“Mama.” Angeline clenched her fists. The more Mama ranted against Royston, the more she wanted to marry him. “You shouldn’t have treated him so cruelly. He’s an honourable gentleman.”
“There’s no such thing as an honourable gentleman. It’s a contradiction. They’re all the same, ready to use you. He used you.”
“Royston and I talked about that. He had some convincing arguments.” Perhaps that wasn’t the right time to mention Lord Havisham’s lies about Mama abusing fallen women. “The fact you had a terrible, awful experience doesn’t mean all men are the same.”
“Oh, really?” She folded her arms over her chest. “Let’s put your white knight to the test.”
“How?”
“Have a tumble with him and see what happens next. I bet my diamond bracelet he’ll walk away from his marriage proposal and will call you a harlot faster than I can say, ‘I told you so’.”
“He would never do that.”
“If you’re so sure, then do it.” She touched a rather large ring with a big ruby on its top. “Go on. Seduce him.”
Angeline copied her mother’s stance and crossed her arms. “I will not seduce him only to prove to you he’s honourable.”
“Fine. We can give him my special poly potion. I’ve laced it with almond wine. My men say it’s delicious. He’ll believe he tupped you?—”
“Your language!”
“—and after that, after he thinks he had you in his bed, he’ll forget about you. You won’t hear from him ever again.”
“It’s wrong. I forbid you to drug him.”
“I can use my Lucrezia Borgia’s ring, if you prefer.” She showed her the large ring.
Angeline shook her head. “I don’t even want to know what that thing is.”
Mama tilted her head. “Scared that your white knight will behave like a scoundrel?”
“Mama.” Angeline took Mama’s shoulders. “Stop it. I know you were hurt. I know you had one horrible experience after another with men, but Royston is different. Leave him alone.”
“The fact he pulled you out of that burning theatre doesn’t mean you owe him anything.”
“I certainly owe him my respect, and your plan is disrespectful. So no almond wine. And that’s final.”
