He leant against the door. “It was a duel.”
“I thought duels were illegal.”
“More or less. They’re tolerated when the honour of a well-respected British officer has been soiled.” He paused.
She couldn’t believe he’d insulted an officer so harshly to start a duel. “I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”
He bowed his head. “The night of the ball, Patrick had an assignation with Lord McFall’s wife in the library.”
She was surprised she didn’t feel anything. Not a sting of disappointment, jealousy, or anything else, really. Perhaps she’d turned into a cold monster. But she’d always known Patrick had a string of lovers. Besides, who cared? She had enough thoughts to keep herself busy.
“McFall caught him inflagranteand demanded satisfaction. The morning of the duel, Patrick was horribly nervous. He’s never been a good shooter. He hates guns. When I saw him fumbling with the gun while McFall was ready to shoot, I pushed Patrick out of the way, and this is the result.”
“Patrick,” she whispered, shaking her head.
“That’s why I worry about him. He doesn’t think before acting. I can’t protect him forever. He must learn to take his responsibilities.”
She agreed. “Thank you for telling me what happened.”
“Such a small thing.” He smiled, and she smiled back. “Whenever you want to come here, this conservatory is all for you.”
For now, she had trouble focusing on the plants.
“The moonflowers didn’t overjoy you as much as I hoped,” he said. “What can I do to make you happy?”
“You make me happy. A lot.”
“I insist. If you could receive any gift, what would it be? I’m curious. What would you like to have?”
She had an idea. “If I could ask for anything…”
“Yes?”
“There’s a woman I know, Lady Mary. Have you heard about her?”
“No, I don’t think I have.”
She cleared her throat. “She fell from grace after being with child, and her family sent her away. Now she lives hand-to-mouth in a horrible flat, working as a seamstress. I helped her in the past, and I would like to help her now in a proper way. If it’s not much to ask, I want to donate part of the money for my personal expenses to her. I won’t ask you for more money, I promise. I just want to help Lady Mary, and I won’t buy anything extravagant for myself, anyway.”
“Isabella—”
“She can have all the sum for my expenses. Or we can find her a job. Something paid better.”
“I—”
“Her situation is so unfair that?—”
He silenced her, pressing a finger to her lips. The gesture became suddenly erotic, and his eyes ignited with unmistakable hunger. She couldn’t deny a certain stirring in her chest as well.
He removed his finger. “You didn’t seem to need to breathe. So, Lady Mary. No, you can’t give her part of your money.”
Her heart dipped to her stomach. “Oh.”
“I’ll set up an allowance for her without you having to cut your expenses.”
Her heart soared back up, making her dizzy. “Would you do that for her?”
“No. I would do that for you.”
She cried out in happiness and hugged him. “Thank you. Thank you.” She scattered kisses on his face. “Thank you.”
He laughed, holding her. “That’s the reaction I hoped for.”
