Page 11 of The Paid Companion

St. Merryn did not appear to notice her startled amusement. He drummed his fingertips in a single staccato pattern on the desk. “But that is neither here nor there. As I was saying, my situation is further complicated by the fact that last Season, I was engaged for a time to a young lady who eventually eloped with another man.”

That information took her aback more than somewhat. “Never say so.”

He gave her an impatient look. “There are any number of people who would be happy to tell you that the young lady in question had a narrow escape.”

“Hmm.”

“What the devil does that mean?”

“Nothing really. It just struck me that perhaps you are the one who had the narrow escape, sir. I had a similar escape myself, six months ago.”

Cold curiosity gleamed in his eyes. “Indeed? And would that explain why you find yourself applying for a post as a paid companion today?”

“In part.” She swept out a hand. “But given what I now know about my former fiancé, I can tell you in all truth that I would rather be looking for a new post this afternoon than married to a liar and a deceiver.”

“I see.”

“But enough of my personal life, sir. The thing is, I do, indeed, understand your dilemma. When word reaches Polite Circles that you are in town, it will be assumed that you have come back to try your luck again on the marriage mart. You will be viewed as so much fresh, raw meat by the matchmaking lionesses of the ton.”

“I could not have put it more succinctly myself. And that, Miss Lodge, is why I need a lady who can pose convincingly as my fiancée. It is really very simple.”

“It is?” she asked warily.

“Certainly. As I said, although I am here to conduct some extremely private business, Society will assume I have come back to shop for another bride. I do not want to find myself tripping over every young chit who has been brought to town to find a husband this Season. If I am perceived to be securely engaged to be married, the huntresses of Society will be forced to focus their attentions on other game.”

She sincerely doubted that St. Merryn’s scheme would prove to be the least bit simple. But who was she to argue with him?

“It sounds a very cunning plan, my lord,” she said politely. “I wish you the very best of luck with it.”

“I can see that you do not think for a moment that it will be successful.”

She sighed. “Far be it from me to remind you that many a man in your situation has underestimated the cleverness and determination of a mother who is intent on securing a good catch for her daughter.”

“I assure you, madam, that I have the greatest respect for the female of the species. Hence my plan to parade a fraudulent fiancée in front of Society for the next few weeks. Now then, will you accept the post that I am offering?”

“Sir, do not mistake me, I am not at all opposed to accepting the position. Indeed, I believe that I would quite enjoy it.”

That comment clearly intrigued him. “Why do you say that?”

“My grandmother was a very fine actress who gave up the stage to marry my grandfather,” she explained. “I have been told that I resemble her to a striking degree. I have often wondered if I got a measure of her talent, as well as her looks. Acting the role of your fiancée would no doubt prove interesting, even challenging.”

“I see. Well, then—”

She held up a hand. “But we must be realistic, sir. The truth is, as much as I would like to tread the boards, as it were, and as desperately as I want those excellent wages you offered, the fact is that it would be extremely difficult for me to masquerade as your intended bride.”

His jaw tightened with impatience. “Why is that?”

Where to begin? she wondered.

She moved a hand down her skirts to indicate her dull, gray gown. “For starters, I lack a proper wardrobe.”

He gave her a long, considering look that took her in from head to toe. She felt like a prize mare up for auction at Tattersall’s.

“Do not concern yourself with the problem of your wardrobe,” St. Merryn said. “I never expected that a woman who was applying for a position as a paid companion would possess the sort of gowns needed for this charade.”

“Yes, well, in addition to the clothes, there is the matter of my age.” This was proving to be an extremely embarrassing interview, she thought. Most of the other potential employers had considered her a bit young for the positions they were offering. However, in this instance, she was definitely too old.

“What is wrong with your age?” He frowned. “I had assumed that you are somewhere in your late twenties. I trust you are not about to tell me that you are considerably younger than you appear? I am most definitely not in the market for a green chit fresh out of the schoolroom.”

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