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From "European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman (The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club Book 2)" by Theodora Goss -
"BEATRICE: That is very kind of him to say, but also a little patronizing, is it not?
CATHERINE: Clarence is one of the good ones, but he’s not a saint. Don’t expect him to be. I once had to listen to him explain the Peloponnesian War while I was trying to mend my cat costume. That was before Justine came and started doing all the sewing. You know how I feel about sewing! Do you have any idea how boring the Peloponnesian War is?
MRS. POOLE: That’s men for you. I find the best course of action, when they start explaining, is to just nod your head, and maybe tilt it to the side a little. At the end you say, “My, how fascinating. Whoever would have thought?” And then they’re convinced you’re a very clever woman.
BEATRICE: But surely it should not be like that! Surely one should be able to have a rational discussion with a member of the opposite sex without resorting to such subterfuges. Clarence and I have wonderful conversations, and when I disagree with him, he truly listens. Even Giovanni did not listen to me in that way.
CATHERINE: I told you, he’s one of the good ones. Just don’t let him get started on the Peloponnesian War!"
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