He cut her off. “No buts. You say ‘thank you,’ and perhaps even offer a coy smile in return.”
A line in her brow appeared. “I am supposed to flirt with everyone who offers me a compliment?”
“You misunderstood me. I never said you had to flirt with anyone, but rather acknowledge their compliment with more than just words,” Fredrick explained. “Let’s try again.”
Miss Sutherland opened her mouth to no doubt object, so he spoke first. “You have a lovely singing voice. It is without a doubt one of the finest I have ever heard.”
“Truly?” she asked.
Fredrick raised an eyebrow. “It is the truth, but what do you say in response to my compliment?”
“Thank you,” she replied.
He waited to ensure there was no “but” following her words. Satisfied that there wasn’t one, he said, “Well done. You have made remarkable progress in such a short period of time.”
Miss Sutherland’s lips twitched. “I had an excellent teacher.”
“Shall we try another one?”
“I think we have done enough for one day,” Miss Sutherland said. “After all, I wouldn’t wish for all this flattery to go to my head.”
Fredrick chuckled. “Very well, but we will keep practicing.”
Anette’s voice came from the doorway. “What were you practicing?” she asked as she walked further into the room with Roswell.
“Miss Sutherland’s ability to accept a compliment,” Fredrick replied. “For some reason, she believes she is not worthy of praise.”
“That is utterly ridiculous. Of course, Miss Sutherland is worthy of praise,” Anette declared.
“I agree, wholeheartedly,” Fredrick said.
Roswell came to stand next to his wife and remarked, “Regardless, that is an odd thing to practice.”
Miss Sutherland spoke up. “It is something that I have always struggled with. I never quite know when someone is being genuine with their compliments.”
“Well, just assume from now on that we are,” Anette said.
Carson stepped into the room and announced, “Dinner is served. If you will kindly make your way to the dining room.”
Fredrick turned towards Miss Sutherland and offered his arm. “May I escort you?” he asked.
“Thank you, kind sir,” she said, placing her hand on his sleeve.
As they trailed behind Roswell and Anette to the dining room, Fredrick remarked, “You really do look lovely this evening.”
“Thank you.” She hesitated before adding, “You are looking rather dapper yourself.” Her words were followed with a smile.
Amused, he asked, “Was that a compliment or are you attempting to flirt with me?”
Her eyes went wide, and she hastily responded, “Compliment you, my lord! I would never, ever flirt with you. That is a preposterous idea.”
“Why?” he asked. “Do I repulse you?”
“Heavens, no!” she exclaimed. “You are a lord, and I am just…” Her words trailed off.
“A what?” he pressed.
Miss Sutherland pressed her lips together. “I am not worthy of your notice.”
