Chapter 5 #3
But that moment of hesitation gave her the chance to shake her head while stepping back. “It was nice to talk with you, but I can’t allow you to monopolize my time, or gossip will start flying. I’m going to join my friend in the games. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Mr. Wentworth.”
It was notable that, unlike her mother, Miss Bryce used the name with which Miles introduced himself, rather than his title.
Had she noticed his dislike of it? Without a valid reason to keep her there, Miles could only nod in response and stand back to allow her to leave the seating area.
A part of him was aware of the other men coming in from the dining room, entering through the door behind him, but he didn’t pay any attention to them, instead giving himself a moment to watch the sway of Miss Bryce’s hips as she walked away.
She strode straight over to sit next to a woman he’d seen her with before, a dark-haired beauty he hadn’t met yet.
Could he arrange a meeting that would place him back at Miss Bryce’s side?
But then Alexander clapped a hand on his shoulder, forcing him out of daydreams about manipulating a situation in which he could learn more about her. “There you are, Miles. I’m surprised you came in here with the way you generally avoid single ladies.”
Alexander dropped into Miss Bryce’s chair while Miles returned to his, resigned to give up for the time being. “I’m finding many things change when a woman piques one’s interest.”
“Ah ha!” Alexander all but shouted, bringing far too much attention from the other guests.
But he realized his error and lowered his voice, leaning toward Miles so the conversation remained between the two of them.
“I’m thrilled, my friend. I knew God would put the perfect woman in your path one of these days.
Let me guess. Miss Casburn? It looked as if she had your rapt attention at dinner. ”
“Goodness, no.” The words sprang from Miles before he could temper them, but the mere idea of seeking out Miss Casburn’s company was distasteful.
Alexander glanced around the room. “Ah, Miss Bryce, then? You’ve spoken to her several times.”
Heat rushed up Miles’s neck. Was he so obvious that even Alexander had noticed?
He had to force himself to remember it wasn’t anything to be ashamed of.
Miss Bryce was eligible and beautiful. He’d told Alexander he wasn’t interested in finding a wife that summer, but perhaps he was beginning to change his mind.
It wouldn’t be so terrible to allow himself to explore his interest in her.
Miles straightened his shoulders. “Yes, Miss Bryce. But I don’t believe she’s drawn to me.
I felt we were getting along well, then she turned cold and escaped my presence as quickly as any other suitors I’ve watched her reject. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.”
Alexander leaned back and tapped his fingers against his chin. “Have you declared your intentions? Asked to call on her?”
“No, nothing of the sort. She seems put off by the idea of gentlemen pursuing her, so I’d hoped to win her over through friendship first.”
“And is that working?”
“No, but this is only the second event we’ve both attended. Perhaps I should be more patient.”
Alexander shrugged. “In my experience, ladies like to have men follow all the steps, adhere to protocol. She might respond better if you’re more direct about your interest.” Alexander paused as a mischievous expression crossed his face.
“Or you could consider becoming her secret admirer. Women love a pretty, heartfelt letter. You could learn if she’s opposed to marriage in general or to you specifically. ”
He chuckled as if the idea was ridiculous, but Miles began to wonder. Could he glean useful information by playing the part of a secret admirer? Much like observing his insects, he could deduce as much as possible before revealing himself as the author. “Do you think that would work?”
Leveling him with a stare, Alexander shook his head. “That was a joke, my friend. She already knows you and probably has some idea that you find her appealing. Confusing matters by introducing such a scheme isn’t your best course of action.”
Miles nodded, but his thoughts refused to accept the advice.
While he watched Miss Bryce from across the room, a plan hatched, something of a scientific study.
He would follow two courses and see which was successful.
He would attempt to prove his trustworthiness through friendship while also declaring his feelings through anonymous letters.
Then he could watch her responses, see which method might break through the wall she seemed intent on raising between them.
With a plan in place, the weight of indecision lifted from Miles.
He wasn’t certain he believed God had seen fit to place a woman as wonderful as Miss Bryce in his life on purpose, as Alexander proposed.
But just in case, Miles would woo her in both practical and romantic ways.
If God did intend to grant him this blessing, He would see that Miles succeeded one way or the other.