Page 8 of The Duke's Spinster Bride
Andrea shrugged. “I do not think anything will come of it, but he is talking to your grandmother right now and she could make the introduction.”
“Be still my beating heart. The sheer romance of it will overcome me.” Cecily rolled her eyes and shook her head exasperatedly.
“I am not here for romance, Cecily, I am simply trying to find a suitable husband who will allow me at least a modicum of freedom.” Andrea squared her shoulders, frowning at her friend.
Cecily was adjusting something else on Andrea’s dress. “And you do not care if he is handsome?”
“Why would I?” Her frown deepened.
“You are going to spend the rest of your life with him. He might as well be pleasant to look at.”
“I suppose.”
They fell into silence while Andrea watched the Duke talking to the Dowager Duchess. He seemed handsome enough, and the Dowager Duchess had recommended him. She had also recommended several of her own family but Andrea could scarcely blame her for that.
Cecily’s voice brought Andrea back to the present moment. “And what is your plan for approaching the Duke?”
“I thought I would just ask him to marry me once your grandmother introduced us.” Andrea shifted uncomfortably as Cecily gaped at her.
“Tell me you are joking?”
Andrea pursed her lips, resisting the urge to hug her arms around herself. “It seemed the most expedient thing to do.”
“Expedient!” Cecily massaged her temples with her fingertips. “Andrea, you are trying to get a husband.”
“Exactly. I am not trying to find a love match, but simply arrange a business deal. It is simply a marriage of convenience, I do not need some coy, grand performance. If I just ask him, and he is not interested, I can simply make my way to the next man.” Andrea frowned as she watched her friend use a thumb and forefinger to massage her brow.
“Even in a marriage of convenience, you need to be an appealing prospect!” Cecily’s exasperation was clear in her voice.
“What would you do?” she gestured to her friend.
“Flirt a little! You do know how to do that, do you not?” She said it as though she were simply pointing out that the sky was blue.
“Of course not!” Andrea’s cheeks flushed such a deep shade of scarlet, she was sure it clashed horribly with her dress.
“It is easy, we can practice a little here.” Cecily glanced around them.
Andrea canted her head at her friend. “You want me to flirt with you?”
“Just pretend I am a tall strapping young man.” She stood up a little straighter, putting her hands on her hips in a way that almost made Andrea laugh.
Her mind had gone frustratingly blank. “What should I say?”
“Well, why not say you like his eyes?” Cecily suggested.
“But what if I do not?” Andrea frowned.
“It does not matter Andrea. You just need to play to his ego, flatter him a little and then get him talking. Ask him lots of questions about himself. Men love the sound of their own voice.” In deeper tones, Cecily continued, “Good evening, Lady Andrea.”
This is ridiculous.Andrea forced herself to smile at her friend, wondering if the smile looked more like a grimace. “Good evening, Duke Haviliard. I um… you have nice shoes I suppose.”
“Better, but perhaps we could leave off the I suppose. Be a little more definite. But not too definite. He may think you abrasive.”
“I am never going to be able to do this.”
“Of course you will. Now go and get yourself a husband!” Cecily adjusted Andrea’s necklace one more time, and gently pushed her forward. “I think they have just walked onto the balcony.”
Andrea stumbled as she made her way towards the balcony Cecily claimed the Duke had walked towards. The last shred of her confidence had vanished and she tried to keep all of Cecily’s advice in her mind. She stepped onto the balcony, but there was no one to be seen.
