Page 94 of Doxy for the Ton
The temptation to stay was almost more than he could bear. But he wanted her to be willing—no,happy—to receive him.
“I should leave you be.”
He withdrew and climbed off the bed, glancing about the chamber for his discarded clothes. With a sigh, she followed and picked up his breeches.
“Here, let me.”
He stood, meekly, while she dressed him, buttoning his breeches and shirt, slipping on his waistcoat, and tying his cravat before, finally, she slipped on his jacket and smoothed down the lapels.
His cheeks warmed with shame. She had spoken the truth. He knew nothing about how to take care of himself, let alone those whose lives depended on him. But, from today, he would strive to do better.
“Excellent,” he said, glancing at himself in the dressing mirror. “My valet wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”
“It’s what you’re paying for, is it not? I must give you good value for your two thousand.”
She flinched as he turned toward her.
“I meant what I said earlier, Mimi,” he said. “I want you to show me how those less fortunate live—the women you help. Not to toss a few coins at them, but tounderstand.”
“They are not to be toyed with,” she said. “You can do what you wish with me. Butthey—”
“I understand,” he said, placing his hand on her cheek.
For a heartbeat, she leaned into his hand and closed her eyes, as if drawing comfort from his touch. Then she withdrew.
“I shan’t make any demands of you, Mimi,” he said. “And I’ll not take that which you aren’t willing to give. You can trust me on that, if you cannot bring yourself to trust me on anything else.”
He reached for the bedsheet and draped it around her shoulders. Then he took her hand and lifted it to his lips. She stiffened, but did not withdraw. Then he bowed and exited the chamber. As he closed the door, he heard the rustle of the sheets and a soft sob. Fighting the urge to burst back inside and take her in his arms, he descended the stairs.
The footman was waiting in the hallway.
“Charles, be so good as to take some hot chocolate to your mistress’s chamber,” Alexander said, “and a little brandy.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“And take care of her, won’t you?”
“Sh-she has a lady’s maid.”
“Then you mustbothtake care of her.”
“Are you not staying, Your Grace?”
Alexander shook his head. “Much as I wish it, that would be a violation, Charles.”
“I don’t understand, Your Grace.”
“You will one day, young man,” Alexander said. “When you have fallen in love, you’ll understand.”
He approached the door, which the footman opened, then stepped out into the night, no longer able to deny his heart.
What he felt wasn’t mere desire, or the need for gratification. His own pleasure was secondary to hers. And if she did not trust him enough to give her physical pleasure when they made love, then he must find other ways to make her happy.
He would have to woo her.
Chapter Twenty
Mimi stared atthe mirror, watching her maid’s reflection as she styled her hair into ringlets and weaved in an array of pearls. Then she shifted her gaze to her own reflection.
