Page 52 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

He had come so far in reclaiming his name, his standing—his future. And yet, it seemed there remained one final obstacle.

He did not know whether that obstacle bore Eliza’s name—

Or his own.

By the time he arrived at the ball, he forced his thoughts into order.

Lady Molly.

That was the purpose of the evening.

She would be in attendance. He would dance with her. And before the night concluded, he would seek an audience with her father and request permission to propose.

It had been his plan for weeks.

It was what she expected.

What society expected.

And Eliza—

Eliza would soon be Countess of Langshire.

Everything was proceeding as it should.

This was not the moment for hesitation.

With renewed determination, Edwin scanned the ballroom until he located Lady Molly.

She was not standing among the wallflowers, but rather beside her parents—exactly where she belonged.

A small satisfaction settled within him.

He had done that.

His attention had drawn her into the center of society, where she was meant to be seen.

He approached with an easy smile and bowed. “Lady Molly. You are lovely as ever. How do you fare this evening?”

“I am quite well, my lord,” she replied, placing her gloved hand in his. “And the evening improves already.”

He chuckled softly. “Then I am pleased to have contributed.

“Will you walk with me?” he asked, offering his arm.

“Of course.”

As they moved through the room, he guided the conversation toward her interests. “Tell me, Lady Molly—have you any thoughts on the recent discussions in the House of Lords?”

She smiled with clear interest. “I suspected you might ask me that. My father has spoken at length regarding the proposed reforms in the factories…”

She spoke with intelligence, with insight, with a liveliness that should have captivated him entirely.

And yet—

He found himself forcing his attention to remain fixed.

Resisting the instinct to search the room.