His mind was spinning.She was serious.She’d rather slog around the streets looking for some dreary job than to marry again.Than to marryhim.
Though maybe she hadn’t realized that what he’d said was tantamount to an offer.What a relief.
It was relief he felt, he was sure.
“But I think I’d make quite a good companion for a lonely old lady,” she continued.“Reading to her, fetching her shawls and slippers, keeping her entertained, making her life comfortable, that sort of thing.The trouble is, I hardly know anyone in society—or anywhere else for that matter—to recommend me.So, do you know any?”
“Old ladies?Yes, though off hand, I can’t think of any who are in need of a companion.”And he doubted any of them would want a beautiful, twice widowed young woman with an unsavory reputation—albeit an undeserved one.
Her face fell, and he hastened to add, “But of course I’ll ask around.My Aunt Gosforth knows dozens of old ladies.She’s bound to dig one up who will suit.”
She clasped her hands together.“Oh, that would be wonderful.”Then she sobered, adding in embarrassment, “Only it must be quick.Edgar insists that I marry Sir Henry Lester at once.He didn’t say so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was off at this very minute, arranging it.”
Marcus frowned.“But you said you’d refused.”
“Oh, I have, repeatedly.But Edgar doesn’t care for that.”She swallowed and added in a shamed voice, “I also refused to marry my second husband, but it made no difference.”
Marcus stared at her, appalled.
“He forced you?”
She nodded.“I think so.It’s all a bit vague.Anyway, Edgar is still insisting the marriage will go ahead.I will refuse of course, but it’s rather unpleasant to be arguing all the time and he seems to think he can force me again.So you understand why I must make haste in finding a new position.”
“Where is your brother now?”
She shook her head.“I don’t know.He never tells me where he’s going or when he’ll return.”
Marcus stood up.“Very well, I’ll make the necessary arrangements.Will your brother be at home this evening?”
“Not after eight, he won’t.He goes out every night, gambling, and is rarely home before dawn.But what arrangements do you mean?”
“Excellent.Pack your things.I’ll come here at nine and collect you.”
She raised her brows.“Collect me?”
“Yes, my Aunt Gosforth arrived in London this morning.You can stay with her until we sort out something more suitable.And in the meantime, you’ll be out of Edgar’s hands, and safe.”
She hesitated.“It’s very kind of you, but it’s not necessary to discompose your aunt at the moment.”
“She won’t be discomposed.”She would, of course, but he could deal with her.
“Thank you, but no.It will take several days at least for Edgar to arrange a wedding.Apparently Sir Henry is being difficult about the settlements, which I hope will give me time to arrange something, some kind of employment.”She gave him an apologetic smile.“I prefer to be independent, you see.”
“I see.”She’d made up her mind, and he didn’t blame her.Clearly the men she’d known in the past had all let her down, and in the worst way.And her father and brother had exploited her shamefully.Why should she trust him, simply because they’d been childhood friends?
“But it’s very kind of you, and I am truly grateful.
He took her hands in his.“No need to thank me.We’ve been friends since we rescued that vixen, remember?”
She gave him a wobbly smile.“I’m not quite ready to chew off my paw yet, but if you could help me find a suitable position it’d be a huge relief.”
He lifted one of her hands and kissed it.“Now, stop worrying.I’ll speak to my aunt and see what we can come up with.”
He closed the front door and started down the street, feeling strangely invigorated for a man who’d had his first and only marriage proposal rejected.
It was a salutary lesson in humility.Had he been looking for a wife—which he wasn’t, of course—and thank goodness she’d refused him.What the devil had he been thinking?He’d imagined he only had to choose, and the job would be done.
How arrogant could a man get?She’d made it clear she’d prefer to scrub floors or sell shoes than marry him.She hadn’t been tempted for a moment.
