Page 25 of Unraveled By the Duke
I will not be intimidated. I have done nothing wrong, and only one or two things that were ill-judged. I will not be punished. Why is he so cold and suspicious?
“Very well, Your Grace. I will use your title, and you use mine, and I’m sure that will lead to a harmonious and relaxed life for us both,” Alexander said sarcastically.
“But I will be living alone while you reside in Cheverton, so it is academic,” Celia said.
“Quite right. We will, however, be seen in public together, and it may arouse suspicion if we are so formal,” Alexander pointed out.
They were heading east, the mid-morning sun bright as it circled over the river to the south, passing the new Regent’s Park on their way towards Pentonville, Somers Town, and then Finsbury.
Celia did not want the ride to be over, did not want to be left on her own in a strange place among strange servants. But, equally, she did not know how much longer she could stand Alexander’s icy attitude.
He treats me like I am an enemy, and I have done nothing to deserve that.
“You have a point… Alexander. Perhaps I should get used to using your name for that reason. But it would be far easier if I understood why I am being treated so adversarially. It does not seem fair to me.”
Alexander had turned away as she spoke, but now looked at her sharply.
“Fair? What part of this situation do you think is fair to anybody? Least of all me. Before I met you, I was ready to marry Miss Dunnings and secure the money needed to finance Hyacinth’s debut. In short order, you have ruined my betrothal to Miss Dunnings and replaced her with yourself. Now, your father demands access to my accounts to verify that the money is not going to be gambled away. Furthermore, I am told that you were already disgraced by an affair with a commoner. What will be next?”
“That was a lie!” Celia snapped. “I merely wanted to mingle with commoners, to see their lives. A lie was told about me by someone who seeks to tarnish my reputation.”
“Who?” Alexander demanded.
“I will not say,” Celia said.
Alexander sneered, and she threw her hands up.
“Miss Dunnings!” she barked. “She admitted to starting the rumor because I saw her?—”
She clamped her mouth shut, knowing that she had been about to tell Alexander that his former intended had an affair. She did not know what their relationship was like, other than his apparent boredom in Lavinia’s company.
If he has any feelings for her, telling him that I saw her with another man may condemn me as a liar in his eyes. Then, my life will become utterly intolerable.
“Saw what?” Alexander pressed.
“It does not matter,” Celia said weakly. “Suffice to say that Lavinia began to gossip about me having an affair. And it is not true.”
Alexander was quiet for a moment, gazing out of the window. Then, he turned back.
“I have also been the subject of gossip and rumor, and I won’t give it credence. I know firsthand how far from the mark speculation can be. I will take your word on the gossip part. I will even believe that Miss Dunnings started the rumors. She has always struck me as capable of vindictive malice.”
Celia felt a glimmer of hope, but was also resentful of his patronizing admission that he would take her word for one thing and not the others.
The cheek of the man! He is hardly in a position to be judgmental.
“Those in glass houses,” Celia muttered.
“Meaning?” Alexander said sharply.
“Your reputation is far from sparkling.”
Alexander laughed. “Oh, so I am expected to deem your reputation mere gossip, but mine is gospel?”
“I did not say that,” Celia said irritably. “I am merely confused that a man with your reputation is so concerned about honor and integrity.”
Her voice was rising. She fought to control her anger, recognizing that it was the result of Alexander getting under her skin. His eyes were wide, and his cheeks were flushed. She would have assumed he was aroused, had she not known better.
Does he hate me or find me desirable? Is this the prelude to angry words or passionate desire?
