Alexandra sat back as if she’d beenslapped.
“Oh, my dear, I do apologize for mycandor. My age and position give me license to speak my mind. Youare not an unintelligent girl. I refuse to treat you as such.”
“I will…return to Hampshire and possibly–“
Donata gave a sharp laugh.Stubborn! So very stubborn!
“You accepted your fate in marryingArchie willingly enough, but yet marriage to Sutton does not appeal to you? Mygrandson is wealthy and titled. I can name a handful of women who wouldcheerfully trade places with you in an instant.”
“Then perhaps we should find one ofthose,” Alexandra replied with a bit of her former spirit. “I have otherconcerns. Pressing concerns. Besides, Lord Reynolds did no morethan kiss me.”
Donata gave a wry smile. “Oh, mygirl. No one cares. A kiss is akin to ruination, especially when itis given by a man whose reputation with women is somewhat infamous.”
Alexandra looked away. “He does notwish to marry me. I would not have him marry me out of duty orhonor. I am not a noble cause he must champion. He wished to rescue mefrom Mr. Runyon, and I am grateful, but he does not have to shackle himself tome.”
Ah! So, that was Alexandra’sconcern. She stupidly believed Sutton didn’t want her. She had noidea Sutton had willingly participated in her ruination. Just so.Donata would not tell her.
Tears formed in Alexandra’s eyes, andDonata’s heart went out to her. But this was not the time to coddle thegirl.
“Don’t be ridiculous. He is notmarrying you out of duty. Even I, Donata Reynolds, Dowager Marchioness ofCambourne, cannot make that scamp do anything he does not truly wish. Hewants you.”
“I do not think he can forgive myassociation and stupidity where Mr. Runyon is concerned. I cannot evenforgive myself.” Alexandra bit her lip and looked directly at theDowager.
“He wants you. You want him. I amonly surprised he didn’t finish the job before we entered the salon.”
Alexandra turned a delightful shade ofpink. “My lady, I do not think this conversation is appropriate. I amdistinctly uncomfortable and my head aches. I would like to return to my–“
“Oh bother Alexandra! Do notdisappoint me and act like a dimwit! I despise martyrdom. Would yourather be marrying Archie Runyon?”
Alexandra shook her head.“No, my lady.” She shivered. “No.”
Donata did not press the point. Sheknew now how Lord Burke and Archie had manipulated Alexandra. IfAlexandra would not admit to wanting Sutton, Donata must tip the scales.She cared deeply for the girl.
“I see you will continue to deny theobvious. You are in love with my grandson.”
Alexandra looked away. Her handstwisted in her lap, bunching the fine lace of her overskirt.
“A moment, Alexandra.” Donata stoodcarefully, listening to the faint creak her bones made as she stood. Oldage was a detestable circumstance. She made her way to the door andwhispered to the footman who stood outside to bring Harry to her. Donataslowly made her way back to the sofa.
The girl continued to focus on herlap. She said nothing but her breathing was shaky and uneven.
Harry arrived, bowing low toDonata. He handed her a folded document from his coat pocket.
He was such a dear boy! “Thank you,Harry. I will have need of you early tomorrow. Best you get somerest.”
Harry bowed low. “Yes, mylady.” He quietly trod out of the room and shut the door.
Donata turned to Alexandra who stillrefused to look directly at her. “If your reputation or the state of yourheart is not enough inducement to marry Sutton, I shall have to play all mycards.” Donata gave a deep sigh. “Archie toyed with you. Had Iknown…well, that doesn’t matter now.”
Alexandra looked up, a confused look onher face.
Donata held up the document. “Call it mywedding gift, if you wish. The papers are in your name only.I will have your promise to marry Sutton within the month.” Donata handedthe document to Alexandra.
Tears ran down Alexandra’s face as sheagreed with a nod to Donata’s terms. Her hands quivered as her fingertipstook hold of the deed to Helmsby Abbey.
TWENTY- THREE
“May I come in?”
