“Nonsense. All ladies want the same thing.” He raised a brow and his friend rolled his eyes. “Send them flowers, waltz with them, compliment them. Being wealthy and having a title is all part of it. She will see that being a future duchess is in her best interest.”

He spotted the asparagus and held out the plate. Next was a selection of cheeses. He selected several, then the sweets and ices. Eleanor had not mentioned sweets. He knew that she liked ices. “Two lemon ices, please.”

“Yes, sir. You might want to try the champagne ices as well,” the footman suggested.

“Thank you, I will.”

“There is no need to be so polite,” St. Albans muttered.

“I believe there is.” John’s father had always said to treat everyone with dignity.

The servant signaled to another footman. “Help the gentleman.”

He led the way to the table as St. Albans juggled his dishes. Apparently, he had not been offered any help. There was proof a little consideration went a long way. “My lady.” John bowed. “I hope you like what I chose.”

Eleanor’s eyes widened at the assortment of dishes. “It looks perfect. Thank you.”

The footman put the plate and ices on the table, and John gave him a few coins. “Please share them.”

“I will, my lord. Thank you.” The man went off with a jaunty step.

Eleanor seemed to study the selection as if trying to decide what to eat first. “Share with whom?”

“The footman who called him over to assist me.” John took his seat. “He was also the one who recommended the champagne ices in addition to the lemon.”

“I have never tasted champagne ice.” Another footman came around and set glasses of champagne and lemonade on the table.

“Neither have I.” He held one up. “Shall we eat it first?”

Eleanor gave him a brilliant smile. “What an excellent idea.”

The ices were perfect, as was his idea to sit in the middle of the tables. Now that he had decided he wanted an intelligent wife, even if she was a bit managing, he had to craft his questions to discover more about her. “You seem to be surrounded by gentlemen who are interested in politics. Is that an interest shared by your sisters?”

When she finished her ice, she had selected a lobster patty and now had to swallow the bite she’d taken. “Yes. We are all concerned by politics. I do not know if I want to be a great political hostess, but I am very attracted to the bills and gathering support for their passage.”

For some reason, John’s heart sped up. “That is the part I like as well. Are there any particular areas that concern you?”