Chapter 16

“My apologies.”

“No need. My lady is perfectly lovely.” Seldon snatched a glass of champagne and downed it in a single swallow. “It’s hardly her fault.” He turned to meet Nick’s eyes again.

Nick knew at once why the earl had sought him out in the crowd. “Seldon…” he began, shaking his head.

“Of course.” Seldon nodded sadly. “Here in London you have your choice of…new friends, don’t you?”

Nick blinked. Seldon made it sound like such a simple matter to meet others like them. “I haven’t met any…new friends,” he replied with the same pause and emphasis as Seldon had used.

“No?” Seldon’s hope was evident in his voice.

“You’re married, Seldon,” Nick said quietly. “I—I can’t.”

“I understand. But you may feel differently after a few years of marriage.”

“I’m not going to marry,” Nick stated firmly, more certain of it now than ever.

“Oh?” Seldon’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “I heard—”

“Rumors. I have no intention of marrying.”