Page 34 of Seven Nights with the Wicked Duke
Magnus had warned her against associating with Lily because her progressive views weren't secret in society, but as the only friend who would permit her freedom to air her grievousthoughts without making her the object of rumors, she ignored his unnecessary counsel.
"Why is there a sudden dearth of suitable men?" she sighed, eyeing the unmarried lot.
Her eyes brightened when she spied Lords Tristan and Buckley by the balcony. Lord Tristan was the heir to the Earl of Selmy and Lord Buckley, heir to the Earl of Oakwood. They were discussing with Lords Barton and Asher and looked elegant in their evening wear.
They didn't make her heart race or set heat in her skin but they were sufficiently handsome and with time, she could come to feel attraction. Especially if they proved smart and well versed in literature.
Besides, they were of well-respected families that even Magnus would hardly find fault in but just to seek more opinions on the matter, she turned to her friends.
"What do you think of me pursuing Lords Tristan or Buckley?" she asked them.
"I haven't heard much of them except their love of sports and drink. They might be a good pair to pursue although you would have to fight past the gaggle of debutantes with their sights set on them."
She hadn't noticed before but there was indeed a group of young ladies watching the men.
"Lily." She turned to the girl who was munching on some hors d'oeuvres. "What have you heard about Lords Tristan and Buckley?"
The girl knew all about the scandal surrounding most of the gentlemen of thetonand if these had a scandal or rumor of any sort, she would know.
Lily looked up from her tray and shook her head, earning surprised looks.
"Why haven't you mentioned them to me then?" Cecilia cried exasperated.
"Because. Your brother might not approve of them," she defended, shrugging her shoulders.
"Why wouldn't he approve?" she asked, confused. "He would be unreasonable not to."
"They are young and yet to inherit their titles," she answered. "He would no doubt want someone who would have proven himself capable of handling his responsibilities."
"What about my happiness?" she complained with a pout.
"If he ends up bankrupting his family, will you be happy then?" Lily asked. "You have to think of your future above what you feel."
Cecilia eyed her friend with a raised brow as she had begun to sound like Magnus did when he started one of his lectures. She thought her friend had understood her all this time but it seemed she was mistaken.
"Why do you sound like Magnus?" she asked with a frown. "Do not dissuade me on this venture. There's a scarcity of eligible men free of scandal that will treat me well. I cannot afford to wait. Besides, I do not intend to get married right away. I intend to have a long courtship."
"And if they do not want a long courtship?" she asked. "Would you suddenly refuse the engagement? I just worry for you that you are not thinking far into the future. I do not want you regretting your decision."
"I am perfectly capable of making sound decisions about my future and I do not need you or my brother treating me as though I am nothing but a willful child."
She stormed away from the refreshment table in the direction of the steps the men were beginning to descend. It seemed the other debutantes had the same idea she did and they tried to shove their way past her but she didn't struggle and watched their poor attempt at conversation.
The men were charming and even more handsome closer and though they tried to be polite, she saw how much the girls bored them. She watched the interaction with interest and made eye contact with Lord Buckley.
She sent him a small smile and lowered her eyes, using her fan to lightly fan her face as though she was blushing.
Her attempt at seduction worked and he made his excuses to the girls coming over to meet her.
"Lady Cecilia," he said, bowing. "I do not believe we have been formally introduced but forgive me my breaking of formalities."
She smiled and lowered her eyes in a bashful look.
"There is nothing to forgive, Lord Buckley," she told him.
"Might I say you look radiant this evening?"
Not ravishing?she wanted to ask but stayed the silly thought.
