by Lady Eleanor Pierce
Damon Stafford, Viscount Wrexham, has a great deal of nerve. In truth, Lord Wrexham is the boldest man of my acquaintance. Two years ago we were betrothed, but he made a fatal mistake: He won my heart, then publically trampled it by driving out with the mistress he’d sworn to have abandoned.
Now that I have an Italian prince courting me, that incorrigible rogue, Damon, is back in London, seemingly intent on thwarting my new suitor. My friends, I would be a fool if I gave the man who jilted me a second chance to win my heart. But, alas, Damon has very convincing ways, so I will have to be very clever to keep this charming rake from worming his way back into my… ahem… affections.
Should you find yourself in a similar situation and wish to discourage a man’s unwanted attentions, do take the suggestions I provide below to heart. We must not let these rakes win the Courtship Wars!
- Ignoring a suitor is certain to fire his interest. Alas, these rakes are sporting men who fancy the art of pursuit, and easy game cools their ardor. So if your aim is discouragement, I advise you to try fawning over your pursuer. Be discreet, of course. Your lady friends could be recruited to assist you in the subterfuge and ensure your honor is not compromised. (One shudders to think what would happen if your strategy became public!)
- Gentlemen love to swoop in and rescue a damsel in distress (Lord Wrexham, the rascal, is particularly skilled in such exercise), so gird yourself to be self-sufficient and competent, no matter the situation. (If your demonstration of self-sufficiency bewitches your suitor, you might wish to consider keeping this most rare of male finds — unless, of course, the suitor in question is Lord Wrexham!)
- Subtle flattery to a man is like honey to the tongue: oh-so-enjoyed and pleasurably remembered. So resist the impulse to compliment him or risk the consequences. Better to use honesty and forthrightness if you hope to dim your chances with the average high-society suitor. (Be forewarned, however, as honesty can be an aphrodisiac for the self-confident man.)
- If, like Lord Wrexham, your suitor is every young lady’s illicit fantasy, make yourselfhis fantasy, then dangle him in the soup of his ardor. Arrange to have him seated opposite you at a formal dinner. Wear a gown whose décolletage shows an alluring hint of your charms, but when his heated gaze is riveted to your attributes, turn to the gentleman seated beside you and give him a dazzling smile.
- Rare is the preening nobleman who doesn’t thrive on making a show of his gallantry, manly strength, and prowess with horse or gun. Beat him in a horse race through the park. Outshoot him at archery. Best him in a battle of wits. And watch his enthusiasm for you fade. (As for the man who relishes such a battle of wills between the sexes, all I can say is: Run, ladies, run… before your heart is toast.)
- Most gentlemen expect a maiden to be shy and innocent, so being forward can throw the most persistent suitor off his game. Run your tongue slowly over your lips. Touch your fan to your bosom. Corner him by the fire. Trust me, he will notice…. (Warning: This tip has been known to backfire.)
- If your suitor is an athletic rogue, keep a substantial lock on your bedroom window, especially if a tree has sprouted sturdy limbs outside. Absolutely do not respond to a tapping at the window, no matter how persistent your suitor may be. Dangling from a tree limb with the risk of breaking his limbs should cool his ardor.
- Every man fears a nag… or a wife who will scold like his mother. Want to send a man scurrying? Engage your inner fishwife.
- Most men would prefer to go off to war than talk about relationships, past disappointments, or loss. Daring to delve into these taboo topics is certain to scare a suitor off… or make him fall in love with you. (I never said this would be easy!)
- If your suitor dares to steal a kiss, give him a good, swift kick in the shins and push him into a fountain. Be done with him! If you are lucky, his trousers will shrink and cause him the embarrassment he richly deserves.
Remember, my friends: Once a rogue, always a rogue. Especially if his name is Damon!