“That is what they are calling honesty these days?” She grumpily rubbed the sleep out of her eyes in what was actually the most endearing gesture. Her hair was tumbled down around her shoulders in a glorious mess. She was in her stockinged feet. He always liked seeing women when they were more relaxed, more approachable.
He definitely liked seeing Clarissa this way, even if she was being stubborn, but he would bring her around.
Dora tugged on his finger, a sign that he wasn’t holding the bottle the way she wished. He grinned down at her and made the adjustment. She began eating again, her brows forming a small vee. Either eating was serious work, or she was questioning his sanity, too.
Women.
Except, he discovered to his mild surprise, he didn’t mind these two women.
“Open your mind for just one moment,” he instructed.
Clarissa crossed her arms. “Insults are not the way to make me cooperate.”
She was right. Doggedly, he continued. She had to understand, whatever her price for helping him, he’d pay it. “An opportunity has presented itself. I mean to take it.”
“Are you talking about Dora?”
“I’m talking about the vote. Dervil wantsthe position and I can stop him. I can rob him of what I am certain he most dearly craves—power.”
Mars also knew Dervil would be furious with his interference. The last time they’d had words, Dervil had warned if Mars continued thwarting him, there would be a challenge. Mars hoped so. He’d like nothing better than to put a bullet through Dervil. To treat the man the way he had treated Mars’s father.
But he wouldn’t share this with Clarissa. She wouldn’t understand. What he was planning was dangerous. It was possible Dervil might kill him. If so, he needed someone to take care of Dora. Someone he could rely on—like Clarissa.
Also, without a doubt, if he killed Dervil, even in an affair of honor, there would be an outcry. In many circles, Dervil was respected.
And times had changed since his father’s country duel. Today, dueling was frowned upon. If Mars shot Dervil—and that was his intent—then he’d have to leave the country. At least until things calmed down. It might take years for memories to cool.
If that was the case, he couldn’t take Dora with him to live the life of an exile. Who knew what dangers might be ahead?
However, as his wife, Clarissa could be counted on to keep his daughter safe, to weather the disapproval of society. After all, she’d held her own in Maidenshop. She would have the protection of his name and his fortune to help her. He’d see to it.
But he would not explain all of this to a minister’s daughter. Clarissa wouldn’t understand the need for revenge that burned in his soul.
Instead, he said, “You are always barking that you believe I should play a more active role in government. I thought you would be pleased I am willing to fulfill my responsibilities.”
She smiled at him as if he was hopeless and for the first time he noticed her smile was a touch lopsided. She also had dimples. Small ones. Barely noticeable, and yet there they were. It was then he realized, she’d rarely ever smiled around him, even when she was laughing at him.
“And for that reason, my lord, I shall see to your best interests and not take you seriously over such a preposterous idea as marriage between us. Is your mother still here?”
“She is like an unwelcome boarder. Hard to throw out.”
“Then this gives you the opportunity to tell her the truth.”
“And have her disapprove of Dora once she learns the baby is the by-blow from one of my mistresses?”
“She can’t believe Dora is ours. Look at our coloring. In fact, everyone in Maidenshop knows the baby is not mine.”
“My mother won’t listen to village gossip. She is too important in her own mind. As for the village, their loyalty is to you and me. They can be mum when they have a mind to it. Mrs. Warbler spent all of dinner waxing on aboutyour sterling qualities and how everyone enjoyed our wedding.”
“Except for us.” She leaned forward. “My lord, lies always come to the surface eventually.”
“I don’t know where you came by that idea.”
“It is universal knowledge.”
“Not in my world. People lie for their own gain daily, Clarissa. As to knowledge about me, most of thetonhaven’t an idea of what I’ve been about.”
“Your mother said they whisper about you.”
