Ciaran wasn't as calculating about all this as Miss Selwyn was, but he didn't have to be. He was a man and in good standing, with enough wealth to ensure that he never had to work a day if he didn't want to. So long as he didn't make any hideously stupid decisions, he would be comfortable until the day he died. The only reason he was fussing himself over marriage was his daughter. If he never found the 'right' woman it would bring about more melancholy, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. The stakes were decidedly higher for Miss Selwyn and all ladies like her.

While other men might hold this social calculation against their fairer counterparts, Ciaran actually liked that demonstration of ambition and intelligence. That very thing had attracted him to his first wife, after all. However ... things were different now. Attraction mattered not at all. Andromeda's opinion would be the final decider; he had made that resolution upon re-entering society.

(He was human though, and lonely on top of that. Was his resolve truly unshakable?)

"Ah, yes, that's understandable. My niece has impressed upon me how hectic this summer has been for the socially active." Kitty was about Miss Selwyn's age, actually. Had his niece mentioned her in any of their past conversations ...? He'd have to search his memory or write Kitty later. "I am sure any gentleman lucky enough to earn your hand would happily show you the world." Ciaran gave her a small smile, polite but genuine. He didn't yet know her well and thus could not properly encourage anything that could be on her mind. On the other hand, he didn't rebuff her firmly either.

There was a dire need for more conversation, though this was hardly the venue for it. Not with his mother lurking and more debutantes in the wings that he had to be introduced to.

Ah, well.