“I propose you allow me to court you for this one season. Everything will be done in the proper fashion, with not a thing left out,” he said.
“What do you plan to achieve with any of that?” she asked. “Whatever it is, I assure you, you will not succeed at it.”
Benedict laughed, surprising her. “You only have to admit that you fear you cannot handle it and I will rescind on my offer, Lady Augusta,” he said, her name rolling off his tongue.
She shook her head. “I do not refuse you because I worry you will win. Rest assured, sir, you will lose. However, I simply do not wish to be courted. Not by you or anyone else for that matter.”
“Of course,” he said quietly.
Augusta let out a breath. The thought of being courted by this man was not one she wished to think about. She was relieved that he had finally put an end to this matter.
“I bet I can make you change your mind about men and marriage if you would simply agree to this courtship,” he said once again.
“It is ridiculous to make such silly bets especially when you are certain to lose,” she said, staring at him incredulously.
“You only need to say you are afraid that I will change your mind and I will leave you be,” he goaded.
“There is nothing to be afraid of, Your Grace. I simply have much to do and I cannot indulge you and your childish games,” she said, hoping this would be the last she would hear of it.
“How about this? If I cannot get you to change your mind, I will admit to this being such a childish venture and whatever else you would have me say.”
Augusta paused. She could not understand his reason for wanting to embarrass himself when it was certain that he would lose but one thing was certain, and it was that she never backed down from a dare.
“I believe we have a deal,” she ground out just as the music came to an end.
CHAPTER4
The early morning sun shined through the large windows and sheer white layers of the curtain, casting a warm glow in the breakfast room as Benedict sat down to share breakfast with Barbara and Letitia as was their custom.
He took a sip of his tea, sighing as the sweet tea settled in the pit of his stomach, refreshing him. It was the day after the ball and Benedict was exhausted.
The ball had carried on till the early hours of the morning. Although they left hours before it ended, he had not been able to get much sleep.
His mind had been stuck on the conversation he had with Lady Augusta. He could not quite understand why she vexed him and caused him to react so easily when he was prone to keeping to himself.
He let out a small laugh. He had never met a woman who cared so little about herself and her own reputation, choosing instead to meddle in the affairs of others.
It had been quite a shock to find out that she was Evan’s sister. Evan was an easy-going person, however, he valued his reputation and that of those around him.
So, why can’t he advise her better?
As he thought that, his mind already knew the answer to that question. After the dance they shared last night, it was clear to him that she did not take lightly to being told what to do, no matter who it was that said it.
She was quite a stubborn young woman. He had never met anyone quite so, not even his rebellious sister.
“Did you hear what I said, Benedict? Or are you choosing to ignore me again?” Letitia’s voice filtered through his thoughts.
He looked at her, unsure what she was talking about. He took a bite out of his crumpet and sipped his tea.
“Leave your brother alone, Letitia. I’m sure he has enough on his mind already. You should not add to it,” Barbara said.
Before Letitia could protest, she asked. “Did you enjoy your first ball of the season?”
Letitia pouted. It was clear to all of them that this was a way to distract her, still she took the bait and smiled seconds later.
“It was not what I expected it to be,” she said. “I thought it would be more interesting.”
Benedict laughed. That had been his thinking the first time he’d attended a ball as well. However, he had not had much expectations going in, so it did not quite disappoint.
