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resulted in an unfortunate wayward tendency.
    However, Lord Hathaway believed that by bringing the proper guidance and a firm hand to the matter, a gentleman could soon persuade Lady Caroline to a recognition of her faults, which would subsequently lead to her complete rehabilitation. Since Lord Hathaway was equally convinced that he was possessed of considerable powers of persuasion, he had every faith in himself as being the gentleman best qualified to take on the task of Lady Caroline’s gentle reeducation.
    Unfortunately, Lady Caroline had failed to recognize the same indisputable fact. She had consistently turned aside his measured proposals for her hand. However, her rejections were always couched in the friendliest of language, and Lord Hathaway dared to think that she was not as indifferent to the rightness of his offers as she would like him to believe. In turn, he was most civil in receiving her dear opinions of the matter, yet always ready to trundle forth whatever counterargument seemed most appropriate. Their exchanges therefore did not satisfy his lordship, but neither did they deter him.
    Now, as Lord Hathaway made his bows, he alluded to the crux of their long-standing cordial disagreement. “My lady, you are as stunning as ever. You must know it is still my hope that I may one day be gratified to have you at my side as my beautiful lady wife.”
    Lady Caroline, who had held out her hand to his lordship upon his entering the drawing room, deliberately disengaged her fingers from his grasp. With a light laugh she said, “My answer is still the same, my lord. We shall continue better just as we are, as comfortable acquaintances. Pray be seated, Lord Hathaway. You must not stand on such ceremony with me, you know.”
    Lord Hathaway bowed slightly before he lifted his coat-tails and seated himself on the settee beside his hostess. “You are always most gracious, Lady Caroline. I have always held the opinion that it is one of your best qualities.”
    Lady Caroline acknowledged the compliment with only a wry smile. “I am sorry my aunt is not present at the moment, for I know that you are quite a favorite with her.’’
    At once Lord Hathaway blew out his cheeks in a fashion designed to show the proper concern. He prided himself on his correctness at such times, though in this particular instance his solicitude was sincerely engaged. “I trust Mrs. Burlington has not taken ill? Such an estimable woman. One does not like to see such worthiness of character suffer.”
    As his lordship was speaking, the butler quietly entered carrying the tea tray. Simpson was followed by a footman who brought in the tea urn. The butler remained to offer a selection of biscuits and cakes on a salver in turn to Lady Caroline and Lord Hathaway.
    Lady Caroline shook her head. “No, indeed. My aunt was finishing her correspondence when your name was announced. I am certain she will join us ere long.” She declined the biscuits and cake quietly, saying that she preferred simply to take tea.
    Lord Hathaway chose several biscuits, his penchant for sweets a healthy one. As he made his last selection, he said with an attempt at heavy humor, “Then certainly I must seize these few unchaperoned moments in order to persuade you to the advantages of my suit, my lady.”
    Lady Caroline choked on a laugh, Lord Hathaway’s uncharacteristic and exaggerated archness of expression having taken her by surprise. She quickly recovered, but her eyes continued to gleam. She poured tea for Lord Hathaway and gave it to him before filling her own cup. “Indeed, sir! I am, however, already well-versed in the advantages you speak of. You have labored mightily these last months to perfect my understanding of just those same advantages, after all. But I fear that despite your labors I shall continue to decline the honor you wish to bestow upon me.”
    Lord Hathaway smiled in his turn. He held up an index finger. “Ah! But I may yet surprise you this