Page 132 of Doxy for the Ton
“Iloveyou,” he said. “It’s because of that love that I challenged Mayhew to a duel.”
“Lord Mayhew is but one man,” she said.
“And I can protect you from him—I want to. It’s my honor and pleasure.”
“Honor,” she said, shaking her head. “Why must it always be about honor? What about the others, Alexander?”
“Others?” He recoiled. “Were you another man’s mistress as well as Mayhew’s father’s?”
Hurt rippled across her eyes. “No—I mean all the other men who, as soon as they know what I am, will consider me fair game.”
“I’ll fight them also.”
“Each and every one?” She shook her head. “You can’t fight them all. You entered into our arrangement to restore your reputation, so that your association with a respectable widow might make your company more palatable in the eyes of your friends—and other women.”
His conscience stabbed at his heart. What a cad he’d been—seeking to use her for his own ends.
“Mayhew will tell the world who, and what, I am,” she said.
“You think I care?”
“Maybe not at first,” she said, “but you’ve been used to the adoration and admiration of all. A word of contempt, a sly look—you may brush them off at first. But when access to the best clubs and parties is denied you because of the woman at your side…” She shook her head. “We can never give each other what we truly need to be happy.”
“Can’t we try, at least?”
“The price would be too great.”
He swallowed his frustration. “Must you always mention the price? Can’t you take a leap of faith and trust in my love?”
“I wish I could, with all my heart, Alexander,” she replied, “but I couldn’t bear to see your love for me wither and die.”
“You think I don’t love you enough?” he said. “You think so little of me that my love is a mere fancy that will fade over time? Would I have risked my life had my love been a mere inclination?”
“I didn’t ask you to risk your life!” she cried. “And I cannot bear the thought that you may be compelled to do such a thing in the future.”
“Then I swear that I’ll never do such a thing again.”
“Just as you swore earlier tonight that you’d remain inside while I had need of you?”
The door knocked and Charles appeared.
“Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am, but Mrs. Brennan’s asking if she should start supper.”
Mimi withdrew from Alexander’s embrace and approached the footman. “Yes, thank you, Charles. And I think a sherry each before supper, if you could…” She leaned toward the footman and lowered her voice. He glanced at Alexander, then nodded.
“What did you ask him?” Alexander said when Charles had left.
“I asked if he could pour you a large glass, on account of your injury.”
He offered his hand, and for a moment she stared at it. Then she took it and he pulled her onto his lap.
“Let me stay tonight,” he said.
She placed a kiss on his cheek. “Of course.”
When Charles returned with two glasses of sherry, Mimi handed the larger to Alexander. Then she raised her glass.
“To tomorrow,” she said, smiling, though resignation shone in her eyes.
