Page 75 of His Scandal
“Just don’t look away, Max,” Alex said.
“What if the women looks away first?” Maxwell asked.
“Then use the tone of your voice and your compliments to woo her attention. Practice the things you’ll say. Ask her what she enjoys. Don’t brag about yourself, unless she asks you first. Now, would you like to practice on Emmeline?”
Maxwell wiped a hand across his face and gave a tired sigh. “Before I make a fool of myself, I think I need to practice in private. Thank you for your help, Alex.”
“That can’t be all,” she said quickly. “Aren’t there more things to tell Maxwell about?”
“I did have a few others in mind,” Alex said.
“Then could we meet another time?” Maxwell asked. “I have an appointment with a vintner who wishes to sample my wine.”
Emmeline handed him his hat and gloves. “If we meet two days from now, will that give you enough time?”
She almost felt sorry for him as he sighed—but not quite. She was doing this forhisbenefit, after all.
“Lady Emmeline, you have been too kind. I cannot ask—”
“But you can, and I insist. Noon again, on Monday? Our cook will make another wonderful dinner.”
He finally smiled at her. “You are persuasive, my lady. I shall be here.” He turned to look at Alex. “And thank you for playing the tutor so well. Would you care to ride into town with me?”
To Emmeline’s surprise, Alex shook his head. “No, I have to discuss our next lessons with my assistant. A good day to you.”
Maxwell gave Alex a speculative look, nodded politely to Emmeline, and left the room. She kept her back to Alex, wishing she could have begged Maxwell to stay. But then she would have had to admit she didn’t want to be alone with Alex.
