Lavinia nodded, trying to absorb his words. "I suppose you know all about what gentlemen want, Your Grace, considering your...extensive experience," she said, unable to resist the urge to tease him. "I'm sure you have had countless ladies, eager to catch your eye."
"Have I now?" he asked and raised his eyebrows.
Andrew paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her face. A mischievous glint flickered in his gaze, and without warning, he stood up and moved toward her. Lavinia felt a flutter in her chest as he stepped closer, her breath catching in her throat.
"Hold on a moment," he said. Before she could respond, he reached up and gently tugged at two loose curls in her hair, freeing them from their position and allowing them to fall down on either side of her face.
Lavinia's heart skipped a beat as she felt the soft touch of his fingers slightly brush her temple. If she didn't know any bettershe would have thought that he was trying to seduce her. She tried to suppress the wave of warmth that rushed through her, but her cheeks betrayed her, flushing pink. She quickly looked down, hoping he wouldn't notice her sudden reaction.
Andrew, however, caught the brief flicker of her expression. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he took a step back and surveyed her with approval.
"Much better," he said, with a hint of satisfaction lacing his voice. "You should wear your hair like this for balls. It compliments your eyes beautifully. Also, I will speak to a modiste to style you for the next ball in a week. Red and olive green will suit you perfectly."
"How would you know?" she questioned him.
Andrew's lips curled into a playful smirk as he leaned in slightly. "Because," he began, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "If you were dressed in red, I would be sorely tempted to approach you myself."
Lavinia could feel the heat creeping up her neck, her cheeks flushing a soft pink at his words. She quickly looked away, hoping to hide the blush.
"We'll work on your eye contact much later," he added. "But it's good to blush, Lavinia. Gentlemen love seeing a lady blush. It shows that she's engaged...interested."
Lavinia felt her pulse quicken as she tried to maintain control over her emotions. She wanted to say something to him, anything to regain the upper hand. But the words failed her, and instead, she found herself caught in his gaze. His blue eyes, so intense and unwavering, made her heart race in a way she couldn't ignore.
She quickly turned her attention to the ground, willing her thoughts to clear. This was all part of the lesson. She repeated it to herself like a mantra. Andrew wasn't interested in her. But the irritation bubbled up in her chest. The way he spoke to her with such ease, as if they'd known each other for years, grated on her nerves. He was too comfortable. Too sure of himself. Lavinia clenched her fists at her sides, trying to steady her breathing.
"Is flirting your entire personality?" she surprised herself by asking.
Andrew raised his eyebrows. "Flirting? I cannot help it if I'm naturally charming, Lavinia."
She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Charming? Is that what you call it?"
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Oh, I would call it that. But I'd say you're probably just not used to being the object of attention."
Lavinia's pulse quickened, but she masked it with a scoff. "Please, I am hardly impressed."
Andrew inhaled sharply. "You see, you say that, yet your cheeks say otherwise."
Lavinia stood up abruptly, the tension between them thickening in the air. She couldn't stand the way he made her feel, the way his words got under her skin. It was a first, and she hated the feeling.
She curtsied sharply, her movements quick and precise, though her heart still raced. "I'll take my leave now, Your Grace," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "Thank you for today's lesson."
Andrew's eyes flickered with amusement, his lips twitching into a knowing smile. "Leaving so soon, Lavinia? I was just starting to enjoy your company."
She refused to look back at him, not trusting herself to respond. Instead, she turned, walking away with as much dignity as she could muster, and praying that she didn't stumble on air.
No man had ever stirred such diverse mixed feelings in her as Andrew had managed to do in the little time they had known each other.
CHAPTER FOUR
"What's your favorite book to read, my lord?"
Lavinia stood near the center of the room, trying to maintain the poised yet natural demeanor Andrew had taught her. She felt exposed, like every eye in the room was on her, but she reminded herself that this was the goal. This was how she was supposed to be—visible, confident, engaging.
Her sacrifice was starting to pay off as the Robert, the Viscount of Grove was speaking to her.
Her red gown, a deep crimson with a flattering cut, clung just enough to her curves to show the shape of her figure, yet it wasn't overly revealing. It was elegant, with a modest neckline and flowing skirt. Her hair had been styled in delicate waves, framed around her face, with two loose curls on either side. It was a style that made her feel both refined and a little daring, in a way she wasn't used to.
"Hm...my favorite book," Lord Grove mumbled, staring at the ceiling.
