Lady of Sin (29 page)
Authors: Madeline Hunter
Her face warmed furiously. Not because she had been rude and he knew it, but because his invasive gaze was causing that annoying stimulation again.
“Miss Welbourne, my aunt will be taking possession of this house because she is launching her daughter in society this season. My cousin Caroline will require a governess and my aunt a companion. Aunt Henrietta is . . . well, a sobering influence in the household is advisable.”
“One that would keep her from buying too many ugly hats.”
“Exactly. Since the position matches your first choice in opportunities, and would ensure you need not contemplate choices four or five, would you be interested in taking it? If you are so honest with me in sharing your thoughts, I think that you would also tell my aunt when a hat is ridiculous.”
A variety of reactions barraged her mind. At first she thought he was teasing her about her list of choices, but she realized that he was serious.
He was asking her to stay in this house where she had lived as a family member, only now she would continue as a servant.
He was asking her to serve the man who had ruined the Longworths and reduced her yet further, pushing her down the path of diminishment begun when her father died and his heir refused the support he had promised.
Of course Mr. Rothwell did not see any of that. She was merely a convenient solution to staffing his aunt’s household. She provided a unique combination of skills that were perfect for the position. Even if he saw the insult, this man would not care.
She wanted to refuse outright. She itched to say something far more outspoken and rude than she had ventured thus far.
She bit her tongue and checked her anger. She could not afford insulted pride these days.
“I will consider your generous offer, Mr. Rothwell.”
LADY OF SIN
A Dell Book / March 2006
Published by Bantam Dell
A Division of Random House, Inc.
New York, New York
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2006 by Madeline Hunter
Dell is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc., and the colophon is a trademark of Random House, Inc.
Published simultaneously in Canada
eISBN: 978-0-440-33582-5
v3.0