Page 117 of The Paid Companion

“The nature of my personal connection to Arthur has not changed in any significant way,” she said carefully.

“I’m not so sure about that.” Margaret was starting to look stubborn. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Arthur is considering an offer of marriage.”

It required every ounce of self control Elenora possessed not to burst into tears. Somehow she managed to keep her voice steady. “I do not want Arthur to feel that he has an obligation to propose marriage to me merely because of recent events. Is that quite clear?”

Margaret and Bennett exchanged glances.

“I understand,” Margaret said, “but—”

“It would be extremely unfair if he were made to feel that he was honor-bound to offer marriage,” Elenora said evenly. “You know how he is when it comes to his sense of responsibility.”

Margaret exchanged another look with Bennett, who grimaced in response.

“Everyone knows that Arthur’s sense of duty tends to be somewhat excessive on occasion,” Margaret admitted.

“Precisely,” Elenora said.

“You may be right about St. Merryn’s attitude toward his responsibilities, Miss Lodge,” Bennett said. “But in this case, I fear there is good reason why he will consider that an offer of marriage is the only honorable thing he can do.”

Elenora lifted her chin. She tried not to clench her hands. “I will not have it.”

Bennett sighed. “No offense, but after having posed as St. Merryn’s fiancée and having been perceived to be on ratherintimateterms with him, you will never be able to show your face in Polite Circles again unless you and he are wed.”

“Bennett is correct,” Margaret assured her.

“My future in Society is not a problem,” Elenora said. “I have none. That was understood from the start of this affair. Indeed, Arthur and I discussed the matter thoroughly before we agreed to the arrangement.”

“But Elenora, you were very nearly killed because of this post,” Margaret said. “Arthur never intended that you be put into danger.”

“Of course he didn’t.” Elenora straightened her shoulders. “And it is precisely because of the fact that Iwasplaced in danger that I fear he may feel obliged to go beyond the original terms of our agreement and offer marriage. I refuse to allow him to be placed under such a ridiculous sense of obligation.”

“I comprehend your meaning, Miss Lodge,” Bennett said gently. “Nevertheless, don’t you think it would be best if you talked to him about your scheme first?”

“No,” Elenora said firmly. “Can I depend upon you to handle this matter for me, sir?”

Bennett heaved another sigh. “I will do my best to assist you, Miss Lodge.”

At four o’clock that afternoon, Arthur came down the steps in front of his club, walked past the long line of waiting carriages, and stopped in front of the door of a handsome maroon equipage.

“I got your message, Fleming,” he said through the open window. “What the devil is this all about?” Then he noticed Margaret sitting next to Bennett. “Are you two on your way to the park?”

“No,” Margaret said. Her expression was one of grim resolve. “We came here to discuss a matter of the utmost importance with you.”

“Quite right.” Bennett thrust open the door. “Will you join us, sir?”

Something was certainly amiss, Arthur thought, resigned. He’d had plans for the afternoon; plans that included Elenora. But Bennett and Margaret were obviously extremely agitated. Best to find out what was wrong now rather than later. In his experience, problems were usually easiest to manage in the early stages.

Resigned to the delay, he vaulted up into the carriage and sat down on the empty seat. “Very well, what seems to be the trouble here?”

“It is Elenora,” Margaret said bluntly. “She is packing as we speak. I fear she plans to be gone by the time you arrive home this afternoon.”

Arthur felt his innards turn to ice. Elenora leaving? He had a sudden bleak vision of the big house in Rain Street devoid of her vital presence. All the gloomy shadows that had magically disappeared in the past few days would return the moment she walked out the door.

“Elenora and I have a business arrangement,” he said in what he hoped was a calm and controlled tone. “She will not leave until certain matters are settled.”

“She mentioned that the business of her wages and a certain bonus could be handled through your man-of-affairs,” Margaret said.

Damnation, he thought, going colder. Elenora wasn’t just terminating their business arrangement, she was running away from him.

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