To Bed a Beauty (Courtship Wars 2)
“So you came to critique my performance?”
“And to observe so that I could offer you pointers.” He shook his head ruefully. “I admit I was not impressed by your lackluster attempts at flirtation, darling.”
His remark provoked her even more. “How could you expect me to flirt with him with you watching my every move?”
The duke settled back in his chair. “You shouldn’t let yourself be discomfited. Conducting a dalliance under public scrutiny is all part of the game.”
Roslyn’s hands went to her hips. “It is your scrutiny that discomfits me.”
“Why? I am merely your tutor.”
Her frustration only rose. “I asked you to help me, not hinder me! Why did you even come here today?”
Arden shrugged. “Would you believe boredom? I found myself at loose ends, cooling my heels at Freemantle Park with nothing to do. And I decided that watching you with Haviland might prove entertaining.”
“So you decided to use us for your own personal amusement?” Roslyn asked dangerously.
His expression sobered. “Not entirely. The truth is I wanted to escape Lady Freemantle before I throttled her. Her enthusiasm for conversation is enough to drive a saint mad. But you are right to be annoyed with me. Pray accept my apologies.”
Somewhat mollified by his explanation, Roslyn felt her ire fading. The duke had only remained at the Park out of chivalry. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to escape Winifred.
“I understand your impatience with Lady Freemantle,” Roslyn said more softly. “She does tend to get a bit giddy when she has a captive audience. But it is because she is lonely-a widow with no children or family relations. And she has few friends in the neighborhood because of her lower-class origins.”
“But you understand why I might want to take refuge here?”
“Yes, and you are welcome here, of course.”
“Thank you, Beauty.”
She gave him another exasperated look. “I wish you would not call me that, your grace. You know my feelings on the subject of appearance. You needn’t keep reminding me of mine.”
His mouth curved. “You will have to become accustomed to an occasional endearment if you mean to become more intimate with Haviland.”
“How can I become more intimate when you won’t allow me the chance?”
“Point taken. Very well, it won’t happen again.”
“I trust not. I begin to believe I can do better on my own.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you no longer want my advice on how to win Haviland?”
Roslyn hesitated. “No, I am not saying that at all. But you needn’t be so…provoking.”
“Fair enough. Sit down so we can discuss your performance. You fell short in several areas, I’m afraid.”
Reluctantly Roslyn returned to the settee. “What was wrong with my performance?”
Clasping his fingers over his stomach, Arden surveyed her thoughtfully. “For one thing, you were too businesslike just now. You should make an effort to be more feminine with Haviland. Strive to be a little less dictatorial and managing.”
She frowned. “But Haviland seems to esteem my management skills.”
“Do you want him to see you as his majordomo or as his potential lover?”
“His lover, of course.”
“Then leave the generalship to his servant staff. For a moment or two there, you were so commanding you reminded me of my mother.”
“You have a mother?” Roslyn asked archly.