was something that Mr Lorimer forgot to mention.â
The thought obviously increased his amusement. He sat down on the edge of the bed. Alexa scrambled out of it on the other side and waited, breathless with fear, to see how she could get past him to the only door of the room.
âDonât be stupid,â he said. âA couple of hours ago you were willing enough to accept favours. Did you expect them all to come free? itâs time you grew up. Thereâs a price to be paid for everything, my dear. In this case, I flatter myself that you will find the price as acceptable as the career you are buying with it. I shall keep my side of the bargain. It is hardly too much to ask that it should provide me with as much satisfaction as you.â
âThere is no bargain,â said Alexa. âYes, I have been stupid. I was told you were a gentleman. I thoughtââ
The smile faded from his face and anger made him ugly as he stood up and strode towards her. Alexa flung herself across the bed in an effort to reach the door. He caught her by one foot and she kicked him with the other, hard enough to send him staggering off balance backwards. Sobbing and slithering she flung the door open and rushed out into the corridor, charging head-first into Lord Glanville.
She clung to him in relief, still sobbing as she buried her head in his chest. But even now she could not feel safe. The two men were brothers. They might be in league â or at least not prepared to quarrel over a stranger. The silence seemed to last a long time; but Alexa dared not look up, in case she should see the same smile on Lord Glanvilleâs face as on his younger brotherâs.Certainly his voice, when at last he spoke, was light and apparently uncritical.
âMy dear Duncan, you donât usually need to press your attentions on young women by force. One has been led to believe that as a rule they fling themselves at your feet.â
âThis oneâs a fool. Says she didnât realize ââ
âAnd perhaps she didnât.â There was a new edge of harshness to Lord Glanvilleâs aristocratic drawl. He still spoke pleasantly enough, but definitely.
âDonât worry. I can persuade her.â
âNo doubt you can, dear boy,â agreed Lord Glanville. âBut not tonight.â
âI could say that itâs none of your damn business,â protested his brother.
âAnd I could say that while Miss Lorimer is a guest in this house I am responsible for her. Goodnight, Duncan.â
The answering goodnight was sulky, but not accompanied by any further protest. Alexa, who had held her breath during this exchange, began to cry again, gulping for air but still clinging tightly to her protector. He released her grip gently and led her back into her bedroom. As she sat down on the side of the bed, he leaned back against the door, looking down at her from his great height.
âOne can only assume that there must have been some misunderstanding,â he said. âYou can go back to bed now. You will be safe enough tonight.â
âAnd tomorrow?â asked Alexa. She was still trembling with the panic she had felt as Lord Glanvilleâs brother had grabbed at her.
âMy brother has not favoured me with details of the arrangement under which you came here,â said Lord Glanville. âIf you wish to end it and return home, the servants will be instructed to see that you are safely seton your way. My Wife and I will be leaving for the Continent early in the morning, so we cannot help you personally.â He took out his purse. âYou have come from Bristol, I understand. Have you enough money for the return journey?â
Alexaâs tears began to flow again. In her frightened state, Lord Glanville appeared as the only protector she could trust, and the thought that he was about to leave increased her feeling of helplessness. âI cannot go back to Bristol!â she
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