Alexandra rose so quickly that he thought she must have been anxious to escape the harpies’ clutches. Keeping in mind her dislike of being overheard, he led her a short distance down the hallway, then turned to face her.
“I don’t recall that readingAs You Like Itwas to be a part of my cousin’s studies,” he said, noting that a lock of her burnished hair had fallen across her temple. He wanted to brush it back from her face, and sternly restrained himself.
“Her request surprised me as well, my lord,” she returned in a low voice. “I don’t feel it is my place, though, to deny anyone the opportunity to indulge in scholarly pursuits.”
“She’s never read Shakespeare before in her life. I could hear that, even if you couldn’t. Rose was not the one whose interests were being indulged.”
Alexandra narrowed her eyes. “I am perfectly capable of reading Shakespeare on my own time. Speaking of which, I haven’t taken a day off from my duties since I arrived. I would like to have Monday off.”
“Why?”
He could practically hear her teeth grinding, her jaw was clenched so tightly. Lucien stifled a grin.
“Since you have requested that I instruct you in propriety, it is my duty to inform you that that is a rude, importunate question, and one which I have no intention of answering.”
Damned stubborn, proper chit. “For your information, I am looking out for my own interests. Naturally I don’t want you going about looking for other employment opportunities.”
“Foryourinformation, everything you do is for your own interests.”
“And?”
“And no, I am not looking for other employment. No one would hire me, anyway.” She paused, but he kept silent. “May I be excused on Monday?” she finally asked.
He held her gaze. “No.”
Alexandra’s eyes flashed. “Then, my lord,” she began, her voice tight and angry, “I must resign my post, imm—”
“Yes,” he interrupted with a growl. “Yes, damn it.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She sank down in a curtsy more elegant than his cousin would ever manage. “I’ll go see to Rose, as you wish.”
Scowling mightily, Lucien watched her vanish back inside the sitting room. It didn’t bother him that she had called his bluff; he’d expected that she would. What bothered him was the sudden panic that hit him when she’d mentioned quitting. He’d spoken before he could stop himself, given in before he could come up with a way of saving face.
He’d lost ground in their little battle, and they both knew it. Lucien swore. He needed something to gain him more leverage with her, and he needed it fast.
Obviously word had spread that both the Earl of Kilcairn Abbey and his cousin were looking for spouses. Alexandra sat to one side in Lucien’s rented box at Vauxhall Gardens and simply watched.
From the moment they’d arrived, a steady stream of young men and women had stopped by to talk about Paris, the weather, the upcoming hunting season, and the fireworks exploding overhead—anything but matrimony. She’d thought the situation at Balfour House had become as absurd as it could get. Obviously that wasn’t the case, and now that thetonwas involved, the insanity would only intensify.
All of the visitors stared at her, as well, but so far no one had said anything—which she was sure had more to do with Kilcairn’s formidable presence than any kindness on their part. She had to admit she was grateful for the unexpected reprieve; a powerful personage had definite uses.
“Did you see that?” Rose said, prancing over from her vantage point at the front of the box. “That was the Marquis of Tewksbury! My dance card for the ball tomorrow night is practically filled already. Oh, I wish I could waltz!”
“It’s wonderful,” Alexandra agreed. “Remember not to show too much excitement, though. They are the ones who should be pleased at being allowed to spend time with you.”
“Good God,” Lucien enunciated in an exasperated tone, resuming his seat a few feet away. “I should shoot Robert for wagging his damned tongue. They’re like a damned roving pack of hounds, scenting blood.”
“Surely you realized that news of a wealthy earl’s willingness to marry would spark all sorts of interest,” Alexandra said, tucking her wrap closer around her shoulders.
“No, not really. I’m not a pleasant person.”
At least he seemed to have gotten over his anger of the afternoon. She wasn’t certain why she’d been so insistent, except that she wanted him to know his intoxicating kisses hadn’t swayed her from her decision, or her duties. Now she had to think of somewhere to spend the entire day on Monday.
“They don’t know you, Lucien,” Fiona said.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Meaning they’ll eventually realize my unpleasant nature?”
“Of course not.”
