Gwendolyn swatted away a bug flying around her head. “Because I didn’t pack appropriately, being under the mistaken impression I was to be a paid companion, not an assistant matchmaker. Companions occasionally escort their employers to balls, but I stress the wordoccasionally. That’s why I only packed three ballgowns to last me the entire summer, of which I’ve already worn two.” She blew out a breath. “I’m hopeful Catriona, once she receives my telegram, will realize I’m in desperate straits. But even though I included the wordurgentin the telegram, Catriona isn’t a lady predisposed to rushing about, which means I have little faith she’ll comply in a timely manner. That means I’ll have to wear this gown again next weekend at the Twombly ball.”
Walter’s gaze traveled over Gwendolyn. “What’s wrong with wearing that gown again? It’s a very nice gown, and you look quite well in it.”
Gwendolyn rolled her eyes. “You apparently missed the part where I said ladies never wear the same garment twice. Also, it’s a travesty to call a gown from the House of Worth ‘nice,’ as well as to tell a lady wearing a Worth gown she looks ‘quite well’ in it.”
“I used to tell Vivian she looked quite well before we attended many a society event, and she never seemed to take issue with that.”
“Which certainly accounts for why the two of you enjoyed a marriage where you merely rubbed along nicely together.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s simply how marriages are in society,” Walter said before he frowned. “But if we could return to the subject of gowns from Worth, I distinctly recall Vivian racking up some hefty bills whenever she shopped there, and...?” He arched a brow.
“You’re now wondering how an assistant matchmaker could possibly afford a gown from Worth?”
“That thought did cross my mind.”
She shrugged. “I’m not your quintessential paid companion or assistant matchmaker and we’ll leave it at that.”
“That explanation leaves me with more questions than answers.”
“Too bad, because I’m not in the proper mood to humor you right now. With that now settled, allow me to turn the conversation to something more pressing, your apparent lack of finesse when it comes to extending compliments. Evidently you believe telling a woman she looksquite wellor that her gown isniceis appropriate, which it’s not. It won’t do to have you insulting ladies simply because you’re deficient when it comes to flattery.”
“I’m not deficient, but besides that, I wasn’t under the impression I was supposed to be going out of my way to flatter ladies this Season.”
“You’re in the market for a wife. Flattery is a must.” She settled a stern eye on him. “We’ll start by having you practice with me. Go ahead, give me your best attempt at flattery.”
“Right now?”
She gave an airy wave of a gloved hand. “Now’s as good a time as any.”
“This is turning into far more work than I was expecting.”
“Good thing you had a nap.”
He blew out a breath, taking a moment to consider her, as well as consider what compliment he could voice that wouldn’t cause her eyes to flash with irritation. The longer he considered her, the more he realized that Gwendolyn was looking far more than quite well that evening—in fact she was looking downright exquisite. Frankly, her appearance eclipsed that of any other lady he’d seen that evening, and even with her being overly annoying most of the time, hecouldn’t deny there was something about her that intrigued him.
He cleared his throat when he realized he might be gazing at Gwendolyn in a manner best described as stupefaction, which was quite an unusual state to find himself in. “You’re looking enchanting tonight, Miss Brinley, and your gown is downright enticing.” He caught her eye. “Better?”
A snort was hardly the response he was expecting.
“You can’t go around society telling ladies they look enchanting and enticing. That lends you the attitude of a Casanova, something I get the distinct impression you’re not. Honestly, Walter, that kind of talk will see you heading down an aisle to exchange vows before the sun rises.”
“Perhaps I should stick with words similar toniceandquite wellthen.”
“Those particular words won’t serve you well either, but for now I suggest you don’t stray into uncharted territory until we have an opportunity to practice appropriate compliments and flattery tactics when we’re not in the midst of a social event. With that settled, it’s time for you to get back to the ball. Were there any specific ladies you’d like to dance with this evening? I believe there are ten dances scheduled.”
“I’ll leave it up to your discretion what three ladies I should partner with this evening.”
“To repeat myself, there are ten dances planned.”
“I’m aware of that. I only care to participate in three.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “You can’t limit your exposure to the ladies. You need to dance every dance.”
“No, I need you to be incredibly selective about what ladies I spend time with.” He couldn’t quite hold back a smile. “If you want to find success as an assistant matchmaker, you’ll rise to the occasion and select the most suitable ladies for me to dance with tonight.”
Her lips thinned. “No.”
“It’s not up for debate.” He leaned closer to her. “I already ran it past Mrs. Parker and she was perfectly agreeable that three dances were all I needed to dance tonight.”
