Page 45 of The Wedding-Crashing Duchess

“It shows that I wish to know your answer.”

The directness of his reply unsettled her more than she expected, and she looked down at the pale green silk of her gown before answering.

“Blue,” Augusta said. “Not the pale sort that nearly becomes grey, and not the bright shade one sees in ribbons intended for children, but a deep blue, like the sky when evening has only just begun, and there is still enough light to see the shape of everything.”

Ronan remained quiet for a moment.

“That was a much longer answer than mine,” he observed.

“My answer had thought behind it.”

“My preference does not become less sincere merely because I expressed it efficiently.”

“It becomes less interesting.”

“You did not ask for an interesting answer.”

Augusta shook her head.

“You take the pleasure out of simple things with extraordinary skill.”

“And yet you proposed the game.”

“I remain hopeful that you may improve.”

Ronan’s gaze lingered on her face, and although his expression remained composed, Augusta sensed that he was amused.

“Ask your next question,” he said.

Augusta considered him for a moment.

“What is your favourite food?”

“Roast beef.”

She waited.

Ronan raised one brow. “Have I failed again?”

“You might explain why.”

“I like the taste.”

“That cannot be the entire answer.”

“It is food, Augusta. The taste is generally the relevant quality.”

“You must have some memory connected to it, or some particular way you prefer it served, or perhaps it was something you ate as a child when your father returned from travelling.”

Ronan’s expression changed slightly at the mention of his father, although his voice remained even.

“It was served on Sundays when I was young,” he said. “My father insisted that we dine together whenever he was at Ravenhill, even when his work kept him occupied for the rest of the week, and roast beef was usually served. I suppose I became accustomed to associating it with the whole family being present.”

Augusta’s teasing faded.

“That is a proper answer,” she said.

“It is a longer answer.”