Page 63 of The Duelist for the Ton
He placed a kiss on her forehead, then opened the door, almost colliding with Nerissa in the doorway.
“Take good care of your mistress,” he said. Nerissa bobbed a curtsey, then entered the chamber.
“That was close, your ladyship,” she said, placing a cloth on the stain.
“Yes, you almost collided, but he’s assured me you’ll not be dismissed. And besides, I’d never let him.”
“No, I mean in the park,” Nerissa said. “I thought His Grace had recognized you. There will come a time when your luck will expire—and then, I fear, so will you. Perhaps it’s time to hang up the Farthing’s cloak for good.”
“How can I help Dr. McIver if I were to do that?”
“Dr. McIver has many benefactors. He’ll not think any less of you if you cannot contribute as much as you did before. And I’m sure His Grace would increase your allowance if you asked him. He’s a kinder man than most, despite how he appears. He just likes to hide it behind all that sternness.”
“Perhaps.”
“And besides…” Nerissa paused and looked away.
“Besides what?”
“You may not be able to help Dr. McIver as much if the Farthing ceases to exist. But it’s better than the alternative.”
“Which is?”
“You’ll not be able to help him at all if your dueling gets you killed.”
Portia shivered at the memory of the previous duel, when the bullet whistled past her ear. An inch or two to the right and…
No. Do not think about it.
“Perhaps you’re right.” Portia sighed, staring at her reflection. “Once I come into my fortune, I’ll have no need to earn it.”
“Provided you have an obliging husband.”
“Then I must ensure I marry an obliging man.” Portia placed her fingertips on her lips, where Stephen had kissed them. “Very well,” she said. “I promise that on my marriage, the Farthing will cease to exist.”
“And if you don’t find a husband?”
“I promise that once the Season is over, the Farthing will be no more. Lady Portia will restrict her activities to archery.”
Nerissa placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You swear?”
Portia placed her hand over her maid’s and squeezed it. “To pleaseyou, I swear.”
The maid nodded and smiled. Then she picked up the hairbrush. “Shall I fix your hair for supper, Lady Portia?”
“I’m not hungry.”
“I’m sure your brother would appreciate your company tonight. He loves you as much as I—more so, even, for he’s prepared to treat you harshly to express his love, whereas I—”
“Whereas you cannot, for fear of dismissal?” Portia smiled at her maid. “Nerissa, promise never to leave me. I fear I shan’t survive without you taking care of me.”
Nerissa’s smile disappeared. For a moment, a spark of fear glowed in her dark eyes, then she blinked and nodded. “You must also promise not to leaveme, Lady Portia.”
For a moment, they stared at each other in the mirror, then Nerissa’s smile resumed.
“How about some pearls?” she said brightly. “They’ll set off the color of your dress delightfully.”
Portia nodded, and they settled into a companionable silence while she watched Nerissa’s nimble fingers fashion her hair into curls then pin them into place.
