He laughed softly and nodded to encourage her to continue.
"To the dismay of both husband and wife, they were obliged to wish them off, thus making the third wish and at once ending his brilliant expectations."
He grinned. "So, the moral of the story is don't waste your wishes?"
"Or avoid hypocrisy."
He nodded. "An ever more powerful moral."
They conversed more easily after that. Far too soon, dinner ended, and the ladies left for the drawing room so the gentlemen might have their time alone. Phillip waited with growing impatience until they could join the ladies. Normally, he enjoyed the male-only after-dinner discussion, but each minute seemed designed to keep him from the young lady who had captured his attention and even a small part of his heart. Perhaps not so small.
Once the men rejoined the ladies, Phillip went immediately to her. She sat between her aunt and her cousin. Voices and laughter provided the perfect screen to their conversation.
He held out an arm to her. "Miss Brown, would you do me the honor of taking a turn about the room with me?"
Her guarded expression returned, a foil against her aunt's delight and her cousin's cautiously happy expression. At least he seemed to have won over her family.
He lowered his voice and all but whispered, "Please."
She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the nearest wall. Skirting the edges of the room, they passed behind Miss Harris sitting next to Mr. Morton, the same gentleman who had escorted Miss Harris to Vauxhall. Miss Harris chewed her lip as Mr. Morton leaned forward as if trying to convince her to do something.
Miss Brown gestured to the couple. "Do you know the gentleman conversing with Miss Harris?"
"Mr. Morton? Not well. He seems a decent sort. He's distantly related to the Earl of Averston."
"Is he a libertine?"
"Hardly. He is rather awkward around the ladies, in fact."
"Is he impoverished?"
He gave her a quizzical look. Why the sudden interest in him? From what Phillip knew of ladies and their taste of men, Mr. Morton was not the type to turn heads. "I do not believe so, but as a younger son of a younger son, he probably needs to marry well."
"What do you know about Miss Harris?"
"She's related to the St. Cyrs somehow. Sweet. A bit shy."
"Is she in possession of a large dowry?"
He had to search his memory. "I am not well informed as to the state of everyone's incomes and dowries, but I do not recall hearing anything remarkable about hers." Was it possible she had an interest in Mr. Morton and viewed Miss Harris as competition? But Mr. Morton was all wrong for Miss Brown. Surely she could see that. Finally, he ventured, "Why do you ask?"
"I am looking for possible motives as to his interest in her."
"You do not think she is attractive enough to garner a gentleman's interest unless he is a fortune hunter?"
"I think she is young and innocent-the type of young lady such men are most likely to target. She may not know their true motives until too late." A bitterness touched her voice.
What had happened to Miss Brown? "Do you think I have a hidden motive?"
Her glance revealed her vulnerability. "I am mystified as to why you openly seek me out."
"I wish to become better acquainted."
"I cannot imagine why. I am nobody."
With a reckless courage spurred by his sudden determination to win her heart, he asked, "Do you believe in love at first sight?"
She looked away. "No. Not anymore."
Phillip almost demanded who had broken her heart so he might find and thrash the scoundrel. Instead, he opted for a more playful tone, "How about love at second sight?"
With a small, sad smile, she shook her head.
With the kind of confidence he once wore so easily, he quipped, "I'm willing to let you look at me long enough to change that." He affected a dramatic pose.
A true smile broke through as she met his gaze. Truly, she was beautiful when she smiled. He nearly fell on his knees and begged her to marry him.
Sobering, she tilted her head. "Why, really, are you giving me the time of day?"
"Because you are a remarkable person."
She looked down. "We've met only twice before, and briefly at that."
"They were telling encounters."
She looked at him again, her mouth curving more on one side in an expression that seemed doubtful yet amused. "How so?"
"At the river, you retrieved Miss Harris's bonnet when no one else did, not even the gentleman courting her. This tells me you are thoughtful and caring and aren't overly concerned with society's opinion. Then you gave a coin to an urchin. That tells me you are generous and aware of others in need. But you didn't approach the alley, which suggests you're intelligent enough to stay away from danger."
That day, she'd worn such a gentle, compassionate expression that Phillip had been unable to look away. At the moment, however, her mien retained that wariness he feared had become deeply ingrained. Somehow, he would prove to her he was not of the same ilk as the unworthy man who had hurt her.
He continued to expound on her admirable qualities. "And when Miss Harris grew frightened, you told her a story to keep her distracted, so you're clearly imaginative and quick thinking."
That day, she had been so animated in her role of storyteller that Phillip had wanted to put his head in her lap and listen to her for hours. He'd do it now, if she'd let him.
Now she watched him, carefully, as if seeking reassurance of his truthfulness.
Emboldened by her fixed attention, he said, "When you laughed instead of getting angry or weepy about falling into the Thames, I knew your character is strong and you are capable of finding humor even in mishaps." Wryly, he added, "And you forgave me for causing you to fall in, which speaks volumes about your heart. I prize these qualities."
They continued their slow stroll around the perimeter of the room. "I thank you for your kind interpretation of my actions, but this does not discount the fact that we are not social equals."
Phillip winced. If she were the daughter of a poor country vicar, or a gentleman farmer, their differences in rank would be easier to overcome. Could he convince Suttenberg and Mother to give their blessing?
"Regardless, I wish to become better acquainted with you. And to enjoy your companionship."
Her hand tightened. "If you are looking for a mistress, I am not of that inclination."
He choked. "No, certainly not. I assure you, that is not my intention."
"Then what is your intention?"
With the courage that had spurred him to tackle every new challenge he'd ever thought beyond him, he admitted, quietly, "To determine if you are the one my soul seeks."
She stopped walking and looked into his eyes, all the hard edges in her expression softening until she looked sweet and vulnerable. Had he gotten through to her at all?
Her wariness returned. "Pretty words, but I have learned not to believe such things. Thank you for the turn about the room."
She withdrew her hand and left him standing in the middle of the floor. Alone.
Meredith tried and failed all evening to keep her focus on the game of whist at the Daubreys' party. Mr. Partridge continued to invade her thoughts. Each time she weakened enough to look at him, he met her gaze with puzzled hurt. Her conscience gave her a sharp prod. Yet how could she trust him when he might be no better than the cads who'd lied to her in the past?
When the game ended and the guests stood or sat in groups talking and laughing, Aunt Paulette leaned close and whispered, "He's fascinated with you."
"He should know better," Meredith snapped.
"He's the very best ton, niece. Not only does he come from good family, but he has a reputation for being a very decent gentleman."
"All the more reason for him not to be seen with me."
"Meredith," Aunt Paulette chided gently.
"Why on earth should I reach so high as the son of a duke? Not just any ducal family-the Duke of Suttenberg. No one could bear the scrutiny of being aligned with them."
Aunt Paulette nodded sadly. "You would fall under the all-seeing magnifying glass of London's worst social critics."
"If my father's profession didn't bring condemnation on my head, my past would. Sooner or later, it would be revealed."
"At least enjoy his company while you can. If you are seen with the brother of the Duke of Suttenberg, others will assume you are worthy of notice. This could be used to your advantage."
"I will not use him, just as I will not be used by him-or any man." Speaking of being used by a man, how did Miss Harris fare?
Meredith found her in a circle speaking with other young ladies her age. Mr. Morton approached and tapped Miss Harris's shoulder. They spoke, and he gestured to the balcony. Meredith straightened. Was he trying to lure her outside and take advantage of her?