Free The Aristocrat's Lady (Love Inspired Historical) by Mary Moore

courting her?”
    “No, on the contrary, she has made it plain that she does not intend to marry.”
    “I do not see the problem, Dev.” Peter chuckled. “It seems you have stumbled upon a pot of gold! You have found a woman who accepts you for what you are, warts and all, and is not seeking a leg shackle.” More seriously he added, “I can remember telling you that a woman friend is sometimes more interesting to be with than a male chum because of the extra insight she brings to every occasion.”
    “You do not have to sing Beth’s praises to me, Peter. I have always declared you a lucky fellow in your mate.”
    Peter rose and walked to the fireplace to warm his hands. “I tell you true, Dev, I see things through a second set of eyes—eyes of an exceptionally intelligent, witty woman, even if I do say so myself, but my point remains the same. If neither of you is counting how many times you have walked out together or danced together, it can be a rewarding, and, more importantly, an honest relationship.
    “Stop worrying, old man. The Season is over in a few weeks, and I assume you will be heading back to the priory for estate matters. She will no doubt return to her home in wherever-shire. Yes, yes, I know, you are afraid once this type of closeness develops will yoube unable to give it up. Listen to me, you will know by then what you need out of the relationship. But I warn you, if being a friend remains as a strong desire, it will be more difficult the longer the distance and the more time between visits.”
    Peter then took on an injured pose and asked, “By the by, Lord Devlin, is this paragon the reason I was stood up this evening?”
    Dev laughed as Lord Hampton had intended him to.
    “You would not have believed it had you seen it with your own eyes. I spent half the evening playing spillikins with her little sister in the drawing room!”
    Peter laughed, too. Devlin knew he was wondering about his friend whose heart had been encased in stone years ago after his disastrous marriage. Had Dev finally found the woman who could erase the pain of his past?
    Lord Devlin felt he may as well empty his budget. “Peter, old boy, I have to admit that she is beautiful. At times I have wondered…if we can be friends when I sometimes feel so drawn to her self as well as her brain.”
    “Now that, old boy,” Peter touted, “is the only problem with a female friend!”
     
    Nicole lay contemplating her evening with Lord Devlin. She could not remember ever feeling so comfortable with a man, especially one who, if considered by actual number of meetings, was a virtual stranger to her. She appreciated the fact that he only wanted to be her friend. To be sure, he flattered her and flirted with her at times, but she knew he was not interested in marriage now. And that was definitely not God’s plan for her. They could enjoy each other’s company and their common interests without commitment.
    When he had invited them to the opera, Nicole had been overjoyed. She so loved all types of music and had immediately offered a grateful prayer heavenward: Thank You, Lord, for allowing me this diversion. It is an entirely selfish desire, but I know You are bringing these treasures to me to be savored over the years. I want Your plan for my life, Father, but I thank You for this special friend You have given me for now. I will endeavor to make whatever happens be to Your glory.
    Nicole did not shy away from the truth. She enjoyed his company. This day had proven that. But she knew little of his character. She noticed that he never mentioned God, another reason they could only be friends, but she felt she must know more of his makeup and his moral fiber. Perhaps God had given her the opportunity to learn more of him by attending his speech in Parliament. She might then get a feel for the best time to talk to him about God.
    It was not an easy decision to make, and Nicole knew Toby would do all in his power to prevent her. To own the