“Has Fanny any advice other than what I suggested?”
“There are several ideas regarding the woman’s behavior. For one thing, she suggests being a little mysterious. ‘If you have secrets,’” Roslyn quoted, “‘he will be eager to ferret them out.’”
“What sort of secrets?”
“She doesn’t say. But I suspect she would agree with you-that honesty and frankness are not the best policy.”
Arden nodded. “What else?”
“‘There are times when she should remain a little elusive. She should make him pursue her in order to spark his interest. Under no circumstance should she appear to chase him.’”
“I agree. Even if you are chasing him, you cannot let him know it, since that’s the fastest way to drive him away. Pray continue.”
“‘Sometimes,’” Roslyn read, “‘you should make him wait for your favors, to rouse his…’ never mind.”
“Rouse his what?” he prodded.
“‘His lust to a fever pitch,’” Roslyn said hurriedly. Knowing Arden’s eyes would be gleaming with laughter, she carefully avoided his gaze as she moved on to the next item. “‘Strive to be unforgettable. Be different from anyone he has pursued before. The trick is to make him think of you frequently, to yearn to be with you and only you.’”
“That seems excellent advice,” Arden observed.
“Yes,” she replied, perusing the last page.
When she folded the list and returned it to her pocket, he raised an eyebrow. “Is that all?”
Roslyn felt her face warm. “No, but the rest has to do with physical aspects of attracting a gentleman’s ardor.”
“I should very much like to read it,” he said innocently.
She gave him a sharp glance. “No doubt you would, but it is too risque for me to discuss with you.”
“Your modesty is showing again, fair charmer.”
She ignored the endearment, just as she ignored his provocative tone. “The question is, how do I apply Fanny’s advice in my dealings with Lord Haviland? Her suggestions all seem rather abstract.”
“True, but you are getting ahead of yourself.”
“What do you mean?”
“You cannot overlook the physical aspect of seduction. It is much too important.”
Vexingly, Roslyn felt her blush increase. “I don’t intend to ignore it, your grace. I merely would rather discuss such details with Fanny.”
“You should call me Drew. If I am to be your tutor, we can dispense with the formalities.”
Certain she didn’t want to be on such intimate terms with him, Roslyn shook her head. “Thank you, but the formalities will do perfectly well.”
“As you wish,” he said amiably, but then he held out his hand. “Come here, sweetheart.”
Giving him a wary glance, she hesitated. “Why?”
“Because I mean to give you your next lesson.”
Suddenly recalling their situation, Roslyn checked the clock on the mantel. “I doubt I have time for another lesson. My appointment with Lord Haviland is set for eleven.”
“We have plenty of time for this. You are only going next door. Now come here.”
His charming smile did nothing to reassure her, but she obeyed, albeit reluctantly. Rising, Roslyn moved to sit beside him on the sofa, holding her spine stiff.