no, he would not. that is the simple truth of it. if she wishes to dance with him - however poorly he manages it - he will not deny her the opportunity. even if she does manage to sting his pride. he bears no illusions, of course, that her choice has anything to do with his charms. perhaps she is avoiding more unpleasant partners, or maybe it is something to do with the contrary look in her eye. whatever the reason, he does not intend to probe it too deeply. after all, his presence in her world is fleeting and the motivations of sharp-tongued heiresses could not, under any circumstances, be considered his business... she has made his evening more intriguing than it otherwise would have been - that is enough to have made venturing out this evening worth the effort.
" indeed you are not, " he agrees before meeting her eyes. " nor would i presume that any of our company could afford you if you were. " from his tone, it is clear he does not mind a challenge, either - and he does not intend to be made a doormat of... " but if it is your intention to make a project of me, ma'am, i would advise you to save your efforts for some other gentleman... i fear i am beyond help, " he adds, amusement quirking on his lips.
if she seems satisfied by his asertion that she is beyond everybody's standards, leagues, and purses, it's because she is. quite satisfied, actually, smirk only growing in size and smugness. "and i fear that i like a challenge, sir," she retorts just as quick, impressed to see that he is not doing what his richer and classier counterparts would, and capitulating or cowering to her.
both reactions are understandable, of course, given who she is. a granddaughter of a marquess, the lone daughter of the eighth richest man in the country, a highly intellectual and astute young woman who is wealthy in her own right (humble to boot, as well). but it's why the miss roy is fascinated by a man whom she would otherwise completely ignore. maybe it ought to teach her something about the pitfalls of underestimating others; unlikely it will, though. "besides, i rather think that no other gentleman would be able for me, don't you agree?"















