Page 36 of Oddity of the Ton
She blinked, and a tear splashed onto her cheek. Could her humiliation get any worse?
He sighed, and she shivered as his warm breath caressed her face. His proximity threatened to overwhelm her.
“I’m failing spectacularly at this,” he said. “But I can say that, in all honesty, I didn’t intend to cause you pain, and I deeply regret that I have.”
“I-I’m in no pain,” she said, but his brow furrowed and he shook his head.
“I can see your pain, Miss Howard,” he said. “But let me atone for my behavior. Ask me anything, and if it’s within my power, I’ll grant it.”
Her heart almost tore in two at the expression in his eyes, and for the first time, she saw genuine kindness, and a selfless wish to ease her pain. But, if anything, that was worse.
She bit her lip to suppress a sob, and another tear rolled down her face.
“Don’t be kind,” she said. “That last thing I want is yourkindness.”
His frown deepened. “Why not?”
“Because after today you’ll never speak to me again—and I could better withstand that if I believed you to be an unkind man.”
He sighed. “I’ve behaved abominably,” he said. “Perhaps I should send for your mother.”
“No!” she cried. His eyes widened at her outburst, and she lowered her voice to a whisper. “Please—don’t.”
What would Mother say when she learned the truth? The very notion was unbearable.
“Then let us have tea,” he said. “I wouldn’t blame you for evicting me, but I’m unwilling to leave you alone while you’re distressed. Perhaps we can discuss how I might make amends.”
“Very well,” Eleanor said. “I—I’ll find someone and ask them to bring some tea.”
She rose and slipped through the door. As soon as she closed it behind her, the tide of sorrow she’d kept at bay burst. Tears spilled onto her cheeks, and she let out a low cry.
What a fool she’d been—a witless fool—to think he’d fallen in love with her! How everyone would laugh when they discovered the truth. How disappointed Papa would be. As for Mother andJuliette—the merest thought of their reaction was too much to endure.
She glanced at the top of the staircase. How easy it would be to flee down the stairs and outside, never to return!
“Left your betrothed alone?” a female voice said. “Not very civil. Or did he flee as soon as you opened your mouth?”
Eleanor’s sister stood before her.
“Leave me be, Juliette,” Eleanor said.
“I ask out of concern for your welfare.”
“You’ve only ever been concerned about yourself.”
“I’m concerned for thefamily, Eleanor,” Juliette retorted. “If you’ve made a fool of us, it damages our reputation. Papa will never be granted a baronetcy if you’re the laughingstock of London!”
“In what way am I the laughingstock of London?”
“Don’t be a simpleton!” Juliette cried. “Everyone knows Whitcombe would only have askedyouto marry him for a jape. I’ve seen you—mooning over him with your tongue hanging out like a lovesick puppy. But he despises you! I overheard him describe you to his mother last night as the ugliest girl in the room!”
“You lie!” Eleanor cried.
“Ask Bella if you don’t believe me. Ask the duke’s mother. ItoldMama his offer of marriage was nothing but a joke, but she didn’t believe me. I suppose I’ll have to be the one to tell her the duke was just indulging in a little sport—or shall you?”
“Neither of you shall,” a deep male voice said.
Eleanor turned and let out a cry. The Duke of Whitcombe stood in the hallway.
