“Or were you trying to hide the identity of your lover? Some poor gentleman,” he drawled. “Who didn’t want to be stuck with you either?”
She cocked her head, not the least put out by his insults. “Your rebuttal is based solely on the fact that you are incapable of kissing poorly. Is that your only defense?” A bark of laughter came from her. “Lady Brokeburst—”
“Is elderly. Addled, possibly.”
“What about my father? Is he addled as well?”
“I do not kiss in a sloppy manner. I’m not a bloody puppy.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Perhaps,” he deliberately softened his tone, trying to reason with her. “It was an honest mistake. It was another gentleman that you onlythoughtwas me. After a glass or two of champagne…”
The color left her cheeks.
I knew it.
“The garden was dark,” Alexander continued. “At least admit as much to me. So we may move forward in honesty.”
“There was moonlight.”
“We can explain to your father and my uncle together,” he coaxed. “Break the betrothal. Happens all the time. Simply admit it wasn’t me. I promise to offer my support.”
“You are loathsome.” Her hand hovered over the teapot and for a moment, Alexander thought he might be doused with hot tea.
“Then tell me this. Given your disgust, why would you go into the gardens with me? What could I possibly have said to entice you to do so?”
Her lips pressed shut.
“Answer the question.”
She fidgeted. Looked away. Her cheeks pinked once more. “We—conversed. You were interesting. Charming. Flirtatious.” Her eyes fell to her lap. “Excessively so.”
Alexander studied her closely. She wasembarrassed. He’d wounded her…pride.
Her fingers tugged at the silk of her skirts in agitation.
“What did we discuss? The latest fashions? The ball?”
Eyes raised, she glared at him.
“It doesn’t matter. Not a bit of it was true.” Hostility emanatedfrom her once more. “And I won’t go to my father and recant because itwasyou. My father recognized you.” There was a slight tremble in her words. “As did Lady Brokeburst and dozens of others. You may deny it all you like, Your Grace.”
“I will continue to do so.” The banns had been posted. The date set. Canterbell would never allow a broken betrothal now, even if she did recant. Alexander must bide his time. Wed her. Declare himself unable to perform his husbandly duties. It would be humiliating, but worth it to be rid of this little nuisance.
They regarded each other over the tea. He and Lady Sophia were at an impasse.
“Can we at least agree to blame Lady Brokeburst?” he murmured.
Lady Sophia jerked her chin. “Yes.” She looked so miserable, so desolate at her circumstances, Alexander had the sudden urge to offer comfort to his future wife.
I really need a glass of brandy. Or scotch. Maybe gin.
“I hope I wasn’t gone too long.” Lady Canterbell sailed back into the room and noting the tension filling the air, looked between them.
“Not at all, my lady.” Alexander came to his feet and bowed. “Lady Sophia and I were just discussing puppies.”
Lady Sophia stiffened, but said nothing else.
“I fear I must take my leave, my lady.” He took Lady Canterbell’s hand. “A prior appointment and I dare not be late. With your permission, I shall take Lady Sophia to Gunter’s next week after a ride through the park.” Both could be accomplished without a chaperone, especially given their betrothal, and Alexander wouldn’t have to tolerate Lady Canterbell during the outing. She gave him a headache.
“Oh, my. Well, of course,” Lady Canterbell cooed. “Sophia would be delighted.”
