Yes, more difficult indeed, for not only had the Guide clearly filled Lady Catherine’s head with ideas of independence, but this discussion, which was supposed to lead to him asking her to dance and the start of his courting campaign, had turned contentious-a turn of events he needed to correct immediately. No, this meeting was not going at all the way he’d envisioned. According to his plans, Lady Catherine should be in his arms, gazing up at him with warmth and affection. Instead, she’d backed away from him and was glaring at him with annoyance, a feeling he shared, as he was more than a little irritated himself.

He pressed his lips together to keep from arguing further. Indeed, arguing was the last thing he wished to do, especially tonight, when they had so little time together. His wooing campaign was off to a disastrous start. Retreat and regroup was definitely his best alternative.

Raising his hands in a show of acquiescence, he smiled. “As much as I appreciate the offer to read your copy, I believe I’ll decline. As for the likes and dislikes of Today’s Modern Woman, I bow to your superior knowledge on the subject, madam.”

She did not return his smile; rather, she lifted a single brow. “You continue to surprise me, Mr. Stanton.”

A humorless laugh escaped him. “I continue to surprise you? In what way?”

“I hadn’t taken you for a coward.”

Her words stilled him. Damn it, this had gone far enough. “Most likely because I am not one. And I hadn’t taken you for an instigator, yet you appear to be deliberately baiting me, Lady Catherine. I wonder why?”

Another layer of crimson deepened her flushed cheeks. She drew a deep breath, then emitted a nervous-sounding laugh. “Yes, it seems I am. Forgive me. I’m afraid I’ve had a rather difficult evening and-”

Her words were cut off by a loud cracking sound and the crash of breaking glass.