Page 11 of When the Viscount Seduces
“You must have a large library.”
“My father let me have a portion of the one at home in Bristol. This is my first time in London, and my books are stacked in a trunk unfortunately. Papa has assured me he will buy a bookcase for my bedchamber.”
“Miss Price, I hope you won’t think me too forward, but do you speak to all gentlemen in this manner?” He glanced at her and saw her brow furrow.
“I think so.” She didn’t sound entirely certain. “Am I doing something wrong?”
Lazarus chose his words carefully. He didn’t want her to feel badly. “Not wrong, exactly, but discussing plans for your bedchamber is perhaps not the best course of conversation, nor is your passion for books. At least not on a first promenade.”
She turned her head toward him, her eyes wide. “I didn’t realize I was supposed to be behaving in a specific manner with you. That is, you aren’t an actual suitor.”
She was right that he wasn’t, nor had he set any expectations or requirements for their walk today. He probably ought to have done the latter. “You are correct, but perhaps we should practice how you speak with potential suitors. Unless you really are conversing with me in an entirely different way and already know what not to say.”
“Er, no.” Pink flagged her cheeks. “I’m sure I’ve mentioned the plan for a bookcase in my bedchamber and how I spend my entire purse on books.” She exhaled. “What gentleman will want a wife who spends his money on books?”
“A smart man will realize you won’t do that. You didn’t say you’ve a pile of IOUs scattered about Paternoster Row.”
Miss Price laughed. “I do not. Would they even allow a young lady such as me to offer an IOU?”
“I can’t imagine they would.” He narrowed one eye at her. “I haven’t given you any ideas, have I?”
“Not at all. I am not foolish enough to spend money I don’t have. My father prides himself on his economy and financial prowess.” She lowered her voice. “He has actually amassed a fair amount of wealth for a second son. Honestly, I thought that alone would encourage suitors, but I don’t think his prosperity is well known. I believe my father prefers that anyway.”
Now it was Lazarus’s turn to laugh. “That is not something you ought to share either, particularly if your father doesn’t like people knowing.”
She sent him an apologetic glance. “You are exceedingly easy to talk to. I feel as if I could reveal anything.”
“This is entirely my fault,” he said. “We did not set any rules. First, anything you say to me will be kept between us.”
Miss Price nodded. “The same for me, especially regarding your half of our arrangement.”
“That is comforting to know,” he said softly with a faint smile. “Second, let us set specific times when you will behave as you ought with a potential suitor. Perhaps that should be whenever we are together except for our meetings at the Droxfords.”
She was slow to respond. “For the rest of our promenade, I will endeavor to do that. Why does that make me suddenly nervous?”
“Don’t be.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have any trouble charming people or moving with grace and ease.” She spoke lightly, but he detected her underlying concern.
“You have many wonderful qualities. I only meant that I don’t want you to feel nervous with me. Ever. Can you do that?” He met her gaze, and she nodded. “Excellent. I am here to help. Let us start with appropriate topics of conversation.”
She tightened her grip on his arm, sending a jolt of awareness through him. “Please say I can talk about books.”
“It depends.” He worked to focus on her tutelage, not his body’s vexing response to hers. “I would not discuss romantic novels, if those interest you.”
“They do indeed, but so do mysteries and biographies. I like any book that tells a good story.”
“No poetry or scientific treatises for you?”
“Oh yes, both of those things can also tell a good story. My father’s library includes several writings by the scientist Edmond Halley. I adore reading his work. And poetry nearly always tells a story.”
Lazarus felt a bit of heat rise in his own face. Today was supposed to be about her, but she’d reminded him how little he knew about literature. “I haven’t read any of those things,” he said quietly, eager to return to helping her instead of thinking of his inadequacies.
“My apologies,” she whispered. “You will love Halley’s writing, particularly about the comet. I promise we’ll read it. Should I just avoid discussing books?”
Relieved that she’d diverted the conversation back to her, he replied, “I don’t think so. Just be measured about it and pay attention to your companion’s engagement. If he is interested in pursuing the topic, then by all means, go on. However, if he becomes glassy-eyed or attempts to change the subject, I recommend abandoning the conversation.”
“The entire conversation? I can excuse myself?” She sounded almost giddy. “Because I can’t see myself in a courtship with someone who isn’t interested in books or reading.”
