Chapter 31

Sitting in her front parlor, Marlowe looked over the design for her new car that the builder she’d hired had sent over. She

wanted something a little larger, a little sturdier. She was contemplating hiring out, giving people rides. She doubted she’d

make enough to feed herself, much less to care for her mother and pay off her father’s debts. But it would fill her days and

perhaps eventually set her on a new path. Mistresses were seldom bothered during the day.

Two nights had passed since the calamitous affair at the Dragons. Of course it had made the gossip columns. Naturally the

lords were offered some protection, only their initials used—Lord L and Lord C. She, however, was on full display. Marlowe.

There was a time when it had pleased her to be so well-known. Now she wished only for anonymity.

She did an awful lot of wishing. Her father had taught her that. Wish for anything you want. You never know which wish will come true.

She also wished she’d not been quite so curt with Langdon when he’d brought her home that night. He was obviously honoring

her hasty announcement that they were done because she hadn’t seen or heard from him since. Oh, how she missed him.

Especially as she studied the design of the car he’d offered to pay for. Or when she crawled into bed at night wearing his

shirt. Or when she looked at the barometer upon first awakening in order to determine if the day would be brilliant.

So many lovely days when she missed having her balloon. But it should be repaired in another week, maybe two. While she and

Langdon were no longer together, she could still offer to take him up. She wanted to share that experience with him, show

him the joy of being above it all. Troubles and strife always seemed to remain on the ground, too heavy to float above the

clouds.

She heard the resounding knock on the door, but ignored it, knowing her butler would see to it. Only a few minutes passed

before he was walking into the room, holding what appeared to be an ivory envelope.

“This was just delivered by a young man dressed in livery,” he said. “I’m afraid I didn’t catch the design of the coat of

arms on the coach well enough to identify whom he might be serving.”

She took the envelope. Her name was written on it in elegant script. She turned it over. Within the wax resided the outline of the coat of arms. She’d never memorized them all, so she hadn’t a clue as to whom this one belonged. Was a duke extending her an invitation to become his mistress? It seemed possible. Perhaps Hollie had enjoyed dinner with said duke and put a word in his ear about his former mistress needing a protector. Yesterday she’d sent him a note alerting him that she and Langdon were over and she would begin in earnest the hunt for someone to provide for her all she required.

Oh, how she hated that. She wanted a different way to take care of herself. But she’d grown so accustomed to the life she

now led that it would be hard to give it up, to go without. And unfair to ask the shop owners in Vexham to be more patient

than they’d already been when it came to being paid what was owed to them.

Knowing for certain that her father was dead, and how he had died, her anger with him had dissipated somewhat. Perhaps she

should take a few days to visit her mother now, before she gained a new lover who might not be thrilled with her going away

once the Season ended. She’d have to learn all his various quirks. How he liked his tea. His favorite alcoholic beverage.

Which side of the bed he preferred.

She waited a few minutes after her butler left to pluck off the wax seal and take the vellum card from the envelope. As she

read the inscribed words, her heart began to pound in a frantic rhythm.

The Duke and Duchess of Lovingdon

Request the honor of your presence...

“Are you responsible for this?”

Sitting at his desk, Langdon looked up from the possible future plans he’d been outlining for the estate. He wasn’t yet certain of their viability, but it thrilled him to consider how he might improve what he would one day inherit.

Waving an ivory card, Marlowe was marching toward him. He’d not slept since she’d slammed the door on him, he missed her so.

He’d barely eaten. He didn’t like the way things had gone the last time they were together. She might be ready to end things,

but he wasn’t.

He stood and fought against going around the desk, taking her in his arms, and capturing her mouth with his own. “And what

would that be?”

She slapped the card down on his desk. He didn’t bother to look. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from the fire in her eyes.

So much passion in this woman.

“The Duke and Duchess of Lovingdon have invited me to the ball they are hosting tomorrow night.”

“Yes.”

She appeared flummoxed. “Yes, what?”

He wondered if being so close to him, so near, her thoughts had drifted to them doing something a good deal more fun than

sorting out an invitation. “Yes, I asked them to invite you to their ball.”

“Did you learn nothing from our night at the Twin Dragons?”

“I was reminded that you are not mine... and I am not yours. However, I spoke with them before our trek to the club and

as they’ve gone to the trouble to invite you, it seems you could at least go to the trouble to attend. I am more than willing

to provide escort.”

She shook her head. “My presence would only serve to ruin their affair.”

“I very much doubt it. The Duke and Duchess are powerful in their own right. Add to that the influence of their families—Lovingdon’s

stepfather is Jack Dodger, one of the wealthiest men in Britain, and you already know the duchess’s father is the Duke of

Greystone—and the fact that those three families are very near and dear to my family and none of their guests are going to

want to cause any unpleasantness. Especially toward a woman on my arm.”

“And the duchess is your cousin.”

“Yes. Drake Darling and his wife will be there. As will Uncle James and his family. Uncle William and his.”

“Uncle William?”

“Dr. Graves.”

“You’re related to him as well?”

“Not by blood. But as you can see, unlike at the Dragons, should I have a need to defend you, I’ll have an army at my back.

One that plays dirty.”

She released a caustic laugh. “We’re done.”

“Attending the ball doesn’t change that. I can escort you without being your lover.”

She began pacing. “This is madness.”

“Have you ever been to an aristocrat’s ball?”

Coming to a stop, she glared at him. “Of course not.”

“Wouldn’t you like to attend one?”

Her glare intensified just before she looked away. He knew it was because she didn’t want him to see the yearning.

“What I want has no bearing on the matter. I refuse to be the cause of bringing mayhem to their ballroom.”

And people deemed her selfish. Fools all.

“An invitation to the Lovingdon ball is coveted. And here you have received one. I certainly don’t wish to influence your

decision, but I think if you don’t go, a day will come when you’ll regret your lack of courage.”

He was surprised the arrows her eyes shot his way didn’t mortally wound him.

“It’s not cowardice. As I’ve said, I don’t want to ruin things for them.”

“As I’ve been trying to convey... that’s unlikely to happen. It’ll be a much friendlier gathering than we had the other

night. And Chadbourne won’t be in attendance. His invitation was rescinded after he demonstrated such atrocious behavior.”

“I suppose you were responsible for that as well.”

I protect what is mine.

“He needed a lesson on when to open his mouth and when to keep it shut. I was more than happy to oblige when it came to his

education.”

She began pacing again. “I don’t have anything to wear on such short notice.”

“I’ve never known you to wear anything that wasn’t appropriate. Except for my shirt. I would advise against wearing my shirt.”

He felt a tightness in his chest begin to relax when he caught sight of her mouth twitching as though she was trying not to smile. Not to give him a smile very similar to one he’d imagined her smiling every night after he crawled into bed and watched the shadows cavorting over the ceiling, wondering if they’d moved in that manner for her when he’d been buried inside her. Thrusting, gyrating his hips. Entranced by the tightness of her.

And there was the slightest teasing sparkle in her lovely blue eyes.

“If you truly feel you have nothing suitable in your wardrobe, I’m certain Poppy wouldn’t mind loaning you a frock.”

“I can find something. I just don’t want to be a distraction.”

She would always be a distraction. It couldn’t be helped. Even if she’d never been written up in a gossip column, she was

the sort to be noticed. Her beauty might snag someone’s attention, but it was her intriguing and confident mien that would

hold them enthralled.

“Trust me, Marlowe, Lovingdon and Grace can hold their own against any distraction.”

She sighed deeply. “You speak of them as though they are nothing special. Because that is your world. Whereas I am in awe.

A duke and duchess, for God’s sake. A duke. And duchess.”

“They’re just people. Fancier house. More servants. But they face challenges just like everyone else. I’m certain Grace, at least, is curious to meet you. Poppy has probably told her all about you. Imagine the stories you’ll have on hand to tell your mother when you visit her.” He moved around his desk and perched himself on one of its corners. “Attend the ball, allow me to escort you. The minute you experience the slightest bit of unease, we leave. We won’t argue. I won’t try to change your mind. As soon as you say, ‘Let’s go,’ we go.”

Shaking her head, she released a low groan. “Our night is going to end as it did at the Dragons.”

“I promise you it will not.”

She studied him for several ticks of a clock. “Also promise me that you will not challenge anyone to a duel. No matter what

insult they may direct at me.”

“I am a good shot.”

Her eyes widened with intensity. “No duel.”

He nodded. “No duel.” A fist, however, would not be out of place.

“All right, then, I’ll go, and hope this isn’t another lesson for you.”

“I’ll pick you up near the end of dusk.”

She looked as if she might come over and kiss him. Instead, she gave a curt nod and walked out.