Page 5 of The Secret Suitor

“It was horrid,” Millie hissed, taking Nell by the arm and tugging her to the far side of the drawing room, where they could hope to find a bit of privacy. “He did not mention London even once.”

Nell’s delicate nose wrinkled. “You wanted him to speak of it? Surely it was an embarrassing memory for both of you.”

“No…yes…I am not sure.” Millie slumped, sitting hard on a chair set against the wall as Nell took the seat beside her with more grace. “I have to put up with his company for the entirety of the house party. It is exceedingly uncomfortable having him sit beside me and pretend he did not beg me to be his wife only eight months ago.”

Nell smoothed her hands down her pale blue gown. “Marrying the gentleman would be intolerable, because…”

“He is far too dry. I am certain he has never read a line of poetry in his life, and if he has, it made no sense to him whatsoever.”

“Be serious, Millie.”

“I am. How could I bear to spend the rest of my life with someone so lacking in feeling? He probably kisses much like he acts: stiff and rigid. Like a corpse.”

“Good grief. You are being unfair. How can you possibly know how he kisses?”

Millie looked to the door, wishing she could see through the wall to the dining room and the men seated within. “Because everything else about him is stiff and rigid. His speaking, his mannerisms. Why would romance be any different?”

“I suppose that is fair.”

“How were your dinner companions?”

Nell’s expression soured. “Mr. Fowell appears to believe that persistence is the surest path to my heart.”

Millie winced.

“I only have another fortnight of dinners to suffer through.”

“I sympathize—oh, dear. She is coming this way,” Millie hissed.

“Who?”

“Miss Stroud.”

They stood in unison as Miss Stroud came upon them, each bending in a soft curtsy. “Good evening, Miss Hollis.” She hesitated, lifting her nose slightly, though her smile widened. “Miss Prescott.”

“It has been months since I’ve had the pleasure of seeing you,” Millie said. “How has your family been?”

“You should know that well enough. You spent the entirety of dinner speaking to my brother.”

Millie swallowed her surprise at the acidity in her voice.

Miss Stroud blinked, turning her attention on Nell with an overly fake smile. “I adore your gown, Miss Prescott. It is the loveliest shade and becomes you very well.”

“Thank you.”

The doors opened to admit the men, and Miss Stroud watched them enter, noting each one as a hawk would a mouse. “Good evening,” she said with a minor dip of her head, taking her leave. She likely hoped to plant herself near the most eligible bachelor.

“What was the meaning of that?” Nell asked quietly.

“Surely she has an interest in Wesley and wants to establish herself in your favor.”

“You believe so?” Nell frowned. “I suppose I ought to be grateful. It is better than being ignored.”

Millie took her hand, squeezing softly. “Your past is behind you, Nell. Do not let it cloud your evening.”

“Not entirely behind me. Lady Dalmeer showed me precisely what she thought of my attendance. You ought to see my room.”

Millie’s face flushed hot. Evidently, Wesley had not reported on her mishap earlier, and if he was going to keep it to himself, Millie would do likewise. “Are you along the main passage of bedchambers?”