Page 70 of Inconvenient Honor
“The baby, as you well know,” Richard replied through clenched teeth.
“You did not know? I expected the English services to have better care for their citizens.” Sahin’s mocking smile lasted a few more moments.
“This has nothing to do with the government.”
Sahin relaxed, and a look of what might have been genuine concern took the place of mockery.
I’m never sure what this damned man thinks.
“Miss Thornton’s baby is yours then?”
He jerked his head in a nod and flashed a guilty glance at Robert Liston. His majesty’s representative in Constantinople looked grim.
“You will have wanted to do the honorable thing?”
“Of course, damn you. I offered for her immediately and again in London and three times just now. She won’t have me.”
“Foolish chit,” Liston declared.
Sahin shook his head. “Who can fathom the minds of women? Lily Thornton should have more sense than to turn down a future duke.”
“She doesn’t care about that. She claims she wants a life of politics and diplomacy. What does she think I do? I can give her all that.”
“Which she knows very well.”
“She may have gotten the impression I look down on her background,” Richard mumbled.
“Ah. Do you?” Sahin looked over at Liston. To the man’s credit, his face had lost its mockery.
“No! Some might.”
“Your most elevated mother?”
“And those who fawn on her. Lily’s family isn’t from the highest circles, but adequate.”
“Adequate?” Sahin laughed. “How that must reassure her!”
“She more than makes up for it in intelligence and talent needed in a diplomat’s wife.”
Sahin nodded. “That she does. Here we value merit. It is possible to rise far in the Sublime Porte on talent alone.”
“Then what does the woman want? She has to be made to see reason.”
“It is my experience that women who are nesting rarely concern themselves with grand affairs. Reason, I fear, is not what she seeks.”
“What else then? She isn’t a fool, but she has acted like one ever since?—”
“Since my men borrowed your horses and left you at a country inn? We returned them to the earl, by the way.”
“Yes, then. What does she want?”
“You will have to reason that out for yourself, my dear marquess. For now she wishes to stay here.”
Richard glared at Sahin.Not if I can help it. I can bring the power of England to bear. I can?—
“Such a fierce look. I suggest you return to your embassy with your reasonable friend Sir Robert and allow our Zambak time to think.”
“Zambak?”
