Page 74 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“I…heard something about Louisa a long time ago. Now that I know her, I don’t believe it, but—”
“Just stop,” Georgie said. “Tell me what you’re talking about, or I won’t be able to help.”
“There’s a rumor that Louisa is…fast.”
When Georgie said nothing for a minute, Simon said, “Georgie?”
“I’m just trying to think what name I can call you in public.”
“I get the idea.”
“How could you think such a thing about Louisa?” she demanded.
“I heard it from more than one source. I was worried that you being seen with her might…tarnish you as well.”
“You treated her like this because ofme?” she hissed.
“Now that I know her, I don’t believe it anymore, but that doesn’t mean that others won’t. I was just trying to protect you.”
“That’s why you’re here tonight, isn’t it,” she said angrily. “And now she knows. I didn’t think you were this much a fool, Simon. I have to go find her.”
Simon said nothing when his sister left, even though he was now alone. For a minute he waited, hoping his grandmother or brother were looking for him, but nothing happened. Conversations swirled around him; someone he didn’t recognize called a greeting in passing.
From the moment he’d become blind, this was what he had dreaded the most. Words were stuck in his throat; perspiration broke out on his forehead. How could he ask for help like a child? He didn’t even know if he was truly near a wall, which at least he could follow to a door and get the hell away from this mob of curious people.
He was just about to risk stumbling toward where he thought the wall was, when he heard his name called again, and this time he recognized the voice.
“Paul,” he said, knowing he sounded warm with relief.
“I’m glad to see you here tonight,” Paul said. “I’m surprised none of your family is with you.”
“Oh, they’re here,” Simon said. “But there’s a minor crisis, and Georgie had to take care of it.”
“And she didn’t take you—I mean, you didn’t go with her?”
Simon smiled grimly. “We’re still not used to the logistics of me needing a constant companion.”
“Well, you have one now. Shall I take you to your sister? If you don’t mind me saying, I had a dance with her earlier, and she looks lovely this evening.”
“Thank you for telling me, but much as I would like to be of help to her right now, it’s best I stay away. I’m at your disposal, Paul, and you have my thanks.”
“There’s a card game in the library. Would you like to come?”
“As long as you don’t need me as a partner.”
Paul chuckled. “No, but as usual, they’re talking politics, and you’re more well versed than I am.”
“Then lead on. I need something else to think about.”
ChapterSixteen
Louisa ran across the shadowed terrace, not stopping until she reached the balustrade. She hit it hard, and her hips ached and her breath came in gasps, but at least that pain was preferable to the one that soaked clear into her soul.
She had a fast reputation.
Everything seemed starkly clear now. What she had thought of as a good rapport with men, was only because they thought that she was easily…seduced. The rumors must have spread to the family of her first employer, because once she didn’t have the protection of her own wealthy family, they had treated her like she was fair game for anything.
Her stomach twisted with bitterness, and she was glad she had eaten nothing so far, or it might have crept up her throat.
