Lady Annabelle nodded approvingly. “A gentleman should always bow to a lady before leaving, rather than simply walking way.”
“Yes, Lady Courtney already taught me that one,” David admitted, clearing his throat. “What else?”
“Let’s see. Handshakes are permitted between men, but only if they are of equal class.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“I didn’t make the rules. I am merely imparting them.”
Another eyeroll. “Very well. What else?”
“A gentleman always waits for a lady to acknowledge him first with a curtsy and then he may tip his hat. But he must use the hand furthest from her.”
David frowned. “What sense does that make?”
Her only answer was to arch a brow at him.
“Fine. Go on.”
“It’s considered ill-mannered to introduce yourself to someone. You must wait to be formally introduced by someone else. Especially if the person is of higher rank.”
“How am I supposed to know who is of higher rank?”
“That will come in due time when we study Debrett’s.”
“Oh, God. What does that mean?”
She looked at him as if he’d taken leave of his senses. “Debrett's Peerage of England, Scotland, and Ireland? It’s a book.”
“And?” he prompted.
“It’s a famous book. It lists all the peers, their titles, their marriages, their offspring. It’s essential reading for anyone who aspires to be a part of London Society.”
He crinkled his nose. “Aspires is far too strong a word. Perhaps I can skim it.”
“Nonsense. Mama shall read it aloud. And we’ll drill the names into your head.”
David sighed. “I suppose that will help me not make a fool of myself the next time your brother takes me to the club.”
“Oh, yes. All of the members of White’s will be listed in Debrett’s, you may count on it.”
“Good, then I’ll get to know all about Lord Murdock and his cronies.”
“Murdock?” Apprehension skittered across her features. “You met Lord Murdock?”
“Yes, and I can’t say it was a particular pleasure.”
“He’s currently considered the most eligible bachelor in London at the moment, you know?”
“Really? Is he?” The most eligible bachelor placing bets on the most unattainable debutante. David didn’t like what he was hearing. “What makes him so ‘eligible’?”
“Well, Lord Worthington and Beau were the two most eligible,” Lady Annabelle replied with a smile. “But now that they are both betrothed, Lord Murdock is the most eligible.”
“Eligibility having everything to do with loftiest title, I suppose?” David drawled.
Lady Annabelle nodded. “Yes, of course, but it’s not just a title. It’s also his family, his fortune, his wardrobe, and the fact that he’s handsome.”
“Is he handsome?” David nearly sneered. “I hadn’t noticed.” Murdock was detestable, and if he wasn’t currently doing his best to be such a gentleman, David could tell Lady Annabelle precisely why he thought so.
“Don’t worry,” Lady Annabelle replied with a bright smile. “I have it on the best authority that there is another gentleman who just might rival Lord Murdock for most eligible this year.”
“Who?” David asked, tugging nonchalantly at his cuff. It was all a lot of nonsense, at any rate. He wished for the hundredth time that he wasn’t required to give a damn about any of this.
“You!” Lady Annabelle replied with a laugh.
David froze. “Me?” He pointed to himself. “Rival Murdock?”
“You’re an earl, aren’t you? Single, possessed of a hefty fortune, well-dressed,” —she eyed him up and down—“and we’ve already established that you’re handsome, though I hate to repeat it, as I’m certain it’ll go to your head.”
“Too late,” David replied with a grin. “Though I had no idea I was considered a rival to Lord Murdock.”
“You aren’t,” she clarified, “yet. But by the time Mama and I have completed your lessons, you will be.”
Was it David’s imagination or did she wink at him? The truth was, he wasn’t at all certain he wanted to be a contender for most eligible bachelor in London. Though he supposed it was better than being the opposite. A sort of male wallflower. Was there a name for that? He was about to ask Lady Annabelle when she cleared her throat.
“As to that, we should resume our lessons. We don’t have many more days before the Talbots’ ball.”
“Yes.” David nodded. No doubt asking about male wallflowers would only result in him making yet another faux pas. “Now, where were we? I believe you were reciting an extremely long list of things that a gentleman must remember. Tell me, what are ladies supposed to be doing?”
Lady Annabelle smiled and fluttered her lashes at him. “Oh, there are even more rules for ladies, I assure you.”
“Such as?” He lifted his brows.
“Such as, we cannot cross our legs. We cannot lift our skirts above the ankles. We cannot fail to acknowledge someone, unless we are purposely giving them the cut direct.”
“It all sounds extremely tiring. And boring, if I’m honest.”
Lady Annabelle gave him a conspiratorial smile. “Can I tell you a secret, Lord Elmwood?”
He leaned toward her. “Of course.”
“I find it boring and tiring, too.”
“What’s this?” he asked with a smile. “The most popular debutante and the most novice earl have something in common? How can that be?”
She laughed and slapped playfully at his sleeve. “It’s not such an outlandish turn of events, my lord. After all, I do hope that eventually you’ll consider me a friend.”
“A friend?” He arched his brows again. “If we’re to be friends, I do believe we should call each other by our Christian names.”
She narrowed her eyes on him and pressed her fists to her hips. “Are you purposely using my own words against me?”
His smile grew even wider. “Why, yes, I am. Friends use each other’s Christian names, you said so yourself.”
She pursed her lips. “Very well. I suppose we’re soon to be related by marriage, also.”
“Yes. Good point. Excellent. Now that we are established friends, I feel it’s appropriate to point out that you never answered my question yesterday. Not directly at least,” he said.
She arched a brow. “Which question was that?”
“Is the reason why you’ve not chosen a husband because you’re in love with someone your brother won’t approve of?”
She laughed and shook her head. “Is that the only reason you can think of why I wouldn’t want to marry?”
“No. Not at all. In fact, I can think of a half a score of reasons. Would you like me to ask you each individually?”
“No!” She nearly jumped toward him.
He laughed. “Then tell me, why don’t you plan to marry?”
She shrugged. “Marriage has more benefits for men than women.”