Eloquence nodded right away — "I quite agree". The gentleman in question was no loss at all, and in fact his love of younger things (which she supposed was both aesthetic and due to their being more easily molded) was more concerning than anything else. "Though my pride may have been a little wounded at first, I was more than satisfied in unraveling his lie — and warning other ladies of it", Eloquence added with satisfaction. She'd wager that gentleman had not been able to get a dance in quite some time.

"I don't suppose you've ever been declined a dance, Mr Lytton?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her as usual. Her tone was playful, but she was careful to keep it from flirtation.

Meanwhile, Shaw the lady's maid had to stifle a scoff. She couldn't even begin to imagine that dreamy Mr Lytton might ever be turned down.