yhduha:

Victoria looked at her hands.
– The Grand Duke is an excellent dancer and he can be agreeable company, but, – she raised her pale blue eyes to his, – he is no substitute for you, Lord M.
Melbourne saw the appeal in her eyes and wondered if she understood how flirtatious she was being. She was so young and so innocent compared to the women he had always surrounded himself with, but there was a directness in her gaze that was unsettling. He had to remind himself that she had no idea what she was doing.
He bowed and gave her his most urbane smile. ‘
– You flatter me, Ma’am, and like all men I am susceptible to flattery.
– Perhaps I should try that with Uncle Leopold!
– I should have said, all men apart from your Uncle Leopold.
The sound of Victoria’s silvery, delighted laugh stayed with Melbourne for the rest of the day.