Page 125 of Doxy for the Ton
“That’s it, my love,” he whispered. “I’m here to take care of you. Trust me.”
With his gentle fingers coaxing her into submission, she closed her eyes and let her mind drift into sleep.
*
When Mimi woke,the parlor was empty. She sat up, a thick ache throbbing in her head. The shawl was still draped over her body. She lifted her head and caught sight of the half-empty glass of brandy silhouetted against the window, the last rays of the setting sun illuminating the deep amber liquid from behind. Dying embers glowed in the fireplace—someone must have lit the fire while she slept.
How long had she been asleep?
Footsteps approached, and Mimi smiled to herself.
Alexander had been true to his word. He said he’d stay while she needed him.
But when the door opened, it wasn’t Alexander. It was Charles.
“Good evening, your ladyship.” The footman moved about the parlor, lighting the candles and drawing the curtains. “Will you be wanting supper at the usual time, ma’am?” he asked.
“Is my…guest still here?”
“Sorry, ma’am, he had to leave.”
Mimi looked away, ashamed at the hope in her voice.
“Yes, of course, Charles, I understand. You may serve supper as soon as it’s ready. Then I’ll retire.”
“Begging your pardon for being so forward, ma’am,” Charles said, “but the duke will return. He had an errand to run—one that I believe will be to your benefit.”
“To my benefit?”
“Forgive me, ma’am—he told me not to say anything.”
Her gut twisted with apprehension. “Is anything wrong, Charles? Where did he go?”
“To the park, I believe.”
“To do what?”
“I don’t rightly know, but he said it was for your sake.”
She shook her head. “I don’t understand, Charles. What could there possibly be in the park that’s of relevance to me?”
“He didn’texactlysay for your sake, ma’am. He said something about your honor.”
“My…?”
“Honor. Yes, that was it,” Charles said. “I thought it strange at the time. He said he was going to restore your honor. But he didn’t want me telling you.” His eyes widened. “You won’t tell him, will you? I’m already in trouble with Mr. Wheeler for dropping a plate in the kitchen. Said it was to come out of my wages, he did. I…”
He rattled on, while a cold hand of dread squeezed Mimi’s heart.
“Charles, did the duke say when he was going to the park?”
The footman hesitated.
“You have my word you’re not in any trouble, but it’s vital that you tell me.”
He nodded. “Dusk.”
Mimi’s throat constricted and the air rushed out of her chest. She glanced out of the window to see the sun disappearing below the horizon and let out a cry.
