to wait for him to ask me first,” Rose replied diplomatically.
“And if he did?” Clara demanded. She was clearly not going to let this matter rest.
