Page 11 of Never a Proper Lady

Faith speared a swift glance to the doorway.

The eavesdropper had slipped away. She’d probably been the person peeking out the draperies earlier when Faith sensed someone watched her.

Who was she?

Had she heard Lord Constantine’s suggestion?

The butler had, for certain.

Berkham blinked several times and opened and closed his mouth twice.

Had Lord Constantine lost his mind?

True, he was often absent-minded, and Faith had frequently observed that he discarded or ignored strictures, but to offer her his chamber?

Good Lord, the implications…

Faith shook her head, instantly regretting the motion when her skull threatened to tumble off her shoulders and roll down the drive. “I don’t think—”

“At least for a lie-down, Miss Roth, until other arrangements can be made.”

Lord Constantine’s solicitous and conciliatory tone gave her pause.

She searched his face.

If Faith didn’t know better, she’d suspect genuine concern motivated his lordship’s generosity.

“She does not look at all well,” he observed to his sister, and Faith wasn’t certain whether surprise or offense stiffened her spine and squared her shoulders.

Approval shone in his eyes.

Why the bounder had done that on purpose. Deliberately provoked Faith into a defensive stance.

Lady Edyth eyed Faith, sympathy softening her pretty eyes. “She is rather pale, poor thing.”

“I am standing right here,” Faith put in, earning a hastily muffled chuckle from Mr. Camberg-Trainer.

Well, really.

Didn’t they know it was impolite to discuss someone as if they were a flower blossom or a piece of fruit?

“Oh, forgive me. I meant no offense.” Edyth released her brother’s arm and took Faith’s instead. “Let me show you up, Miss Roth. We’ll leave Con to deal with Mama.”

A masculine groan filled the air.

Was the duchess that formidable?

Faith opened her mouth to object again, but Lord Constantine shook his head.

“Have a lie-down, Miss Roth. Now is not the time for you to display your mulishness.”

The bleating in her head had reached a crescendo, and Faith reluctantly allowed Lady Edyth to guide her inside.

She should never have come, but stubbornness had a way of provoking one into untenable situations.

My reputation shall be in shambles.