“There’s no need for that,” he blustered. After all, he had his own reasons for traveling to Slough. A dimple peeped from her cheek. The deuce! She toyed with him, giving back some of his own.
He chuckled. “You are a minx, madam.”
Her expression sobered. “Let me make it perfectly plain. No matter how hard you try to persuade me, I will not agree to us sharing a bedchamber.” She frowned. “So there will be no arguments. I intend to sleep alone.”
He shrugged. “No matter. I shall lie on a pallet outside your door.”
A smile lifted her lovely mouth. “I don’t believe that is necessary. I have a spare bedchamber. You must realize…if a woman loses her reputation and society cuts her, life can become extremely difficult.”
“Why would they?” He gave a dismissive shrug. “You’re a widow and your reputation is of no interest to anyone but you and a few gossipmongers.”
“Oh? You mean those who speak at length about your exploits?”
He smiled, she had a point there.
“And my servants—”
“—shall think we are married.”
“Montsimon, my servants are decent people, and unlike some members of theton,do not countenance liaisons outside of marriage.”
“When our reasons can be explained, they will understand.”
“I do hope so.”
“Then it’s decided,” he said with a decisive nod.
A faint blush warmed her cheeks. “Please remember that this arrangement does not permit over-familiarity on your part.”
“I have shared a bed with you before, madam. Did you not emerge unscathed?”
She smiled wryly. “I doubt you have the self-control to continue in that vein.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps you don’t trust yourself?”
“Oh.” The blush on her cheeks deepened. “I don’t wish to seem coy, Montsimon. It’s just that I know of what men are capable. And how women can suffer because of it.”
He hid a surprising stab of guilt behind a hurt expression. “I do hope you’re not comparing me to Brookwood.”
“You are nothing like Brookwood.” She looked out the window, shadows were gathering. It was only a few hours until nightfall. “We are on the outskirts of Slough,” she said, relief in her voice. “We’ll reach Owltree Cottage shortly.”
“You have nothing to fear from me, my lady,” he said with an affronted frown. “You’ve succeeded in crushing any ardor on my part.”
She glanced at him, her eyes contemplative. “Good.”
It never occurred to him that any lover of his might suffer hurt after their relationship ended. The women he’d known always seemed so confident, with an eye to their next beau. But it was a damnably alarming thought.
