Ignoring her body’s reaction to him, she kept her mind focused. Or tried to anyway. “You mentioned a career in architecture, but that your father steered you toward the church. Are you ordained?”
“No. My father was hoping I would take that step this year.”
“You sound hesitant.”
He exhaled, his mouth pulling into a slight frown. “My father’s fondest wish was that I become a bishop.”
“It doesn’t sound as if you shared that hope.”
“I did consider it. I also studied the law. The truth is that I like to learn. I taught at Oxford for a year, and I enjoyed that.”
“You haven’t mentioned architecture.”
“I studied it, but not officially. I was quite content in the law, actually. I was called to the bar, but I didn’t end up practicing.”
She heard the regret in his voice. “Was that because of your father?” she asked softly.
He narrowed one eye at her with a quick look. “You’re very astute. Yes. He’d already had discussions with people about me becoming a bishop. Not immediately, of course, but the path was laid.”
“Astonishing,” Evie muttered, feeling suddenly sour. The privilege given to people who were already born with every advantage was extraordinary. And yet it could disappear in a moment if things went badly. She’d been born with the same privilege until it had become a liability. Then she and her family had been forced to live in poverty and anonymity. She was alive, however, unlike her parents, and for that she was grateful.
“But you aren’t going to follow that path,” Evie said. “Can you change your mind about the bar?”
“I don’t know. I think I might actually like to work in a government post. I thought about trying for a seat in the House of Commons, but I like our representative and don’t wish to challenge him.”
“I’m sure you could find a rotten borough to purchase,” she said sardonically.
He gasped. “You can’t imagine I’d do such a thing?” His exaggerated expression when he turned his head toward her indicated he was jesting.
“I don’t, which I think you realize. And that makes you remarkable—at least in your class.”
“You sound cynical,” he observed.
“Am I wrong?”
“Probably not. It’s a shame that’s the case, however.” He shook his head.
“You like to believe the best of people, don’t you?”
“Until they’ve proven there’s no point in doing so. I do not waste my energy on those who don’t deserve it.”
Evie wondered if he was referring to his brother. “When you return to London, I’ll arrange for you to speak with Lucien and a few other gentlemen—possibly his brother Lord Aldington, though he recently became a father for the first time, so he may be away from town, and his good friend Lord Overton. They are in the Lords and could recommend you for positions.”
“I am not sure Overton would want to help me. I was almost courting his wife for a short time.”
“He’s not the sort to hold a grudge. Anyway, he is happily married to her, and you are not,” she added with a playful smile.
A sharp laugh burst forth from Lord Gregory’s lips. “You wound me.” He reached over and brushed his fingertips against her pelisse. “Not really.”
He’d grazed her, and there’d been layers of clothing, yet she’d felt the connection as if he’d touched her bare flesh. She ignored the ripple of awareness that passed through her. “If you’re truly interested in a government position, those gentlemen can likely make it happen.” Once again, privilege would ensure victory.
“I appreciate your assistance. Why are you so interested in helping me?”
“One of the reasons Lucien started the Phoenix Club and why I agreed to support the endeavor was that he wanted to help people. He would offer anything to someone in need.”
“Why? He doesn’t know me.”
“Because he’s the kindest person I know. I assure you, he has no ulterior motive.”
“I look forward to getting to know him. Do I get to flirt with you now?”
Evie laughed, causing Ash to startle. He lifted his head and yawned. “Sorry to wake you, sweet lad.” She stroked his head until he settled back down.
Contemplating how to begin, she wondered if he even needed her help when he had her hanging on his every word and wishing he would chance to touch her again. “You have me thinking about the art of flirtation and how everyone responds to it. What works for some won’t work for others. But I suppose that’s what makes it an art and is how people find their match—you’re either drawn to that person and their manner or not. Perhaps this is a futile exercise. You should just be yourself, and doing so will attract the best partner for you.”
“You’ve a thoughtful, intelligent mind, Mrs. Renshaw. Just the same, I think I’d like you to teach me the basics of general flirting. I understand it may be what you would respond to. I am more than content with that.” His gaze met hers, and she realized she was responding to just him looking at her. Rather, it was the way in which he was doing so, as if he wanted to touch her as much as she desired him to.
She desperately needed to cool this heat surging between them, but if she were to teach him to flirt, she ought to flirt with him. “A demonstration is in order, I think,” she said demurely, holding his gaze as her lips curved into a provocative smile. “This is one way to flirt.”
He swallowed and didn’t look away. “How is that?”
“Eye contact.” She glanced toward the road. “Though in this particular setting, you may wish to look at where you are driving, at least periodically.”
He muttered something indistinguishable under his breath and jerked his head forward. “My apologies,” he said in a louder tone.
“It’s quite all right. We are having a lesson. You can see how exchanging looks can be stirring. There are different ways of using your eyes to convey interest and to flirt.”
Glancing her way, his eyes held a fervent sheen. “What ways are those?”
“If you look at a lady many times throughout an evening—or whatever the occasion is—that will signal you are interested. Lingering looks are another way.”
“Is that what you just did?” he asked.
“Yes, along with applying intensity.”
He nodded. “It seemed urgent that I continue to look into your eyes.”
Evie laughed. “Then I was successful. However, I should not have distracted you from your task. We’ll save further lessons on that front until you are no longer driving.”
“An excellent idea. What else can you teach me now?”
“There is conversation, of course. Depending on what you hope to achieve, you can choose words and a manner of speaking to flirt.”
“Achieve…I hadn’t considered that. I suppose my aim would be to simply spend time with the lady, to get to know her better and determine if we would suit. What else would there be?”
“Some men flirt for more…scandalous reasons. They hope to steal a kiss. Or more.” In truth, it was most men in her experience. “A great many men seek to have a bit of sport and nothing more.”