He should do very nicely,” Sophia said to Amelia and Hawksworth, who stared, slack-jawed, at her. “But I thought you said that the Duke of Calbourne was more than, that is to say,” Amelia said, casting an uncomfortable glance at her brother, “was a bit more than a girl of my years and experience could . . . manage.” “But, darling, he is not more than I can manage and I shall be with you every moment,” Sophia said, smiling into her cup. “I hope I shall be pardoned for sounding as green as grass,” Hawksworth said with an idle air, “but how does one go about interviewing dukes, Lady Dalby? I’m quite certain I’ve never heard of it being done before.” “But of course it’s been done, Lord Hawksworth,” Sophia said. “The difference in this instance is that it will be done blatantly, which will make everything so much more interesting, not to mention more productive, don’t you agree?”
