John sat in the larger chair, poured a cup of tea, and picked up a lemon tartlet. He had begun the Season wanting a comfortable wife who was rather dim. Then he had changed his mind and wanted a more intelligent wife. Now, he had been introduced to a lady who exceeded any expectation he might have had. He bit into the tartlet, savoring the light taste. John did not doubt for a second that she would make a home comfortable, though slightly chaotic after there were children. And she herself would be involved not only in what he did but with her own projects as well. It was all too easy to picture little boys and girls running around with golden hair and summer-blue eyes. Perhaps one or two would look like him. She would also draw him into her much larger and growing family. Attending family gatherings would certainly be required. For the first time, he understood that with Eleanor, he would not be just marrying her but her family as well.

But will she wed me? What will it take to get her to agree to be my wife?

A vision of them riding in the morning and breaking their fast together came to him. He could see her alternately reading a newssheet and discussing important topics with him. That would be before the children, of course. And then there was how she appealed to him physically. Today, before she had bowled him over, all he’d been able to think about was how he would like to remove her spencer and her gown and discover the joys of her supple body. He had to stop thinking about her naked and in his bed. If he didn’t, he’d be salivating when he arrived at Lady Brownly’s house this evening. Not to mention having an erection that would be plain for anyone to see.

John drained his teacup and poured another. Yes. He wanted to marry her and have everything that came with Eleanor. The question was how to win her affections. He could not fool himself into thinking her offer to help him meant she had decided to wed him. She liked the flowers he’d sent. She liked riding and the carriage ride. She liked politics and helping others. He could give her all those things. Yet he must be able to become closer to her.

Dancing.

Especially waltzing. It enabled him to hold her, to touch her. Yet he was only allowed one waltz at a ball. He might have been able to make it two, but her family only took her to one major event in an evening. Where could he . . . That was it.

Vauxhall.

No one cared how many times a lady and gentleman danced there. He’d need to get up a party, but his mother would have to make those arrangements.