To Romance a Charming Rogue (Courtship Wars)

Damon laughed softly as he settled on the sofa beside Eleanor. “Or anyone who fails to bow to her notion of proper behavior or grovel suitably before society's dictators. It amazes me that she tolerated our betrothal at all.”

“Your title and fortune were significant points in your favor,” Eleanor said dryly.

“But now they cannot compensate for my faults.”

“No, they cannot. She wants me to have nothing more to do with you. My aunt believes a lady can never be too careful of her reputation.”

“And you mean to be the good niece and do exactly as she decrees.”

“Precisely.”

Damon shook his head sadly. “I thought better of your revolutionary spirit, Elle. As long as we are speaking of what is proper, however… I suppose I should pay my respects to Lady Beldon.”

“She would not welcome it after what happened between us,” Eleanor pointed out.

“I take it she will never forgive me?”

“I sincerely doubt it.”

“And you, Elle?” His voice dropped a register while his dark eyes searched her face. “Will you forgive me?”

Eleanor swallowed against the sudden ache in her throat. “I believe I mentioned, Lord Wrexham, I have put that unpleasant incident from my mind. I scarcely think about our betrothal, or you for that matter.”

“I thought of you often while I was away,” he said in a low voice.

She was about to remonstrate with him when his eye was drawn to Fanny's book lying beside her. Damon reached for it before she could think to stop him.

His eyebrows shot up as he recited the title aloud. “Advice to Young Ladies on Capturing a Husband. Are you actually reading this?”

“Yes, I am,” Eleanor replied, feeling her cheeks turning red.

She tried to snatch the book from him, but Damon held it away until she gave up.

His eyebrows remained high as he thumbed through the pages. And his handsome mouth curved in a small grin when he came to one passage. “ ‘Offer him subtle flattery,’ ” Damon quoted, “ ‘that holds at least a grain of truth. Exaggerate his pleasant attributes, ignore the rest.’ ” He raised his gaze to Eleanor. “I suppose that is wise advice, but I would never have expected you to stoop so low.”

Her flush deepened at his ribbing. “I am hardly stooping by following an author's practical guidance.”

“You are honest and forthright, not coy and deceptive. This goes against your very nature, using an instruction manual to try to ensnare a husband.”

“There is nothing deceptive about it! It is merely applying an understanding of the male temperament.”

“Can you not succeed in capturing a man on your own?” Damon asked, his eyes dancing.

“Of course I could,” Eleanor retorted. “But I do not want just any husband. I want one who loves me, and this book may help me win his affection.”

Damon's amusement suddenly faded. “Have you set your sights on Lazzara, then?”

“What if I have? A union between us would be unexceptional.”

“You would make an admirable princess, I'll grant you that. You were born to the role.”

Hearing his dubious tone, Eleanor narrowed her gaze. “But you don't think I could bring the prince up to scratch?”

“Of course he will be drawn to you. You are lively, warm, passionate. Everyone adores you. And certainly he will appreciate your beauty and wit.”

“You needn't try to flatter me,” she replied irritably. “Your irresistible charm won't work on me any longer.”

“A pity,” Damon murmured. “It is not flattery, however, to say that his highness will be attracted to your fortune.”