Noise rose in the ballroom as her words were repeated like an outgoing wave. Julian caught the duchess’s eye, took Carenza’s hand, and practically dragged her through to the anteroom. He shut the door behind them and spun around.
“What in damnation are youdoing?”
She met his gaze quite calmly. “Protecting my friend. Admitting to my own mistake.”
“They’ll ruin you!”
“I’m already considered déclassé. Why does it matter if they think I’m even worse?”
“Because I have spent weeks trying to prevent this very thing from happening. And now you just stand up and admit to it?” He clenched his fists to keep from shaking her. “What in God’s name is wrong with you?”
He only realized he was shouting when she winced.
“I’m tired of lying. I’m tired of being used by your enemies to bring you down.”
“I was in no danger of losing my reputation. Everyone out there knows what Walcott is like. No one would believe him.”
“You’re wrong about that.” She paused. “People love to gossip, and there would’ve been a shadow left on your name and reputation. I couldn’t allow that to happen.”
“You couldn’t allow it? What in God’s name does it have to do with you?”
She let out a breath. “Julian, I know that you are angry with Percival and Calloway, but—”
“You’re wrong.” He cut her off again. “I’m angry with you.”
“For caring enough to protect you?”
“But you don’t care, do you, Carenza? You take what you want from me and offer nothing in return.”
She went still. “That’s hardly fair.”
“You considered me too far above you to contemplate marriage,” he said. “One might think you’d be pleased that my reputation might be as ruined as yours. Or did you decide to ‘sacrifice’ yourself on my behalf, because you didn’t really want us to be equal? And that way you could avoid another unwanted proposal?”
“Julian …” Her voice was unsteady, and there were tears gathering in her eyes. “As to that, l wanted to tell you—”
“As to that, nothing.” He inclined his head an icy inch. “You win, my dear. I’ll keep to our bargain. I’ll be your stud, because quite honestly what else am I worth to you?”
The music started up again in the ballroom behind them, as she studied him. “Perhapsyouare angry because I have completely ruined my reputation and you can no longer pretend I would make you a suitable wife.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Julian said.
“Our bargain, such as it was, is null and void, sir.” She curtsied, turned around, and left by the outer door into the lower hall.
She didn’t even slam the door, just shut it carefully behind her.
He took several breaths. Then, his fury dying as quickly as it had risen, he flung open the door. “Carenza!”
“Julian.” Aragon came toward him, his expression concerned. “Are you all right? We got rid of the agitators, and the crowd seems to be on your side. They’re all gossiping about Lady Carenza instead.”
“Damn her,” Julian muttered.
“Actually, I thought it was rather brave,” Aragon said. “You should be grateful. Her announcement saved your reputation.”
“Brave, foolhardy, or entirely unnecessary?” Julian demanded.
Aragon raised his eyebrows. “Brave. If I have to pick one. She didn’t have to do that for you, brother.”
“I am well aware of that.”
