"Unthinkable!"
"Why? You might well ask the Duke!"
"Believe me, I might not!"
She jerked up a shoulder. "Perhaps you don't wish for leave?"
"I don't," he said frankly. "Why, what a fellow I should be if I did!"
"Don't I come first with you?"
He glanced down at her. "You don't understand, Bab."
"Oh, you mean to talk to me of your duty!" she said impatiently. "Tedious stuff!"
"Very. Tell me what you will do while I am away."
"Flirt with Etienne. You have already said so. Have I your permission?"