“I would argue that farming practices of England are rather the opposite. I know the subject is not the most exciting, but there is no excuse to write in such a dry and convoluted fashion.” Frederick caught Lady Andrea’s eyebrows raise just slightly, and realised that he had let himself slip without thinking.
He had learned at an early age that people were often discomforted by strong opinions. Add any amount of knowledge and people expected all sorts of things from you.
He shrugged and added, “At least, what little of it I read.”
Lady Andrea sighed, and Frederick let himself relax.Light and breezy.That was the way he had to live his life. It would not do to be anything else.
“If you hand me my books, I shall let you be on your way. No doubt you have somewhere important to be.” She looked at him expectantly.
“Not important. I am just on my way to the tailor. To order myself appropriate clothes for the wedding and the ball.”
“Do men usually do such a thing? Men’s fashion seems to be rather uniform these days.” She frowned. “I had thought to wear something I already owned, but I was told in no uncertain terms that this would be unacceptable.”
“By your father?” he asked, puzzling at the man’s sudden change of heart.
“No. Father is too busy being furious about the matter to bother commenting on my choice of dress.” Her smile did not reach her eyes, and her tone was more bitter than humorous as she added. “Suffice to say, several good friends have given me rather an earful about my dress. I have been told categorically to pick something... colourful.”
“Well, one should not look dull and dreary at a wedding. Imagine, wearing brown!” He shuddered in what he hoped was a theatrical way.
“Are you saying I look like that?” She glared at him.
“What? Oh…” He realised that she was wearing a plain brown dress.
“Sombre colours may not be exciting, but at least one knows they look good.” She stiffened.
He blurted. “Are you telling me that you truly like those colours?”
“What does liking have to do with any of it?” Lady Andrea chewed on her lip. “Just because you like a colour does not mean it would suit you.”
“I find it hard to imagine a colour that would not suit you.” Frederick replied honestly.
Even as she glowered at him, he had to admit she was pretty. She had fair skin, and an almost regal bearing. Though the brown dress was plain, all it did was not draw attention to her.
“Then perhaps you should try harder, for I assure you that there are many.” She shook her head.
“You look rather wonderful in purple, and I imagine you would suit shades of blue and yellow as well.” Frederick winked at her. “And if you were looking to be truly scandalous, you could wear something red.”
“Blue is actually my favourite colour.” Her eyes widened and Frederick got the impression that she had not meant to say that. “All shades of blue, though I am partial to the deep blue of sapphires.”
“Then you should make that the colour of your wedding dress.” He tried to keep the shock he felt from his face, focusing instead on broadening his grin. “Blue is my favourite colour too.”
“You are just saying that.” She eyed him suspiciously.
“I am not.” He gave her a mock hurt look. “Though, on the subject of sapphires, I need to get you an engagement ring.”
“A what?” Lady Andrea almost dropped her books in shock, and Frederick found himself smiling at her little squawk of indignation.
“An engagement ring. It is tradition in my family.” He shrugged. “I thought that I might journey to Mosley’s in a few days. Perhaps you would join me? You may as well pick out the ring, that way you can sell it if anything goes wrong between us.”
“Is this your way of telling me you have changed your mind about the engagement?” Was she teasing him?
“No. And I am unlikely to in two weeks.” He shifted the books in his arm again. “You do not have to come. Though it would probably be easiest as we will be able to size the ring then and there without having to go back and forth.”
“I shall have my maid join us. We may be engaged, but we will still need a chaperone.” Lady Andrea nodded to herself.
“Then you will join me?” Frederick asked.
“If it is a tradition, then we should follow it.” Lady Andrea shrugged.
