Page 25 of Never a Proper Lady

Only for the…

This was Faith’s life she was so carelessly arranging.

Did this woman always get her way?

Faith squelched her eye roll and the pursing of her lips.

Barely.

Of course, the duchess did.

Didn’t most aristocrats? One way or another. By power and influence, or bribery and extortion.

The Duchess of Landrith gazed at Faith as if she expected her to offer profuse thanks for the honor of partaking in a despicable farce.

“Respectfully, Your Grace, I shan’t do it.”

Faith clenched her hands so tightly that her fingertips grew numb. “I cannot participate in such a deception.”

How many times had Mrs. Shepherd drilled into her charges that the Lord detests lying lips?

Faith might not be directly lying, but by going along with a falsehood, she was an accomplice and every bit as guilty.

His lordship grazed a hand down his jaw, his green eyes as turbulent as a forest during a windstorm. He was no happier about this debacle than Faith was.

“Miss Roth is correct, Mother. A false betrothal goes too far. I doubt anyone would believe the ruse.”

Faith shot him a caustic glance from under her eyelashes. The boor.

It was one thing for her to conclude the subterfuge implausible, but for Lord Constantine to vocalize that fact? Well, it chafed.

Still, he’d agreed with Faith and, in doing so, opposed his mother. A warm sensation heated Faith’s belly that he’d championed her. For certain, it was a trivial matter, but nonetheless, she’d not been left alone against the powerful woman.

Eyes snapping with reproach, the duchess regally angled her chin.

“Not too far to protect my children and this family’s reputation.” An unyielding I-shan’t-take-no-for-an-answer inflection entered her voice. “Please enlighten me on other alternatives that can be hastily implemented?”

“I’m sure we will think of something.” Lord Constantine wrinkled his forehead. “Perhaps Miss Roth can stay at the inn in the village?”

It was all Faith could do to not turn an accusing glare upon him. So much for an ally. She wouldn't be here if he hadn’t been so stubborn and determined to terminate her employment. She’d be quietly working away on his notes in London.

“So my guests can speculate that you moved your mistress there to give the appearance of respectability, Constantine?”

Flames of humiliation licked at Faith’s cheeks.

Hearing herself called a mistress, even if all parties knew it wasn’t so, was degrading.

The duchess wasn’t one to mince words, was she?

“I can hardly force Miss Roth to participate in the ploy, Mother.” Irony dripped from each melodious syllable.

“Of course you can, dear boy.” She gave Constantine a smile one might bestow on a simple-minded waif.

“It’s quite simple. Miss Roth does as I ask, or you terminate her employment, Constantine.”

Faith gasped, her gaze flying to mesh with his lordship’s.

He wouldn’t agree to his mother’s coercion.