Page 45 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

Her jaw dropped. She bridled. ‘Of course not.’

‘I didn’t think so. Well, let me tell you, they tend to be none too clean and the women are likely not as healthy as they should be. Whereas here, a couple attending my party can have a nice clean room and they know each other. Some of those who avail themselves of these rooms are husbands and wives.’

Her jaw dropped.

But she knew he was right. She had seen them. Did women enjoy these games? Had Alan been wrong about her after all? ‘I see.’

What did she ‘see’? She certainly looked decidedly flushed and, yes, just a tiny bit shocked. Whether it was at what he was telling her, or her own reaction to it, he wasn’t quite sure. He had a feeling, though, that it was the latter.

Well, she would be shocked, if she felt some sort of response. She was an innocent. And he was intent on leading her down a dark path.

Guilt rolled over him.

He could end this now. Forget the need for justice and send her back to her kitchen, her reputation and innocence intact.

The image of his mother’s face flashed before his eyes. Her sadness. Her bitterness. Her lingering death.

His resolve hardened. It wasn’t right that those who had destroyed their family should live their comfortable lives on the proceeds of what his family had lost.

He had vowed to his father that no matter what, he would see justice done and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, as was right.

Had not their parents’ wicked deeds been visited upon him as a child? Had any one of them ever given a thought to the pain they had caused him?

Now was not the time to weaken. Not when everything was falling into place. This woman meant nothing to him, apart from being a means to an end.

‘Would you like to see more?’ The expression on her face showed intrigue, even if she remained a little nervous.

He sorted through his keys. He opened the door to the room he always thought of as the most ridiculous, though it had proved very popular. A bed, shaped like a baby’s cradle but big enough for an adult, took up centre stage. There were lacy curtains at the window, rattles and a baby bottle and large-sized nappies folded neatly on a chest. Everything one might find in a nursery except on a larger scale.

‘Here they play mother and baby, or nursey and baby or some such.’

‘Oh.’ She stifled a laugh. Clearly, she also thought it ludicrous.

He continued down the corridor. He stood in front of the door at the far end. It held the most grown-up sort of games. Something he didn’t mind playing once in a while, as long as he was the one in control. It was also very popular.

He paused, key in hand.

This one might be a bit too much.

‘This one is a little more risqué. Perhaps we should save it for another day.’

Wide-eyed, she stared at him.

Clearly she was tempted, but also concerned. He certainly did not want to scare her off. He waited for her decision.

‘It is getting rather late,’ she said breathlessly. ‘Perhaps another time would be best.’

‘I don’t want you to think I am hiding things from you.’

‘No. No. Not at all. This has been most illuminative.’

In a way, he was disappointed that she had retreated, but it really was probably just as well. ‘Then it is enough for tonight?’

‘Yes. I think I would like to retire now. You have given me a great deal to think about.’

‘Please do not take too long to consider my offer. I should like to have this settled before I return to London tomorrow. I will need to see my solicitor and arrange to have the necessary paperwork drawn up.’

‘You are leaving tomorrow?’