Page 107 of The Rake's Daughter
Her eyes glittered with anger. “You know my mother slept with only two men in her life. And that she was seduced by my villain of a father at sixteen and didn’t even know how babies were made.”
“But you knew,” he heard himself say. Why, he didn’t know. Fanning the flames of his own destruction.
“Yes, because my mother made damned sure I knew. She didn’t want me to be seduced by an unprincipled rake.”
He flinched at the accusation, but couldn’t argue. He said stiffly, “I have just offered to marry you.”
“Yes, in the spirit of a man going to the gallows,” she flashed. “Well, thank you, Lord Salcott, but I decline your so-handsome offer, so now you can take yourself off, heave a sigh of relief and congratulate yourself on a lucky escape.”
Leo blinked. “You decline?”
“Yes. Unbelievable, isn’t it? Such a prize you are, and yet I’m turning you down.”
“But—”
“But what?”
“You’re no longer a virgin.”
Her look scorched him. “Thank you for pointing it out—again. I might have forgotten.”
“What if there’s a child?”
“Then I trust you will make him or her an allowance.”
“I don’t want to support a bastard.”
“And I don’t want to give birth to one.”
“Then marry me.”
“Why?”
“Didn’t I just say why?”
“Sorry, not good enough.” She shook her head. “I doubt I’ll be with child, but if I am, then... we’ll see.”
“If you are with child, you’ll marry me and no argument.”
She gave him a hard look. “I said, we’ll see.”
He thought he knew what women wanted, but he didn’t understand her at all. “I was under the impression you were looking for a husband.”
“I am.”
“Then...” He frowned. “Is there someone else?”
“Dozens of them.”
His scowl darkened.
“Several gentlemen have made their intentions obvious. I’m considering my options.”
“But you’re no longer a virgin.”
She gave him a hard look. “Really? Good heavens.” She shrugged. “Naturally I will explain it to the gentleman whose offer I decide to accept. Along with the truth about my birth and my complete lack of any fortune, all of which I will tell himbeforeI give him my answer.”
“He won’t want you if he knows.”
