Felix circled her, his hands clasped behind his back. “You would rather I allowed you to snub theton? Do you believe you are better than any other who would be there? Do you think that you should be allowed the distinction of sitting out on the festivities when so many will be there for you?”
Isabelle scoffed, her pretty eyes rolling. “I hardly think it should matter. I am no better than any other. If I have learned anything in the past few days, it is in fact that the English feel as if I am a lower class of person because I have an American accent.”
She seemed to forget herself when she was around him. Felix liked that he unsteadied her. It would make it easier to needle her into doing what he wanted.
Which was being agreeable to any gentleman who might consider her to become his wife.
Felix stopped and took the book from her hands. “Have you read these poems?”
Isabelle shook her head. “No. The Romans’ love poems are beautiful, but they often contain tragedy. And while that is true enough to real life, I would prefer a little light-hearted reading when I venture into a poetry book.”
“And that is why you abuse this poor book so while dancing?” He turned the book over, looking at the tears in the fabric cover.
“My hair pins must have caught there when you startled me. I can have Papa send more money to replace it.”
“There is no need for that provided you attempt to be kinder to my literature during the remainder of your dance lessons. I would hate to have to purchase a new collection for my library.”
“Then you must try to dance with a book on your head!” she demanded, putting her hands on her hips. “You shall see that it is not as easy as you would like to make it seem.”
“I have no need for a book on my head or dancing practice.” He gave her an amused smile and held the book out to her. “I know which steps I am to take and into which ones I am to lead my partner.”
“I believe you have the dubious distinction of being the most infuriating person I have ever had the misfortune of meeting!”
“Careful now, Miss Alden. I do not think I should claim the title of the most infuriating person. I have met far more irritating gentlemen, and all of them were quite capable of dancing.”
“You are teasing me.”
“Perhaps.”
She ignored the book in his hand. “If you think you are an excellent dancer, then waltzing with a book on your head should be easy. I would like to see you attempt it.”
“And if I can do it without you sabotaging me?”
“Then youcando it?”
“That is hardly a wager, Miss Alden.” Felix turned the book over in his hands before placing it on his head and allowing it to fall. He caught the tome before it hit the ground.
“A lady does not wager.”
“Then it is a very good thing that no true lady is present, is it not?”
The murderous look she gave him was almost enough to cause him to back out of the room and leave her alone to practice.
However, he enjoyed this back and forth between them. He liked the fiery look in her eyes when they were bickering and was intrigued by the way she rose to challenge him at every turn. It seemed it had never occurred to her to back down from those who pushed her.
It was a refreshing break from most of the women he spent his time with.
Miss Alden pushed a tendril of loose hair behind her ear before adjusting the loose pins. “I am very much a lady, thank you.”
“Name your wager, Miss Alden, and I will be kind enough to forget your status as a lady.”
Her full lips twitched. “Fine, if you can do a waltz with a book on your head, without it falling off?—”
“And without your sabotage—” he interjected.
“And without my sabotage, then you may have a prize. Perhaps I will sketch you. The young ladies you are interested in would likely love to have a portrait of you to moon over.”
“I should think that there are very few young women mooning over me.” He placed the book on top of his head, allowing it to slide once more.
