Page 56 of Doxy for the Ton
“Surely I’ve spoken of Sawbridge and his antics, Portia.”
The woman frowned, then turned her gaze toward Mimi, her expression filled with what could only be described as sympathy.
“I see my reputation precedes me,” Alexander said. “Gossip travels fast, even out of Season.”
“Perhaps not fast enough,” Foxton said, casting a curious glance toward Mimi. “Sawbridge, are you attempting to improve your standing in Society by persuading this delectable creature to be seen with you in public?” He inclined his head toward Mimi. “My dear madam, I’ve not seen you in London before. Are you here to persuade the rest of your sex that my friend can be trusted not to endanger the lives of his paramours?”
Rather than blush, or wither under the savagery of Foxton’s gaze, Mimi tilted her head to one side, her composure unwavering.
“Forgive me, sir,” she said. “I’m lately arrived in London and know not who you are.”
Foxton’s eyebrow twitched and his mouth set in a firm line, but his companion let out a laugh.
“Ha! Not every woman in the world awaits the day she first meets you with breathless anticipation. That must be disappointing foryou, brother.”
Sothiswas Foxton’s sister—rumored to have been kept under lock and key until her debut. The determined expression in her eyes spoke of bedevilment in her soul. Good—with luck, she plagued her brother daily.
“Portia—” Foxton began, but she interrupted.
“Permit me to introduce myself, seeing as my brother lacks the manners. Lady Portia Hawke, sister to this reprobate.”
Foxton frowned. “Portia, you’ll find thatmycrimes pale into nothingness compared to Sawbridge’s. And it’s not the done thing to introduce yourself—you know that.”
“I’d die of old age waiting foryouto do it,” she huffed.
Mimi smiled, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Bloody hell—why does she never smile that that for me?
“Permit me to introduce the Duke of Foxton,” Alexander said, “and his sister, Lady Portia.” He gestured toward Mimi. “This is Lady Rex.”
“LadyRex, eh?” Foxton said. “I suppose a lady’s better than a meremiss.”
“I don’t catch your meaning, Your Grace,” Mimi said. “I am not unmarried.”
“Does your husband approve of Sawbridge accompanying you today?”
“Mylatehusband,” she replied, her voice steady. “I’m lately out of mourning. His Grace the Duke of Sawbridge was a family friend of my late husband’s, and executor of his estate.”
Alexander tempered his delight at the discomfort in Foxton’s expression.
“My sympathies for your loss, Lady Rex,” Lady Portia said.
“You’re most kind.”
“And you lived abroad before you came here?” Foxton said. “Where?”
“Italy,” Mimi said, her voice tightening.
“Really?I know it well. Tell me, is the Trevi Fountain as beautiful as everyone says?”
“It’s quite extraordinary,” Mimi said.
“So you lived in Florence?”
Damn Foxton—he was trying to trap her!
She narrowed her eyes. “The Trevi Fountain is inRome. I wonder how well you know Italy.”
