'Indeed not.'
He paused. 'You know, of course, that means you can never return to France.'
They eyed each other warily as the import of his remark sank in, each convinced the other must regret this truth, and each equally determined to conceal their hurts.
It was Charles who ended the impasse, by leaning back, crossing one leg over the other, and declaring, 'Since you do not hate me at this precise moment, perhaps this would be a good time to discuss our mode of life together?'
Recalling the way he had indicated he wished her to keep herself amused, and not interfere with his no doubt hectic social life, Heloise forced herself to nod, waiting to hear what further layers of humiliation he meant to heap on her.
'I don't wish to raise any speculation about my marriage by appearing to pack you off to the country as though I did not like you.' She would have to live with him in London, just to begin with, to prevent any speculation regarding their union. Not that he cared what people said about him. But he did not want her exposed to the sort of malicious gossip that was bound to hurt her. 'The season has not yet properly begun, but that will give you time to procure a suitable wardrobe and settle into your new role. I expect it will take you some time to find your feet, socially speaking, but until you have acquired your own circle of acquaintance I will ensure you always have a trustworthy escort to any event you may wish to attend.
'Naturally, I do not expect you to understand the British political system. All I expect from you is to be charming to those I introduce as my political allies, and reserved towards my opponents. Even though you may not like them, I shall expect you to be hospitable to the more important party members to whom I shall make you known, and their wives when I have occasion to invite them to any of my homes. Do not worry, however, that I shall expect much of you as a hostess. I have excellent staff running all my properties, and a sterling secretary to whom you may apply, should you find yourself floundering in the political shoals.'
Heloise listened to that patronising little speech with growing indignation. If it would not give rise to the very speculation he wished to avoid, he would as soon pack her off to one of his country houses. Her poor little brain was no match for the intricacies of the English political system. She was not to interfere in the management of any of his households, which were all running exactly as he wished. And if she had any questions, he wished her to apply to his secretary rather than bother him!
'Heloise?' he prompted, when she had been sitting in simmering silence for several minutes. He sighed. She clearly felt overwhelmed by the idea of being a leading figure in society. 'You must tell me if there are any gaps in your education which may cause you difficulties.' He had no intention of throwing her in at the deep end and letting her sink or swim as best she could.
'G...gaps?' she gasped, flashing him a look so indignant even he could not misinterpret it.
'Don't fly into the boughs with me,' he retorted, annoyed that she should cling to her hostility when he was doing all in his power to smooth her entry into society. 'If you cannot dance then I need to know, so that I may engage a dancing master for you. If you cannot ride then there is no point in me acquiring a horse for you to show off its paces in the park. I would instead purchase a barouche, or landaulet, and employ extra grooms to take you about.'
Her cheeks flushing, she hung her head. 'I beg your pardon, my lord,' she said, as humbly as she could. She had to admit he was trying to make the best of a bad job. He was prepared to employ as many staff as it would take to ensure she would be able to carry off the role he expected her to play. Just so long as he didn't have to be personally involved.
'I have learned to dance,' she flashed at him. 'Though you probably never saw me stand up
He paused. 'You know, of course, that means you can never return to France.'
They eyed each other warily as the import of his remark sank in, each convinced the other must regret this truth, and each equally determined to conceal their hurts.
It was Charles who ended the impasse, by leaning back, crossing one leg over the other, and declaring, 'Since you do not hate me at this precise moment, perhaps this would be a good time to discuss our mode of life together?'
Recalling the way he had indicated he wished her to keep herself amused, and not interfere with his no doubt hectic social life, Heloise forced herself to nod, waiting to hear what further layers of humiliation he meant to heap on her.
'I don't wish to raise any speculation about my marriage by appearing to pack you off to the country as though I did not like you.' She would have to live with him in London, just to begin with, to prevent any speculation regarding their union. Not that he cared what people said about him. But he did not want her exposed to the sort of malicious gossip that was bound to hurt her. 'The season has not yet properly begun, but that will give you time to procure a suitable wardrobe and settle into your new role. I expect it will take you some time to find your feet, socially speaking, but until you have acquired your own circle of acquaintance I will ensure you always have a trustworthy escort to any event you may wish to attend.
'Naturally, I do not expect you to understand the British political system. All I expect from you is to be charming to those I introduce as my political allies, and reserved towards my opponents. Even though you may not like them, I shall expect you to be hospitable to the more important party members to whom I shall make you known, and their wives when I have occasion to invite them to any of my homes. Do not worry, however, that I shall expect much of you as a hostess. I have excellent staff running all my properties, and a sterling secretary to whom you may apply, should you find yourself floundering in the political shoals.'
Heloise listened to that patronising little speech with growing indignation. If it would not give rise to the very speculation he wished to avoid, he would as soon pack her off to one of his country houses. Her poor little brain was no match for the intricacies of the English political system. She was not to interfere in the management of any of his households, which were all running exactly as he wished. And if she had any questions, he wished her to apply to his secretary rather than bother him!
'Heloise?' he prompted, when she had been sitting in simmering silence for several minutes. He sighed. She clearly felt overwhelmed by the idea of being a leading figure in society. 'You must tell me if there are any gaps in your education which may cause you difficulties.' He had no intention of throwing her in at the deep end and letting her sink or swim as best she could.
'G...gaps?' she gasped, flashing him a look so indignant even he could not misinterpret it.
'Don't fly into the boughs with me,' he retorted, annoyed that she should cling to her hostility when he was doing all in his power to smooth her entry into society. 'If you cannot dance then I need to know, so that I may engage a dancing master for you. If you cannot ride then there is no point in me acquiring a horse for you to show off its paces in the park. I would instead purchase a barouche, or landaulet, and employ extra grooms to take you about.'
Her cheeks flushing, she hung her head. 'I beg your pardon, my lord,' she said, as humbly as she could. She had to admit he was trying to make the best of a bad job. He was prepared to employ as many staff as it would take to ensure she would be able to carry off the role he expected her to play. Just so long as he didn't have to be personally involved.
'I have learned to dance,' she flashed at him. 'Though you probably never saw me stand up
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