“And it would be my pleasure,” Ann said, turning to Stephan, “to converse with you on any topic you choose, my lord.”
Stephan’s eyebrows rose. “I will have to give that some thought, Lady Ann.”
Ann smiled, looking like a cat who’d found the creamery. “Please do.”
Caroline thought she saw a glint of amusement in Lord Kendrick’s eyes as she collected the girl and they left. Strangely enough, she didn’t see anything funny.
…
“So what is this topic of conversation we were having?” Brice asked Caroline later in the day when he found her in the library.
Caroline closed the book she’d been using as a decoy in case anyone happened into the room. Normally, this would be tea-time, but since the house party had not officially begun and lunch had been served late, many of the ladies had retired to their rooms to rest before the evening meal. “I hoped you would understand that I was here in the library.”
Brice flopped in the chair across from her and wiggled his eyebrows. “The not-so-subtle hint about a book I recommended gave it away. I do not think I have ever recommended such a thing in my life.”
“I was hoping you would think that way.”
He pointed to the book she’d closed. “Was that my recommendation?”
Caroline glanced at the title she’d selected at random.Le Morte D’Arthur. “Hardly.” She held up the book. “Unless you have decided to switch from rake to knight.”
Brice feigned a hurt expression. “Are you saying I could not act like Sir Galahad if I wanted to?”
Caroline laughed. “That particular knight was pure of heart. I think it is a little late for that.”
“Yes, well. Keeping that armor shiny is a lot of work.” Brice shrugged. “The man probably did not even know how to have a good time.”
“By which I assume you mean having women warm your bed?”
Brice grinned. “That is certainly something I consider a good time.”
Caroline took a deep breath. “It is something I also want you to curtail.”
His grin vanished, and he stared at her. “Did you find a decanter of brandy somewhere and imbibe? Or perhaps you hit your head on something?”
“Neither.”
He gave her a concerned look. “You have taken leave of your senses, then.”
“Not really,” Caroline replied and then rushed on. “It would only be for the duration of this house party.”
He frowned. “Why in the world would I want to do that when all these ladies will be bringing their lovely young maids with them? The daily selection of a different partner will be a veritable feast.”
Caroline looked heavenward. “Too much feasting makes a man portly.”
The frown was replaced with a grin. “Quite the opposite. I tend to be rather vigorous in that pursuit.”
“Spare me those details.” Caroline held up a hand. “All I am asking is that you pay me court the next two weeks or so.”
“What?” Brice blinked. “If you want that, perhaps youshouldhear the details—”
“No!” Caroline interrupted and then took another deep breath. “What I am asking is that youpretendto be my suitor and challenge Lord Tisdale for my hand.”
“The earl is a notoriously bad shot,” Brice replied. “But I hardly think Prinny will approve my calling the man out and have his blood splattered on the lawn.”
“Are you being deliberately obtuse?” Caroline asked. “I am not talking about a duel. All I want you to say is that over the time our friendship has developed, so has your affection, and you now realize you do not want me to marry another man.”
Brice’s eyes widened. “By God, youdowant me to act like Sir Galahad!”
