“I told him that I had a titled fiancé of ancient lineage. I made up a story about having to wait to announce our engagement because of his family’s objections.”
Dex cocked his head. “Why would you tell him that?”
“Because he was belittling and disparaging. He implied that a single lady with no connections, living in poverty, could never achieve the exalted heights of literary publication with his hallowed imprint. I said whatever I had to say to make myself a desirable author.”
“Ana. You didn’t.”
“It was beyond foolish. I’ve always had this tendency to exaggerate, to embroider the truth... let’s be honest, to tell outrageous lies. Now I’ll pay the price. I have no fiancé, no manuscript, and a scandalous past.”
“Damn.” Dex dropped his hand. He needed a drink. “Is there any brandy in this library?”
“Brandy won’t solve this problem.”
“No, I’ll solve it. I’ll go have a talk with Mr. Norwood.”
“That’s your solution to everything, isn’t it? Brute force, threats, bribery.”
“Do you have another solution?”
“Not presently, but I only need time to think. That’s what I was doing when you interrupted me.”
“You can’t write your way out of this one, I’m afraid. My way will be best. I’ll take him into the gardens and while we’re gone you’ll find Aunt Glynis and tell her you have a headache and must leave.”
“I can’t think of anything better.” She stared into the fire, her eyes troubled. “It’s an ignoble end to my first ball. Running away with my tail between my legs.”
“There will be other balls. At least you danced with several eligible suitors.”
“And you didn’t dance at all.”
“I’m not looking for a wife. And when I do, I’ll simply allow Aunt Glynis to prepare a list of candidates for a marriage of convenience. Sensible ladies of some years. I know my visage is frightening to some ladies. You fled from me the moment you saw me.”
“Because I thought you were attempting to purchase me.”
“You don’t find the sight of my scars gruesome?”
“It’s only startling upon first acquaintance. It didn’t deter Lady Lydia. She was eager to dance with you.”
“She’s eager to be a duchess and mistress of Drakefell Castle.”
“Don’t be so cynical. You have an allure all your own. This dark brooding air about you that makes people, ladies in particular, want to solve your mysteries, unlock the key to your heart.”
“Who told you that I have a heart?”
“You’ve been quite kind to me, in spite of all the bluster and commandments.”
“Enough about me. You danced with eligible gentlemen, what think you of Patrick?”
“He’s very handsome, obviously, and he was flirting with me, I think... although I don’t have much experience with that. He has a young son who needs a mother. There’s something very sad behind his eyes—it must have to do with his wife’s death. He’s a fine figure of a man but... I felt nothing other than friendship.”
He hid a pleased smile that threatened to betray how happy her words made him. “Then what of Lord Chetwynd-Ellerton? He’s scandal free and very well set up.”
“He’s bland, like a meal where the cook forgot the salt. If I were looking for a match, I certainly wouldn’t settle for bland. I’d want someone who challenged me, who gave me the frissons.”
“The what?”
“I’ve been searching for words to describe the pleasurable sensation of attraction for my novel. I could call it the tingles, the shivers... I like the French wordfrisson,it sounds better, think you not? It has those softs’s in it. My heroine, Miss Adora Dansey, will have the frissons when Lord Fortescue kisses her for the first time. It’s difficult to describe something I’ve never felt.”
“The Season has only just begun.”