“I am saying nothing of the sort!” the Duke answered quickly. “I am merely saying that tonight is too soon and too obvious, and I would like to get to know Claribel a little better before I consider she is really good enough for you.”
“Good enough for me?” the Viscount echoed in astonishment. “But she is the most beautiful girl in London!”
“And you, in a great many people’s estimation, are the most handsome and certainly the best-dressed young man!”
The Duke was not looking at his Ward as he spoke, but was aware that he was preening himself.
He thought it a mistake to ‘over egg the pudding’ and added quickly, “As it will undoubtedly take time to tie your cravat to perfection, I suggest you go and dress. You must not be late for dinner.”
The Viscount gave a little exclamation of horror
