Mate, you need a distraction for your wife next time.
An old Army technique employed in nightclubs would be just the ticket. It's called, "Taking a grenade for your mates."
The concept is simple. If your mate is interested in a really pretty chick, you "take the grenade" by chatting up her ugly friend so he can make his move.
Now I don't condone this behavior at all, but if you want to honor your wife, then don't make her feel bad by blatantly double-taking in front of her. Either that or don't do it at all.
I am just as guilty as the next bloke and it's a hard habit to break after years of not even caring what my GF/wife thought. I just used to tell her it is natural and get over it, if I stop looking then you better start worrying.
I was going down some bad paths like that in my younger day. Hopefully I am improving....
Baz.