“And those are?”
“For one thing, a good mistress doesn’t complain about neglect from her patron if he visits her infrequently.”
“Her time is at his disposal, you mean?”
“Yes. And she doesn’t overspend her allowance, running up huge bills at the modiste and milliner, or press him for more jewels.”
Roslyn nodded thoughtfully. “It seems entirely reasonable that a patron wouldn’t appreciate extravagance.”
“Yes, and if he chooses to give her gifts, they should be at his discretion.”
“In other words, if she wants him to lavish gifts on her, she should make his generosity seem like his own idea.”
Arden’s mouth curved at her teasing remark. “Just so. And she should want him for himself, not his wealth-or at least give the appearance of it.”
Not replying, Roslyn cast a sideways glance at the duke. He seemed to have a great deal of experience being pursued for his wealth. It was obviously a sore point with him, much the way her appearance was with her. She had no doubt he was seen as a great prize, yet she knew very well his attractions were due to more than his fortune or his exalted title. In looks alone, he was far superior to other noblemen.
Against her will, she found her gaze lingering on him. His fair hair glimmered amber in the sunlight, while his features held an austere masculine beauty.
Admittedly, she herself felt a fierce attraction toward him, despite her determination never to be swayed by appearance. Yet she had discovered there was much more to Arden than met the eye. Despite his aristocratic elegance, he had a commanding look, a virile vital energy that suggested he was a man of substance. And his exhilarating charm and stimulating wit kept her on her toes-
Roslyn shook herself as they reached the folly, a small, circular edifice built of gleaming white marble resembling a Grecian temple. The folly had no walls, merely a roof supported by thick columns, while the open interior was adorned by marble statues and supplied with benches. She mounted the three steps and settled on one of the benches. Arden followed her inside but remained standing.
“What else does a successful mistress do?” she asked, determined to ignore his appeal.
“From what I’ve witnessed, she makes her patron the sole focus of her attention. She should occasionally flatter him and express admiration-but again, she must seem to be sincere. And she should at least appear to listen to what he says.”
Roslyn lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “So she should compliment and admire him and hang on his every word, even if she finds little admirable about him and nothing interesting in his conversation?”
“Even so,” Arden replied, his own tone edged with humor. “And as I said last night, she should see to his physical comfort and pleasure.”
Roslyn couldn’t help blushing a little. “We needn’t go into detail about the carnal side of an affair, your grace. I will take your word for it.”
Arden’s eyes gleamed. “Your modesty is showing, love.”
“I expect it is. It is a curse to have a complexion that displays embarrassment so easily.”
“Then suffice it to say, she must leave him physically satisfied. But she should also keep the relationship purely on a physical level. A good mistress doesn’t become overamorous or let her affections become engaged. She never lets emotion get in the way of a business transaction, and she certainly never expects love to be the outcome.”
Roslyn couldn’t help but smile as she contemplated the duke. “I can clearly see that
“True, but a mistress is making a contract for services rendered.”
“I understand. As you said last night, you want your lover to be undemanding.”
“But the reverse is also true. Fidelity is crucial. The worst offense she could make is to let her attention stray to another man while under his protection. She must have eyes only for him…which leads me to my first lesson. In order to begin a dalliance with Haviland, you need to learn how to conduct a subtle flirtation.”
“So how do I manage that?”
“I intend to teach you. The surest way to kindle his interest is to speak to him with your eyes.”
“My eyes?” She shook her head in amusement.
“You can communicate a great deal with just a glance.”
“Such as?”
“Such as the fact that you are interested in him, that you find him appealing. Gaze at him a long moment. Flutter your eyelashes at him a little.”
“How fascinating.”
The duke ignored her impudence. “And then there is your mouth.”
“I cannot wait to hear this one,” she remarked dryly.
“This is gravely important, darling,” Arden chided, his tone laced with mocking amusement. “If you mean to ridicule every suggestion I make-”
“No, please…my apologies. Do proceed.” Roslyn disciplined her expression to soberness, even though it was hard.
“As I was saying, you need to draw his attention to your mouth. Purse your lips into a pout… Subtly touch your fan to your lips, that sort of thing. Just make it provocative.”
Roslyn laughed out loud at that. “I am sorry, but I find it hard to credit that a man with any claim to intelligence would fall for batting eyelashes and pouting lips.”
Arden gave her a stern look. “Do you want me to continue or not?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then behave yourself, Beauty. Now show me a pout.”
Roslyn tried to comply. She pursed her lips into a moue while glancing up at him through her lowered eyelashes. Arden responded by dropping his gaze to her mouth…which was precisely what was supposed to happen. But then she spoiled the effect when she couldn’t hold the pose; unable to keep a straight face, she broke into laughter again. It was all too absurd.
“This may be impossible,” she finally said when her laughter subsided.
Arden didn’t scold her as she expected. Instead he regarded her with a tolerant look, clearly amused to watch her efforts. “Hopefully you will get better with practice.”
“Perhaps I should forget all about this.”
“Are you giving up so easily, sweetheart? I never would have supposed you to be a quitter.”
Roslyn lifted her chin at his challenge, no doubt as he intended. “Of course I am not a quitter. But I just find it hard to believe this will work.”
“You don’t have to take my word for it. You can apply to Eleanor for confirmation. She is two years younger than you but has far more experience with the courting game. You are a mere babe compared to her.”
She didn’t know Marcus’s sister well enough to quiz her on such a delicate topic. “I think perhaps I had best rely on Fanny.”
“But I am available now.” Leaning back against a column, Arden crossed his arms. “You need to try again with me before you have to face Haviland this afternoon. I will be your test subject.”
“Really, this isn’t necessary, your grace. I have already put you to enough trouble.”
“You wanted to learn how to seduce a man, didn’t you?”
“Yes, but-”
“Then do it. Stand up, angel. Pretend I have walked into a room and spied you. What is the first thing you do?”
Roslyn brought her hands up to her suddenly flushed cheeks. “I haven’t the faintest idea.”
“Have you observed your pupil, Miss Newstead? Mimic her actions.”
She could do that much, Roslyn thought, recalling how Sybil Newstead had tried to catch the duke’s attention last night at the wedding ball.
