Her only answer was to arch a brow at him.
“Fine. Go on.”
“It’s considered ill-mannered to introduce yourself to someone. You must wait to be formally introduced by someone else. Especially if the person is of higher rank.”
“How am I supposed to know who is of higher rank?”
“That will come in due time when we studyDebrett’s.”
“Oh, God. What does that mean?”
She looked at him as if he’d taken leave of his senses. “Debrett's Peerage of England, Scotland, and Ireland? It’s a book.”
“And?” he prompted.
“It’s a famous book. It lists all the peers, their titles, their marriages, their offspring. It’s essential reading for anyone who aspires to be a part of London Society.”
He crinkled his nose. “Aspiresis far too strong a word. Perhaps I can skim it.”
“Nonsense. Mama shall read it aloud. And we’ll drill the names into your head.”
David sighed. “I suppose that will help me not make a fool of myself the next time your brother takes me to the club.”
“Oh, yes. All of the members of White’s will be listed inDebrett’s, you may count on it.”
“Good, then I’ll get to know all about Lord Murdock and his cronies.”
“Murdock?” Apprehension skittered across her features. “You met Lord Murdock?”
“Yes, and I can’t say it was a particular pleasure.”
“He’s currently considered the most eligible bachelor in London at the moment, you know?”
“Really? Is he?” The most eligible bachelor placing bets on the most unattainable debutante. David didn’t like what he was hearing. “What makes him so ‘eligible’?”
“Well, Lord Worthington and Beauwerethe two most eligible,” Lady Annabelle replied with a smile. “But now that they are both betrothed, Lord Murdock is the most eligible.”
“Eligibility having everything to do with loftiest title, I suppose?” David drawled.
Lady Annabelle nodded. “Yes, of course, but it’s not just a title. It’s also his family, his fortune, his wardrobe, and the fact that he’s handsome.”
“Is he handsome?” David nearly sneered. “I hadn’t noticed.” Murdock was detestable, and if he wasn’t currently doing his best to be such a gentleman, David could tell Lady Annabelle precisely why he thought so.
“Don’t worry,” Lady Annabelle replied with a bright smile. “I have it on the best authority that there is another gentleman who just might rival Lord Murdock for most eligible this year.”
“Who?” David asked, tugging nonchalantly at his cuff. It was all a lot of nonsense, at any rate. He wished for the hundredth time that he wasn’t required to give a damn about any of this.
“You!” Lady Annabelle replied with a laugh.
David froze. “Me?” He pointed to himself. “Rival Murdock?”
“You’re an earl, aren’t you? Single, possessed of a hefty fortune, well-dressed,” —she eyed him up and down—“and we’ve already established that you’re handsome, though I hate to repeat it, as I’m certain it’ll go to your head.”
“Too late,” David replied with a grin. “Though I had no idea I was considered a rival to Lord Murdock.”
“You aren’t,” she clarified, “yet. But by the time Mama and I have completed your lessons, you will be.”
Was it David’s imagination or did she wink at him? The truth was, he wasn’t at all certain hewantedto be a contender for most eligible bachelor in London. Though he supposed it was better than being the opposite. A sort of male wallflower. Was there a name for that? He was about to ask Lady Annabelle when she cleared her throat.
