She trailed her pink reticule around the tabletop with one finger. She shot a glance at him. “Now that you mention it, it might help you to know. You may make yourself more pleasing toyourfuture bride.”
He almost laughed aloud. “Now Imusthear it. Where is this list?”
Delilah eyed him carefully. Then she drew her reticuleinto her lap, opened it, and pulled out a small sheet of paper that had been folded many times over. She carefully unfolded the paper and spread it on the table in front of her.
“Ahem.” She cleared her throat. “Before I read it, you must promise not to make fun of it.”
Thomas slowly shook his head with a smile on his face. “I can promise no such thing.”
Delilah arched a brow at him. “Fine. But don’t be mean.”
He lifted his palms in a gesture of innocence. “I’m never mean. Sarcastic, perhaps, but not mean.”
Shooting him a warning look, she lifted her chin and adjusted the paper just so for recitation. “Delilah Montebank’s Future Husband Qualities List,” she announced. “One must always title things properly.”
He inclined his head. “Of course.”
She lifted her chin higher. “Number one. Eligible.”
“Obviously.”
“Number two. Kind.”
“Important,” Thomas agreed.
“Number three. Intelligent.”
“One would hope.”
“Number four. Funny.”
“I already told you he’s not funny.”
“Shut up.” She paused. “Number five. Healthy.”
Thomas frowned. “How on earth would you know for certain?”
Delilah lifted one shoulder. “I suppose I can request a doctor’s report.”
“This is ridiculous, you know? But go on.” He nodded.
“Number six. Forgiving.” She paused again and arched a brow over the top edge of the paper. “One mustbe forgiving if one is going to spend one’s life with me. I often do things such as break expensive crystal bowls.”
Thomas scowled. “No doubt Branville can afford a new bowl or two.”
“Number seven.” Her face turned an adorable shade of pink. “Ahem. Handsome and kissable.”
Thomas cupped a hand behind his ear. “Pardon?”
She narrowed her eyes on him. “You heard me.”
He gave himself a moment to swallow the urge to laugh, then schooled his expression into one of careful solemnity. “Handsome and kissable?”
She scrunched up her nose. “You promised not to be mean.”
He cleared his throat. “It’s an impressive list, but are you certain the fabled Duke of Branville can live up to all of those qualities?”
Delilah folded the paper and pushed it back into her reticule. “I’ve no idea, but I have every intention of finding out.”
