Page 25 of Doxy for the Ton
“Good. I’ll return when you’re dressed, then I’ll escort you to breakfast. If there’s anything you need in the interim, I can send my housekeeper.”
“Anything like what?”
He gestured toward her gown—the gaudy, tattered garment draped over the back of a chair. “My housekeeper can lend you a gown should you need it, at least until you’ve visited Madame Deliet—the modiste I mentioned.”
She nodded, but the smile he’d been hoping for didn’t materialize.
“We’ll have you settled into your house in a day or two,” he added. “My housekeeper can oversee the hiring of your staff.” He glanced toward the door through which Larry had gone. “Or you can direct her in the choice. It’s for appearance’s sake, of course, but that’s no reason not to hire staff who’ll tend to you properly—and with respect.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
She smiled at that, and his heart soared at the beautiful expression in her eyes.
Resisting the urge to take her in his arms, he left the bedchamber and entered the dressing room, where a subdued Larry stood waiting to dress him.
Chapter Seven
This isnotlike the last time.
Mimi stood on the pavement and stared at the building before her. The white façade of number 16 Grosvenor Square gleamed in the sunlight, and she lifted her hands to shield her eyes from the glare.
A tier of steps led to the front door—dark wood with a polished brass handle, surrounded by an elaborate architrave and flanked by two white columns that reminded her of the Grecian temples she’d seen in books.
She tilted her head up, casting her gaze over three stories, the first two with huge bay windows that reflected the sunlight, the upper story with flat windows where the new housekeeper had already taken residence.
Or sohesaid, her…
Her what? Whatwasthe Duke of Sawbridge? Her lover, protector, employer?
No—he was her business partner.
A ripple of apprehension threaded through her as she continued to stare at the building.
This was not like before. Her situation with Sawbridge was a soulless business relationship—with a definitive termination date, and payment at the end. After which they’d part company.
Just as she wanted. No expectations, no hopes.
And definitelyno love.
The building before her wasn’t her home. It was merely a place to stay while she earned her two thousand guineas.
The door opened to reveal a smartly dressed man in black, with close-clipped gray hair, a weathered face, and deep-set dark brown eyes.
He gave a stiff bow. “Lady Rex,” he said.
“And you are?”
“Wheeler,” he said. “Welcome. If it would please you to come inside?”
His demeanor was stiff and formal, but at least it lacked the contempt she’d expected. He cast his gaze over her badly fitting gown and the threadbare valise in her hand, both courtesy of Sawbridge’s housekeeper.
“Have you any other belongings with you, ma’am?” he asked.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Perhaps they’re at the duke’s townhouse?”
