And in exchange, he would have to lie to everyone in his life.
Lucien released a breath. He could end this right now. Claim it was only a silly rumor. A misunderstanding that had gotten out of hand. But then he would be back where he started. With nothing. And as much as he would have liked to deny Alex and her underhandedness, he needed this more.
He nodded. Just once.
His father slowly inhaled then broke into a dazzling grin and playfully batted his arm. “You knave! And here I was all worried over Miss Winifred.”
“Oh, but this is a much better match,” Mrs. Holloway unhelpfully added.
Lucien cleared his throat and managed to swallow the urge to demand just what the hellthatmeant. “It’s very early days,” he said instead. “I’d rather not say too much right now.” And certainly not before he spoke with Alex herself.
However, his father and Mrs. Holloway were far too excited to be deterred by something so reasonable as prudence.
“It ishighlyunconventional, of course,” Mrs. Holloway said diplomatically. “But given Miss Alexandra’s lack of suitors, I can’t imagine the master and mistress will be too much concerned.”
His father laughed. “They’re probably breaking out the champagne as we speak!” Then he shot Lucien a sheepish look. “Oh. Sorry, my boy. I didn’t mean—”
“It’s fine,” he replied tightly. “I am aware of our respective placesin society as well as her… reputation. And as far as I know, her parents are supportive.”
Mrs. Holloway and his father exchanged looks of relief, then launched into a discussion of his and Alex’s various attributes as well as the compatibility of each.
“They are both so clever,” Mrs. Holloway began. “Though she is quite serious.”
“But that’s just it, my dear. Perhaps our Lucien brings out her lightheartedness,” his father replied thoughtfully.
“Oh, excellent point, Leonard! And Miss Alexandra could use that. Poor thing spends most of her time at the office.” Then she addressed Lucien. “Youmusttake her out dancing. And to the theater. A musical review!”
“Yes,” he said placidly, fighting the urge to laugh at the absurdity of this situation.DidAlex dance? He certainly couldn’t remember ever seeing her in the arms of a man. Any man. Briefly, he wondered if she even liked men. In Paris he had met a number of women who openly preferred the company of other women. But truthfully, Alex didn’t seem to have a preference for either sex. Or people in general.
He turned his attention back to the conversation and, to his alarm, found that Mrs. Holloway had broached the subject of potential wedding dates.
“It would have to be next spring,” she pronounced. “As there is far too much to do for Miss Phoebe’s December nuptials.” Then she cast him an appraising look. “Unless, of course, it becomes a double wedding.”
Lucien shot to his feet. “I’m going for a walk.”
Not exactly subtle, but he had listened to enough of their nonsense.
He left them planning a wedding that would never happen to a woman he was only pretending to court and headed for the one spot on the estate where he could enjoy some privacy at this hour. Lucien had a hell of a lot to think about.
Seven
Usually Alex rose with the dawn, as it was far easier to get things done without her mother, sisters, or even her father interrupting every few minutes. Apparently no one in the Atkinson household could make their own mundane decisions, or remember who had come to supper last month, or when the British Museum opened. At times she wondered if they coordinated who would approach her in which order, but it seemed far more likely they were simply unaware, as they all seemed quite surprised when she inevitably grew snappish from their constant demands. Everyone always wanted something from her, but no one ever concerned themselves with whatshewanted.
But today she rubbed her bleary eyes, retrieved her pocket watch from the bedside table, and sat up with a start. Goodness, it was nearly nine o’clock. But then, she had retired much later than usual. Before she could think better of it, her duplicitous mind conjured the image of Lucien Taylor in the summer house with his hazel eyes fixed upon her as he leaned in close.
Tell me the terms again.
A shiver ran down her spine at the memory, just as it had last night. For one ridiculous moment, Alex had actually thought he wouldkissher, and in the resultant confusion, she blurted out thathe should take the night to think things over. It was a terrible negotiation tactic, and a hot flush washed over her at the amateur blunder. Ofcoursehe didn’t want to kiss her. But far more important, the more time someone had to think over a deal, the more they asked for.
Alex shook her head, but Lucien’s inviting image stubbornly lingered. She let out a sigh and flopped back onto the pillows. There was nothing to be done about it. She had no leverage in this situation and must give him whatever he wanted. Her only concession was that Lucien didn’t know just how desperate she was to make this work.
After indulging in another moment of indolence, Alex forced herself out of bed. If she hurried, she could nip downstairs for a light breakfast and head to Father’s study before the rest of the household even began to stir. She needed some time to herself. Time to think.
After washing up, Alex donned a light blue day gown and arranged her hair in a simple Psyche knot. It was more untidy than she preferred, but this was a country morning, not an afternoon meeting in London. Here she did not need to prove her acumen to a roomful of arrogant men.
The thought was strangely depressing. Usually Alexlovedany opportunity to subvert expectations, but today she only felt tired. Perhaps because after spending the last seven years doing just that, it still wasn’t enough.
You’ll feel better after you eat, she reasoned.
