Page 27 of Never a Proper Lady

“What would be?” Lady Charlotte asked, confusion pleating her brow.

“A faux betrothal between your brother and Miss Roth.”

“Mother.” Lord Constantine gave her a steely look hedged with a warning. “We’ve already discussed this.”

“Oh, yes. That would most assuredly do it.” Lady Edyth gave an excited bob of her head as Lady Charlotte clasped her brother’s hands.

“Please, Con.” Biting her lip, Lady Charlotte cut a troubled glance to the closed door again. “You know the ugliness the ton is capable of. It would protect Miss Roth too.”

His jaw worked as he considered her point.

When he leveled that tumultuous verdant gaze upon her, Faith felt it to her core. He might’ve reached out and brushed those ink-stained fingertips over her cheek, so unsteady was her cavorting pulse.

“I’ll leave it up to you,” he silently said across the room.

She heard him as clearly as if he’d shouted it from beside her.

It was the best solution.

For everyone.

For her.

Unfair.

Why should Faith compromise her principles because of a bunch of low-minded tattlemongers? Closing her eyes for two tick-tocks of the gilded cherubim mantel clock, she sent a silent prayer to heaven.

Forgive me, Lord, for what I am about to do.

It would take much longer for Faith to forgive herself.

“I’ll do it.”

She opened her eyelids, unsurprised to find four pairs of eyes staring at her, each brimming with a different emotion.

Her Grace’s with supreme satisfaction.

Lady Charlotte with gratitude.

Lady Edyth with relief.

And Constantine’s with sorrow and regret.

Because Faith had been forced into this untenable situation or because he’d have to pretend to be the doting affianced?

Regardless, Faith forced her stiff lips into a semblance of a smile, though she rather suspected she resembled a gargoyle and not a blissfully engaged young woman.

“I’ll pretend to be Lord Constantine’s betrothed, but only for the house party’s duration.”