The Protector
Page 30
“Exactly what happened?” Lord Hayden asked.
She told them. Bluntly. She spared herself not at all. She took full blame for her situation, which Kyle thought a bit hard. Her inclusion in a party of whores, her sale at the auction, her stupidity in misunderstanding Norbury's affection—it was all clear, specific, and honest. Ruthlessly so.
“So, I will return to Oxfordshire tomorrow,” Miss Longworth concluded. “If I disappear completely and we cease any social connection, perhaps you will not be affected too much by the consequences of my behavior.”
“Do not be so rash,” Lady Alexia cried. “Surely it is not as bad as you say. Hayden, tell her she does not have to break with us completely. If we—”
“No, Alexia,” Miss Longworth said. “I know how it must be, and so do you. Do not force your husband to command it.”
Lady Alexia looked close to tears. Miss Longworth held her poise. Kyle bowed to them both and eased away, to make his escape from this most private of family crises.
Miss Longworth looked in his eyes. “I am sorry that I did not trust you. I am very sorry for those scratches. Thank you for your kindness.”
There was nothing to say in response, so he walked out of the library. He found Lord Hayden in his wake.
“Tell me, Bradwell— Was it as sordid as she says? Or is there some hope that perhaps…” He shrugged, unable to think of what “perhaps” might be.
“Do you really want the truth, Lord Hayden?”
The man hesitated. “Yes, I suppose that I do.”
“He publicly declared her a common whore, and treated her like one, in front of a dozen men whom you see daily at your clubs. I am sincerely sorry for her, but this is one Longworth who your money and protection cannot save.”
Lord Hayden's dark eyes flashed anger at the allusion, but his ire passed quickly. Weary acceptance took its place.
“You have my gratitude that you stepped forward to take care of her and give her protection, Bradwell. In a dining room full of gentlemen, only you acted liked one.”
“Since I was the only man there who was not a gentleman, that should be the real scandal, don't you think?”
He walked out of the house and away from the sad notes being played inside it. The melody would turn into a dirge of mourning soon.
He strode through the cold night to the carriage. Miss Longworth's scent lingered on his frock coat, filling his head.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MADELINE HUNTER'S first novel was published in 2000. Since then, she has had fifteen historical romances and one novella published, and her books have been translated into five languages. She is a five-time RITA finalist, and won the long historical RITA in 2003. Twelve of her books have been on the USA Today bestseller list, and she also has had titles on the New York Times extended list. Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history, which she teaches at an eastern university. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Readers can contact Madeline through her website www.madelinehunter.com.
THE PROTECTOR
A Bantam Book
PUBLISHING HISTORY
Bantam reissue / April 2008
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 © 2001 by Madeline Hunter
Bantam Books and the rooster colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.
eISBN: 978-0-307-56611-9
www.bantamdell.com
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