Page 24 of The Study of Seduction
“As you do mine. But when it’s done before an audience, it takes on a different tone. It’s less like a ‘merry war,’ to use Shakespeare’s term, than a personal attack. While it may have entertained them, it’s something a boorish clod would do—and I’m trying to learn not to behave like one.”
That showed more insight into personal relations than Clarissa expected. “You’re being too hard on yourself.” When his gaze warmed, she felt a strange panic. Edwin was proving far more appealing than she’d realized. Hastily, she added, “Besides, I’m used to your boorish ways.”
“Ah.” But he smiled. He wasn’t taken in. “Used to them or not, you know I must learn to alter them for the nonce. So let me make sure I understand the strategy: I can say cutting things as long as they’re directed at other than the ladies I wish to impress.”
“Exactly.”
“I shall never understand women.” Though they could see everyone milling about the garden, eating and drinking a few yards from them, inside the museum it was deserted. Somehow being on this side of the threshold gave the illusion that they were private, although all it would take was for someone to veer close to the doorway to hear them.
As if he realized that, he lowered his voice. “At least I don’t have to blather a lot of ridiculous compliments.”
“Of course you do. You need both—wit to demonstrate your intelligence, and compliments to demonstrate your amiability.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, that makes no sense.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I have no interest in courting those silly chits. Well, perhaps Miss Trevor would suit, if she didn’t have such poor taste in clothes. But as for the rest, I’d rather die a bachelor than marry one of them. So why bother complimenting them?”
“It’s preciselybecauseyou have no interest in them that they’re perfect for you to practice upon. You have nothing to lose.”
“And nothing to gain, either.”
“I tell you what. If you can offer one genuine compliment to each of our four companions before we leave, I shall give you a reward.”
Interest sparked in his eyes. “What sort of reward? And please tell me it won’t be a dance.”
She laughed. “I shall let you choose. Whatever you wish.”
“All right.” Did she imagine it or had his breath suddenly quickened? He jerked his gaze from her. “So, a reward.” He imbued the last word with such meaning that it sent a quiver of anticipation through her.
Good Lord. Perhaps she shouldn’t have given him carte blanche so recklessly.
No, Edwin would never abuse the privilege by asking for something . . . rakish. He wouldn’t.
But you wish he would.
Her cheeks heated. Certainly not. That was ridiculous.
“You’re blushing, minx,” he said under his breath.
Now it wasn’t just her cheeks heating but other parts of her. It had been years since that happened. Yet in the past four days, she’d felt that cursed melting warmth in her belly more and more frequently. If the man weren’t so infuriating, she might actually think she was coming to like him.
It simply wouldn’t do. “You’re stalling. You still have to give four compliments, you know. Or lose your reward.”
He eyed her steadily. “Very well. Let’s get this over with.”
Before she could protest that he was missing the point, he stalked out into the garden and up to Lady Anne. “That is the most interesting hat I have ever seen,” he said bluntly.
Clarissa choked back a frustrated laugh. Edwin could be so direct.
Fortunately, Lady Anne took “interesting” as a compliment. “Do you think so? It’s my favorite.” Beaming at him, the young lady affectionately patted the bonnet that resembled a platter of moldy fruit and began to wax eloquent about hats.
He endured her soliloquy for several moments before saying, “Excuse me, I forgot I needed to speak to Lady Maribella about a matter of some importance.” After bowing to Lady Anne, he shot Clarissa a cheeky grin as he strolled over to Lady Maribella and Lady Jane, who stood next to the refreshments table.
Clarissa glared at him, which didn’t seem to faze him one bit. Determined to hear what he said, she sidled over to pick up a glass of negus, as if that had been her sole purpose in approaching the table. Did Edwin really mean to fire his compliments at his targets in rapid succession just to obtain a reward?
Ooh, that was so like him. He disliked small talk.
