Page 52 of Not his Marchioness
“It is a shame then that we have spent this last fortnight living in the same house. If you must know, I have not once ventured into the brothels since we were wed. Lady Clarissa, though she had set her cap for me for many years, is merely an acquaintance of mine. But pray tell, how did you even know that I was speaking to her? Were you looking for me?”
“I could not help it. You were directly in my line of sight.”
“I see,” he murmured. “Well, for future reference, if we are out together, I will not—I shall not be looking at any woman other than you. Especially not when we are trying to fool the entire ton into believing that we are the happiest pair since Mary and William.”
They fell silent and continued their dance while her mind raced.
He mentioned that he hadn’t visited a single brothel since they got married. But what did that mean? Was this because he wanted to keep up appearances, or was there something more?
She sighed, irritated that her thoughts had once again gone to that place.
The dance continued for some time, and still they didn’t speak. It was almost as if they had used up their allotted words for the day.
“I will have you know that while you were busy imagining what I might or might not have done with Lady Clarissa, I was trying to help you.”
She pursed her lips and studied him.
He was quite serious.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“I spoke to Lord Woodhaven about your school. About the benefits that the high and mighty might receive from educating the poor. Paupers, as they like to think of them. And I think it was quite successful. He will speak to his wife and see if they will support you, after all.”
“The ladies already said they would not. They said it was not something their husbands would like to get involved in and referred me to the reformers.”
“Yes,” he acknowledged. “But you haven’t even been able to speak to the reformers yet, and you do not know that they will support you. Lord Woodhaven seems quite determined.”
“What did you say to him?” she questioned.
He shrugged. “I pointed out the benefits of having the lower classes educate themselves and how it improves their lives and lessens their reliance on the public purse. One must speak to these men in a way they understand. Telling them that it is theright thing to do to help those less fortunate does not penetrate even the first layer of their armor. Those who have everything cannot imagine the lives of those who have nothing.”
Charlotte wanted to be upset with him. The school was her venture, something she wanted to bring to fruition. In fact, she already looked forward to aligning herself with the reformers. It matched her newfound rebellious spirit. Yet, she had not managed to secure a meeting with any of those ladies. And here her husband was, having breathed hope into her project.
Still, she didn’t know how to feel.
“Do not tell me you are disappointed.”
“I am not. I want the school. But after spending an afternoon with Lady Woodhaven and her circle, I do not know that I wish to spend quite so much time with them. After all,” she lowered her voice, “they most certainly would not approve of my reading material.”
“I do not know that the reformers would either,” Rhys said. “In any case, they may approach you sooner or later. What you do with that is up to you.”
The dance was coming to an end, and she suddenly was not sure how to react. He had done her a kindness. For what reason, she didn’t know, but he had.
Of course, this would help their charade. His speaking to Lord Woodhaven regarding her school would make him look like a devoted husband seeking to help his wife.
Perhaps that was the reason for it. Perhaps that was why he had done it.
“What’s in it for you?” she asked.
For a moment, he seemed to flinch again, as though she had said something hurtful. “Must there be something in everything for me? I cannot simply do you a favor?”
She watched him, wondering if she should continue her questioning or drop the matter.
However, the orchestra made the decision for her when they played the final notes of the waltz and the music faded away. They stood across from one another.
“Well, I suppose that was—” Before she could finish, her world tilted upside down as he dipped her toward the floor.
Suddenly, her eyes were cast upward toward the painted ceiling while all around them, applause erupted. His face appeared above hers, and he smiled.
