Page 72 of Regency in Color

“No, it is you who has misunderstood, and perhaps that is my fault. After all, I was foolish enough to let you raise my skirts and rut on me in the dirt like some common tart!”

Holding his hands defensively before him, Stephen slowly advanced. “That isn’t how it happened, and we both know that. What we did … Thalia, it was beautiful. I have never been so free and comfortable with a person in my life. You cannot tell me you didn’t feel the same.”

Pulling her shawl tighter around her body, she folded her arms over her chest. “It doesn’t matter what I felt. I have far more respect for myself than to be coaxed into becoming some man’s mistress—even if he is a bloody duke!”

Stephen flinched as if she’d slapped him across the face. His ears rang as the accusatory word penetrated his confused mind. Mistress? He almost laughed aloud. He’d never kept a mistress in his life and didn’t intend to start now. “Thalia, listen to me—”

“No, you listen!” she exclaimed, giving him a look that would take the steel out of any man’s spine. “I might not be one of your high society ladies, and I may not have much to offer a man who owns any and everything money can buy. But I am worth so much more than what you just tried to offer me. I don’t care if becoming your kept pet comes with chests of diamonds and gowns spun from gold—I am not an object for you to buy!”

“Thalia, that isn’t the way of it,” he protested, chasing her as she began backing away from him. She looked like a skittish doe about to bolt, and Stephen couldn’t allow her to get away. “If you would just hear me out—”

“I’ve heard enough,” she interjected. “If you come any closer, I will scream, and everyone in London will know you for the licentious rake you are. I thought you were different. I thought I would be able to look back on this night with fond memories. But you have tainted it, and I never want to see you again.”

Stephen’s mouth opened and closed several times, but the right words weren’t forthcoming. He realized now that he’d been too hasty and hadn’t collected his thoughts properly before speaking. Now, Thalia had tears racing down her cheeks and he felt like the lowest creature on earth.

“There is an adequate bookshop on Bond Street,” she added just before turning away. “The proprietor is an elderly man with porcelain teeth. I doubt you would be able to seduce him so easily.”

Before Stephen could say another word, she was gone, dashing between the pillars and disappearing from sight. He tried to follow, but was slowed down by the need to retrieve his mask and turban. By the time he reached the path, she was gone altogether, swallowed up by the crowd moving en masse toward the exits.

Glancing down, he found that he had stepped on the lorgnette of her mask. She had forgotten it entirely. Bending to pick it up, he studied the silver filigree and inwardly berated himself. This wasn’t how he’d thought the evening would pan out, but then he hadn’t planned an adequate strategy. He had foolishly put his foot in his mouth and said all the wrong things, giving Thalia the wrong impression.

Thinking over what he’d said, Stephen could understand how she had drawn the wrong conclusion.

If I could have this every night … Let me take care of you.

For a woman outside his class, the offer would not have sounded like one of marriage. Of course she had reacted to his overture with anger. She could derive no other meaning from what Stephen had said.

Cradling the lorgnette along with his own mask, as well as the turban, he took himself off in the other direction, seeking the Coach Gate off Kennington Lane. He had entered that way earlier in the night, wanting a moment to enjoy the gardens before being overwhelmed by people. His mother and uncle were likely waiting for him there, and he dare not keep them waiting much longer.

As he made his way, Stephen realized he had never arranged the balloon ascent. He had so badly wanted the experience for Thalia.

Stephen squared his shoulders and told himself this wasn’t over yet. He had to ensure she knew his heart … and that he fulfilled every last one of her dreams. He knew where to find her, and this time she would hear him out. This time, he would tell her what he’d really wanted to say, and ensure she understood just what he was asking for.

Her heart. Her soul. Her hand in marriage.