Page 72 of Doxy for the Ton
“Lady Walton’s ball,” he said. “Do you wish to go?”
“She has invited me.”
“But doyouwant to go? Not because Lady Walton has invited you, or because I want you there—but for your own sake.”
She lowered her gaze to her hands that she’d clasped together. Then she shook her head.
“No,” she whispered. “But I will go, because you require me to.”
“Then,” he said, taking her hand, a seed of hope sprouting in his heart when she didn’t withdraw it, “as my way of atoning for not trusting you, I release you from any obligation to attend. I shall go, and if you choose to come, I’ll be honored to dance with you. But if you prefer not to go, then you have my full blessing. You are a free woman.”
Fighting against the desire to bring her hand to his lips, he caressed her fingers.
“Mimi,” he said, “Lady Rex—would you consider accompanying me to the Waltons’ ball on Tuesday?”
“I…” She shook her head. “I-I don’t know. B-but you may stay tonight if you wish.”
He withdrew his hand, his heart shriveling with shame. She was offering her body to comfort him in the light of her rejection.
No accusation she could level at him would make him feel any more ashamed.
“I think, perhaps, you’d prefer an evening to yourself,” he said. “If you have no objection, I’ll call on you tomorrow, and we can explore the park again.”
She nodded. “Yes, I’d like that, Your Grace.”
“Might you call me Alexander?”
“If you wish.”
He suppressed a sigh. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Lady Rex.” Then he bowed and exited the drawing room.
The butler opened the front door as Alexander approached.
“Thank you, Wheeler,” he said. “Take good care of your mistress, won’t you?”
“I will, Your Grace,” came the reply. “As should we all.”
Alexander thrust his hands into his pockets and stepped outside, then he turned back toward the house as the butler was closing the doors. Shortly after, he saw a light in a window on the upper floor—Mimi’s bedchamber.
He caught his breath. Perhaps she might draw back the curtains and look out, hoping for a glimpse of him.
But she did not appear.
Chapter Seventeen
Amyriad ofcolors filled the ballroom—bright silks and glittering jewels shimmering in the candlelight as the ladies milled about, their bodies seeming to vibrate with anticipation of the night to come.
But none of them had any appeal—because none of them wereher.
Alexander glanced at the longcase clock in the corner. It was almost a quarter past seven.
The doors opened and Alexander’s heart swelled with hope as the footman straightened his stance, ready to make an announcement.
Lady Rex…
“Lord and Lady Radham!”
Damn.
