“It would be much more sensible,” Nelita said, “if you enjoyed having me with you, at least until you yourself get married.”
“If you are going to wait for that, you are going to wait a very long time,” the Duke answered her. “I have no intention of marrying anyone until I feel that I must settle down and live the life of a country gentleman.”
“Then, if you are going to paint the town red first, my dear Guardian, let me do it with you. It is something I should much enjoy.”
“Then it is something you cannot possibly do as a debutante,” the Duke said firmly. “Also let me point out that, if I am going to paint the town red, it will be not until I have put my house, or rather houses, in good order.”
Nelita was about to speak, but he continued,
“I want to be sure that my estates are adopting
