He considered her words. She was right. Baron Bolt had been the catch of the Season two Seasons ago. The man had half the female members of thetonchasing after him. “I always assumed it was because Baron Bolt was particularly handsome, or so the ladies seemed to think.”
“No more handsome than you,” Lady Sarah said just before making her next move on the chessboard.
“I’d thank you for the compliment if you hadn’t just captured my bishop.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied with a grin, clutching the vanquished bishop in her fist.
Christian studied the board, plotting his next move. “So you’re saying it isn’t about one’s clothing, money, or title?”
Sarah propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand. “It is about those things if they’re missing or inadequate, but if they’re there, it’s merely a matter of generating the right sort of word of mouth.”
Christian continued to study the board. “That sounds preposterous, you know.”
Sarah laughed. “You’re the one who suggested I waltz back home pretending I’ve been visiting. You understand how it works.”
Christian rubbed his beard again. “God help me, I believe you’re right. But who would be willing to spread such gossip? I’m not exactly rich in unmarried, young, popular lady acquaintances. I might add that if I were, I might not have this problem to begin with.”
“Why, you ask one of them for a favor, of course. Haven’t you ever asked for a favor?”
Christian stared blankly at the chessboard.
“You haven’t, have you?” Sarah’s voice was incredulous.
“Haven’t what?”
“Ever asked for a favor.”
“What does this have to do with chess?” Christian made an idiotic move that put one of his knights at risk. He cursed under his breath.
Sarah stopped studying the board to look at him. “It’s all right, you know.”
“What is?”
“To ask for a favor. People do it all the time. You’ve granted me a favor by allowing me to remain here.”
“What if it doesn’t work?” he asked softly.
“What if what doesn’t work?”
“The rumors? The reputation?”
“That’s simple,” she said, returning her attention to the board and easily capturing his knight. “If the rumors don’t work, set your sights on the most sought-after lady in the crowd. If she notices you, all the others will, too.”
Christian shook his head, marveling at her words. “You ladies are devious.”
“No, we’re practical.”
“Practically evil.”
“Not at all.”
“Very well. Any suggestions of whom I might ask for such a favor?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and gazed at him skeptically. “Really?”
“Really what?”
“You cannot be that dense. You happen to have a young, unmarried, popular female sitting directly across from you and, by the by, she owes you a favor.”
