An Uncertain Choice(35)

He delivered me regally to my place, and then, after pushing in my chair, he took his seat next to me. The three young knights joined him that evening as guests of honor at the head table.

Throughout the dinner, Sir Collin and Sir Bennet carried on a lively conversation with me. Although I was tempted to glance at Sir Derrick positioned farther down the table, I refrained. He seemed disinclined to enter into my discussion anyway. I tried to pretend that I didn’t care, that I was completely happy speaking with and spending time with Sir Collin and Sir Bennet. Why should I not be? They were both entertaining and thoughtful. And I truly harbored fondness for them both.

Nevertheless, after the time with Sir Derrick in town earlier in the week and the moment in the gatehouse when we’d been dripping wet but happy, I’d expected him to begin showing me more attention and making an effort to seek me out. But he seemed content to sit back and converse with those around him without so much as a glance in my direction.

I tried not to admit how much it hurt.

After the feast, the duke escorted me around the room and introduced me to the guests, many whom I hadn’t seen since my father and mother had died. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed mingling among them and was secretly relieved the Baron of Caldwell and his wife weren’t there. I wasn’t sure I could have endured thinking about Thomas and the possibility I could have been married to him by now if only I’d known about the exception much earlier.

By the time my servants had cleared the remains of the meal and the musicians began to play, I’d grown more relaxed, so that when the dance started I only had to fight a few nervous tingles.

Sir Collin and Sir Bennet fought over me for each of the dances, at first good-naturedly. But after several dances, I sensed a growing tension between them. As they grudgingly took turns twirling me and making me laugh, I told myself I wasn’t disappointed that Sir Derrick hadn’t come to claim at least one dance. I only hoped he would look on from time to time and see that I was happy with the other two men. And secretly, I wished him to be jealous, even if just slightly.

“May I have a dance with the queen of the hall?” The duke smiled at me over Sir Collin’s shoulder, which fortunately was healing well and now only required a bandage.

“Only one dance, your Grace.” Sir Collin relinquished me with a wink. “I can’t bear to be apart from Lady Rosemarie for longer than that.”

The duke took Sir Collin’s place, towering above me, his eyes gentle as he gazed down at me.

“You look like you’re having a wonderful time tonight,” he said as the musicians started another tune.

“I’m having a delightful evening.” I smiled up at him. “I cannot thank you enough for giving me this experience — ?even if only once in my life. I shall remember this night always.”

The duke’s brow wrinkled. “Then you’re not taking a liking to any of the three knights? I thought for sure you would have some developing affection for at least one of them by now.”

“Oh yes, I like them all very much.”

He studied my face as we danced.

“They’re all very kind and sweet,” I reassured him.

“But none of them are stirring deeper feelings and interest within you?”

I hesitated in responding, wanting to be truthful with the duke. Had I begun to experience deeper feelings for any of the men?

My jumbled thoughts returned to the moment in the gatehouse with Sir Derrick, when we’d returned from town, to the desires that had swelled in my chest to be with him longer and know him better. The longing had been keen — ?and yes, different from anything I’d felt so far when I was with Sir Collin and Sir Bennet. Even now, I couldn’t keep from stealing a glance in Sir Derrick’s direction.

The duke followed my gaze. “Ah, I see.”

I snapped my attention back to the duke.

“You’re interested in Sir Derrick.” He stated it so simply that I couldn’t help but believe him.

Even so, a denial quickly pushed for releases. “Oh no, your Grace. He has no interest in me. He didn’t even give me gifts like the others.”

“Perhaps his gifts are different than theirs.”

“And he hasn’t planned a special day for me yet.”

“He told me he’s working on it.”

I shook my head with mounting frustration at myself for caring so much. Why couldn’t the attention of the other two be enough? “I shouldn’t complain,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’m perfectly content with Sir Collin and Sir Bennet. They’re both wonderful men.”

“But . . .” The duke held my gaze, demanding honesty.

I sighed. “But I don’t understand why Sir Derrick hasn’t sought me out like the others. Perhaps he doesn’t like me.”

The duke smiled. “Knowing Sir Derrick as I do, I have no doubt he likes you. He just may need slightly more convincing that you do indeed want his company.”

Suddenly, I knew with certainty that I not only wanted his company, I longed for it — ?perhaps more than the others. But I could hardly admit that to the duke, could I?

The music began to slow, signaling the end of the dance.

“Shall I inform Sir Derrick of your desire to dance with him next?”

The duke’s question shot a streak of panic through me. “Your Grace, I couldn’t possibly —?”