“How did he manage to get a reputation as a leading diplomat? He’s the most undiplomatic person I’ve ever met.”
Lord Marcus looked across the table at Lady Charlotte, who was stirring her tea with a little more vigour than necessary. He’d ‘bumped into’ Charlotte and Anya, a little too conveniently in Anya’s opinion, as they were leaving Hatchards and, with Anya’s maid as a chaperone, invited them for afternoon refreshments at a nearby tea shop.
Unfortunately, Charlotte’s irritating fiancé had been the first, and so far only, topic of conversation.
Lord Marcus finished his mouthful of cake and asked. “What qualities do think it takes to be a good diplomat?”
Anya’s cousin finally put her teaspoon down. “Observation, the ability to listen, thoughtfulness and consideration, knowledge of people, to be able to understand what they mean, rather than what they say, then using all that information to draft, then negotiate a suitable agreement.”
“And you believe Lord Tristram doesn’t have those abilities?”
“He seems completely incapable of listening to anything I say.” Charlotte glared. “And I will not marry a man who doesn’t care to see, hear, or respect me.”
Lord Marcus glanced at Anya, who took a prim sip of tea and said. “I believe His Lordship has yet to bestir himself to visit my cousin. How long have you and he been back in town now?”
The DNA of Stories 