Page 49 of Doxy for the Ton
Mimi flinched at the undercurrent of judgment in her friend’s tone.
“I know what you must think of me, Eleanor,” she said.
“Do you?” The duchess leaned forward, her eyes darkening into that peculiarly intense expression that stripped a person’s soul bare.
“Outwardly I’m the respectable Lady Rex, newly arrived in town and living off my late husband’s annuity, but you see what I am—a rake’s whore whose tenure in this house will be short-lived.”
Eleanor colored and leaned back.
“You were right to warn me to guard my heart,” Mimi continued, “but you had no need. I have long ago preserved my heart behind a doxy’s armor. I have used my body to earn my living for the past five years. But now, at last, I can do so with a purpose. When I have fulfilled my duty here, then I shall be free to go elsewhere to fulfil my dream.”
“Which is?”
“To live a life of peace and tranquility in my own little corner of the world—where I am mistress of my own fate, not a man’s whims, and where I can, in my own small way, ease the suffering of others. If I can prevent even one woman from enduring the same fate as—”
She broke off as Charles entered with the tea things. After he left, she poured the tea, spooning in Eleanor’s cinnamon and honey.
The duchess took a sip. “Delicious. Have you not been tempted to try it with cinnamon?”
“Cinnamon is expensive,” Mimi said. “I cannot afford to accustom myself to such luxuries.”
“Because once you’ve occupied your—what was it?—little corner of the world, you may not have the means?”
“I must take a practical approach to my livelihood, particularly if I intend to help others.”
“And do you intend to help others?”
Mimi nodded. “There are some I give a little help to now—women who, through no fault of their own, are vilified and shunned. I may not have always had the financial means to help them, but I have time at my disposal—at least when I’m not required to…”
When I’m not required to service him.
Eleanor nodded. “I understand.”
Doubtless she did—insightful as she was.
And yet she’s willing to associate with me.
“I should like to introduce you to my sister,” Eleanor said.
Mimi glanced up. “No, I-I couldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“She might not accept me.”
“Anyone in Society should be pleased to acquaint themselves with Lady Rex.”
“But I’m not Lady Rex—you noticed that at our first meeting.”
“YouareLady Rex. But, in any case, my sister has particular reason to understand your circumstances if you see fit to tell her.”
“Your sister?” Mimi asked.
“She was betrayed, and suffered because of it. But it’s not my story to tell. Juliette is happy now—as happy as I’d wishyouto be. And, if you wish to help women in unfortunate circumstances, I can think of none better to assist you in your quest.”
“I cannot impose on others.”
“You don’t have to do everything on your own,” Eleanor said, “if you can find someone in whom you can place your trust.” She reached for the basket she’d brought. “Might I ask a favor?”
