It was clear as he spoke that he was being as harassed into this as she was - just as she was - she was sure the renovation of his family home had been the red flag going up to every mother of every single woman in England. May God go with him, because none of his friends would! When it came to fending off the mothers of debutantes...he would be rather on his own.

In response to his query as to how she was finding the off season, 'Full of teas with gentleman who have trapped into banale conversations with young ladies' Vera smiled conspiratorially and lifted her tea cup, taking a sip, feigning innocence. That at -least was the awkward tension broken. 'Don't worry I'll tell all the mothers that you are appropriately dashing and all the young ladies that you were the height of wit. This was delivered with smiling eyes over the top of her tea cup. 'Unless you wish for peace from the machinations of the ton in which case I'll tell all you were a terrible bore - you can let me know which you prefer.'

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