“As to that, we should resume our lessons. We don’t have many more days before the Talbots’ ball.”
“Yes.” David nodded. No doubt asking about male wallflowers would only result in him making yet anotherfaux pas. “Now, where were we? I believe you were reciting an extremely long list of things that a gentleman must remember. Tell me, what are ladies supposed to be doing?”
Lady Annabelle smiled and fluttered her lashes at him. “Oh, there are even more rules for ladies, I assure you.”
“Such as?” He lifted his brows.
“Such as, we cannot cross our legs. We cannot lift our skirts above the ankles. We cannot fail to acknowledge someone, unless we are purposely giving them the cut direct.”
“It all sounds extremely tiring. And boring, if I’m honest.”
Lady Annabelle gave him a conspiratorial smile. “Can I tell you a secret, Lord Elmwood?”
He leaned toward her. “Of course.”
“I find it boring and tiring, too.”
“What’s this?” he asked with a smile. “The most popular debutante and the most novice earl have something in common? How can that be?”
She laughed and slapped playfully at his sleeve. “It’s not such an outlandish turn of events, my lord. After all, I do hope that eventually you’ll consider me a friend.”
“A friend?” He arched his brows again. “If we’re to be friends, I do believe we should call each other by our Christian names.”
She narrowed her eyes on him and pressed her fists to her hips. “Are you purposely using my own words against me?”
His smile grew even wider. “Why, yes, I am. Friends use each other’s Christian names, you said so yourself.”
She pursed her lips. “Very well. I suppose we’re soon to be related by marriage, also.”
“Yes. Good point. Excellent. Now that we are established friends, I feel it’s appropriate to point out that you never answered my question yesterday. Not directly at least,” he said.
She arched a brow. “Which question was that?”
“Is the reason why you’ve not chosen a husband because you’re in love with someone your brother won’t approve of?”
She laughed and shook her head. “Is that the only reason you can think of why I wouldn’t want to marry?”
“No. Not at all. In fact, I can think of a half a score of reasons. Would you like me to ask you each individually?”
“No!” She nearly jumped toward him.
He laughed. “Then tell me, why don’t you plan to marry?”
She shrugged. “Marriage has more benefits for men than women.”
He nodded slowly. “I cannot argue with that. But you are preoccupied with the rules of your social set, and it seems to me that getting married is highly valued in London Society. That is what the Season is for after all, is it not?”
“It’s precisely what it’s for,” Annabelle replied. “Which is why we must get you prepared. Now, your sister gave me a list of the types of things you want in a wife.”
David’s brows drew together sharply. “My sister?”
“Yes, I paid her a visit yesterday,” Annabelle informed him.
“You asked my sister and not me?” He pointed to himself.
She shrugged. “I am asking you now. I’m curious to see if the two sets of answers align, actually.”
He grinned and shook his head. “Heaven help me. I don’t understand females.”
