Page 35 of A Duchess for the Mysterious Duke
“Marina Hayward, you are an expert at all things society and courting. How have you come across such vast knowledge?”
“Years of clever observation, Your Grace.”
“Shall we buy a schoolhouse and have the young ladies register to study under your tutelage? Surely, this business of marriage and scandal sheets would run much more smoothly with you at the helm.”
“If I were orchestrating it perfectly, then what tomfoolery would we have to laugh at while we attend these functions?” she giggled. “No, let them learn for themselves and pass the knowledge on to their daughters.”
The mention of daughters stuck something in Phillip. Watching Marina guide Olivia through this harrowing time in her life reminded him that he would one day watch her do the same for Emily. Perhaps, he thought, he would one day watch her do the same for a daughter of their own. The thought caught him off guard—it was the first time he had thought of having a family with Marina. He pushed the idea aside, convinced that it was merely a byproduct of watching her engage with her family. After all, he had resigned not to have any children.
He would not put himself in a position to make the same mistakes his father had. And anyway, Marina would not want to be pulled away from her siblings anytime soon, and by the time Emily and Nicholas were grown, surely, she would not want children of her own. No, Phillip would pass his title on to Nicholas or a nephew when he passed. There was no need to sire an heir.
“Is Miss Harrington in attendance tonight?” Phillip asked, mildly, as they made a second lap around the room.
“She is not.”
“Why is that?”
“Kathrin never attends the last ball of the season. She prefers to hear or read about it in the morning, and she and her brother have a tradition of going away for the off-season when they are able. She likely spent the day preparing for their trip and wanted to rest.”
They continued like this for the first few dances of the evening, speaking to one another in confidence about their family and friends. Phillip was even able to point out one or two of his old classmates to Marina and divulge some of their secrets. She laughed, and he delighted in seeing her face light up because of him. Alas, all good things must come to an end. Olivia came and fetched Marina, and the Haywards parted ways.
Phillip watched Olivia and Marina walk away, their heads pressed together in rapid conversation before he wandered away to find a drink. His eyes sought a clock, and he realized that it was rather late to be seeking out food and drink for the first time. Quite a bit more time had passed while he and his wife spoke to one another than he had expected. He glanced back in the direction she had gone, hoping that she would return soon, so he might remind her to stop for a moment and refuel.
He did find a beverage and some food and found his way to a seat on the edge of the ballroom. He ate and drank while he watched the young couples dance together, and he thought of Marina. He did so hope that he could coax her out to the dance floor for at least one song once she returned.
“Your Grace!”
Phillip’s eyes rose to look upon a young woman, closer to Olivia’s age than Marina’s, with dark, russet hair and eyes as blue as a clear lake.
CHAPTER 25
Olivia all but dragged her sister out to a balcony where she gasped with relief at the feeling of the cool night air on her face, turning to face her sister with a delighted grin lighting her youthful features.
“You have danced so much that you are flush,” Marina observed, her smile mild and tender as she observed her sister. “It makes me quite sore that I have not been able to see you flourish all season.”
“Why is that?” Olivia asked, her head tilted to the side.
“I am not the important one tonight,” Marina protested. “I feel as though I have missed years of your young life. Tell me what has happened so far tonight”
Olivia giggled but decided to indulge Marina anyway. “I have spent the night attempting to gain the Viscount’s attention.”
“Attempting? My, you have it, my dear Olivia.”
“Really? Do you think so? He has not yet asked me to dance. I have been approached by four other men tonight, none of them him. I nearly missed a fifth dance on my way to fetch you.”
“Ah, I see. He has been standing at the edge of the dance floor, waiting for you all night.”
“Then why does he not ask?”
“He is not as quick as your other suitors,” Marina said with a sigh. “We shall stay here for one dance, and then I will accompany you back inside and assist with keeping your card clear until we find him.”
“You are my savior, Marina.”
“I am your sister. It is my duty.”
“What of you, then? Will you dance with the Duke tonight?”
“I expect not.”
