“He was very handsome. Was he a worthy conversationalist?”
Eliza felt her lips curl into a half smile. “He is wittier than he is handsome.”
“Damn… Perhaps Papa may investigate him, and the rumors will prove wrong or overstated.”
“Our uncle was quite rude. Lord Sinclair will never wish to speak with me again. Nor will anyone else.”
“Oh, do not say such things. A man so easily frightened is not a man for you.”
Sophie could afford to make such bold declarations about the men who curried her favor. There were plenty of them. But Eliza’s options were limited to one—and now, not even him.
“I am thinking of visiting the club sometime this week. I need a new pair of gloves. And I do so enjoy making the gentlemen pay for them. Join me?”
“What happened to the ones you were wearing tonight?”
“There is a hole in the thumb. Please, Lizzie?”
“I do not understand why you refuse to use your pin?—”
“Why should I when I can bring a man to tears and use his funds for my purposes?”
“Suit yourself, in fact?—”
“But it’s only fun if we both make them cry. Losing to one woman is bad luck. Two…”
Eliza sighed, which Sophie took for an acceptance. “It will be such fun, you’ll see.”
“I hope you are right.”
“I will be. And you’ll be in high spirits in no time. The Lord of Sin will be banished from your memory.”
Eliza could not help rolling her eyes again. “It is an absurd moniker. And no man could live up to such a name.”
“Especially in the bedroom,” Sophie agreed.
An unladylike snort escaped Eliza. “How would you know?”
“I just know,” she said.
“Of course you do. It seems a great deal of work, though. Does it not? Wake. Eat too much while you break your fast. Destroy those who’ve wronged you. Hoard absurd sums of gold. Enjoy a quick romp with a lady or three while you covet your neighbor’s shrubbery. Boast about your efforts over another oversized supper. Such a long day.”
“Well, I imagine he need not displayallthe sins. At least not all in one day. But he’s certainly familiar with lust if the way he was staring at you was any indication. And shrubbery? Really, Lizzie?”
“I do not know what men covet.”
“Probably not the shrubbery.”
“That one was a stretch. I’ll admit it. But my point stands. It must take a great deal of effort to be worthy of such a title. When would one find the time for courtship in such a busy schedule?”
“You should ask him—if you meet again.”
“Perhaps I will,” Eliza mused. “Are you sleeping in here?”
“I suppose. I’m too comfortable to move. Lizzie?”
“Yes?”
“I am truly sorry that your second dance was ruined.”
