My – sufficiently wide experience of you, Mr Calverleigh, warns me that you are about to say something outrageous!' 'No, I assure you! Nothing derogatory! Charming girls, all of them! Only I don't want to kiss them!' She gave a startled gasp. 'You don't want – Well, upon my word! And if you mean me to understand from that –' 'I do,' he said, smiling down at her. 'I should dearly love to kiss you – here and now!
The exchange between Mr. Calverleigh and the female character reveals a playful tension as he asserts his fondness for the company of charming girls yet expresses a reservation about kissing them. His statement catches her off guard, suggesting an unexpected development in their interaction. She is taken aback at first, indicating her surprise at his candid admission.
Mr. Calverleigh then clarifies his genuine affection, emphasizing his desire to kiss her specifically, which adds a layer of romantic intrigue to the scene. This moment showcases the dynamic between the characters, blending humor with a hint of flirtation, characteristic of Georgette Heyer’s writing style.
