Page 32 of Love and the Shameless Lady

“Until such time as we sunder the engagement.”

He scooped up a forkful of eggs. “They won’t know it wasn’t real.”

“No, but I shall be blamed and become persona non grata again, with another blot on my reputation.”

He grimaced ruefully. “I shall try to take the blame on myself, but I can’t guarantee the result. People will think I had a brief period of madness followed by a lucky escape.”

That hurt—it always did when people assumed she was truly dreadful—but Daisy was used to that particular pain.

More or less. It seemed worse than usual this time.

He motioned to her plate. “If you’re not going to finish your eggs, give them to me.”

She pushed the plate across the table, and he piled a slice of ham and some eggs on a piece of toast. He probably saw this whole situation as entertainment. People might think he was highly respectable, but to her mind it was nothing but a façade.

Just like her tough exterior. Inside she was a tangled mass of unpleasant emotions—except when she was writing her novels.

Which were the reason someone wanted her dead.

One advantage, she realized, of being in danger of one’s life was that one saw the world with different eyes. Why not have some fun of her own? She rather liked the idea of a house party. Not so much because she would enjoy it, for she wouldn’t. Yes, betrothal to Sir Julian would make her marginally respectable, but that didn’t mean people would accept her with open arms. They were more likely to behave with frigid propriety.

Well, she didn’t give tuppence for the acceptance of a bunch of hypocrites. She would, however, enjoy setting the ton abuzz with gossip about her betrothal to Sir Julian, and then thumbing her nose at them when she broke it. She would also enjoy the excellent food Miles would provide, and she didn’t think he would forbid her to see the children. There was a newish baby, as well as his young illegitimate daughter.

Meanwhile, the aggravating man across the table was polishing off the last of the eggs as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

Very well, she would give him something to worry about. “There is one possibility you haven’t considered, Sir Julian.”

He wiped his mouth. “What’s that?”

“What if I decide I like being respectable again?”

He took a swig of ale, blithely unconcerned.

“Don’t you understand? What if I don’t free you from the engagement?”

“Such I fix I’ll find myself in!” His eyes sparkled. “I’ll have to marry you, won’t I?”

He made her want to smile, something she avoided with attractive men. She forced a glower. “You’ll be stuck with me, that’s what.”

“True,” he said. “But you will also be stuck with me.”

Julian didn’t think he would mind being stuck with Daisy. She was far more interesting than most of the women he knew, and courageous as well.

Judging by the twitch of her lips, she was holding back a smile at the thought of trapping him. One of these days, she would give him a real, heartfelt grin. He couldn’t wait to see it.

“Oh, you’re not so bad,” she said. “You’re well-bred, good-looking, and generally inoffensive.”

“You also are well-bred and good-looking.” He grinned. “And I find your offensiveness quite charming.”

“What nonsense.” She took a deep breath. Judging by the slight movement of her arms, her hands were clasped tightly on her lap. “Very well, I agree to this sham of a betrothal, but I cannot promise to be meek and compliant and everything else a lady supposedly should be. I am too accustomed to speaking my mind.”

“Perfect,” he said. “May we borrow a carriage from your brother? We should have a groom take the gig back to Mr. Bennett.”

She nodded vaguely and stood. “Yes, just let Bussey know. I’d best pack some clothing suitable to a house party.” She headed for the door.

He followed. “While I wait, I should like to start reading The Lady’s Revenge. Or Ruin, whichever comes first.”

“Ruin comes first, but why?”