Since my review of Heidelberg Wedding was approaching Leviathan proportions, I had to cut out tons of awesome details. One of which it that Gerard asks Eugenia out to dinner on page 74--just after she's bought the Dress of the Non-Existent Bodice. He answer: No--no, I'm afraid not--Humphrey's taking me out."
Though he doesn't actually reply 'Bunkum!' (as he is wont to do), he shatters her good sense with: I can't resist the temptation to tell you you're a poor liar, Eugenia, and remind you that Humphrey is always on call on a Tuesday evening.
Duly chastened, she stands her ground. "I should have liked to have gone out with you, Mr. Grenfell--very much--only I don't think it's a very good idea. I couldn't think of any other excuse. I'm sorry."
Okay, Bettys. We've all been less than candid with unwanted suitors. My question is: What is the best excuse (trumped up, of course) that you ever got out of a date with?
This Betty would say, "I have to ask my Mom" and then, with silent pantomimes to her, get her to invent a babysitting appointment or family obligation just loud enough for the swain to overhear on the phone. I was a very bad Betty but Mom has always been willing to fake a heart attack to help a daughter out.
True story! Except it was a pre-wedding shindig and involved 5 Bettys.
ReplyDeleteMy best excuse was, "I'm sorry my parents said I couldn't go out with you."
A little background: He was my stalker and my Dad really did say, "I hope you never go out with a guy like that."