Gwen inhaled sharply, realizing she had. "I suppose."
He chuckled. Then, "Can we agree, my dear, that this conversation of candour is preferable to your attempts to avoid me?"
"I believe my return to Westside Manor is a more preferable option."
Alexander laughed lightly. "You're just as obstinate as Brand." He said, but Gwen disagreed. She was as obstinate as him. "I heard an intriguing rumour today."
"What rumour did you hear?"
"I heard that you referred to yourself," he paused, "as beautiful."
Gwen flushed, embarrassed. "That… that… was…" She cleared her throat. "It was in the moment." She had only said it to rebuff Lady Farrington and her words.
"It must have been quite a moment." He remarked. Gwen's flush deepened, and she averted her gaze. His voice lowered suddenly. "This is a promising turn of events."
"What do you mean?"
"This." He murmured, brushing her cheek gently and offering her a smile. "I should make you flush more often."