“But you were.” She’d been designated a countess by the barrister.

“No.”

He softly sighed. “I’m not leaving until I know what’s going on, so you might as well tell me. I can stay here as long as Fremont keeps bringing up liquor.”

“You know the proprietor?”

“Yes, Mrs. Smith,” he replied cheekily.

“He shouldn’t have disclosed that.”

“I pay him well.”

“For his silence about your assignations.”

He nodded.

“So you’re a lothario,” she said with distaste.

“No, I’m a man. Now-an explanation.”

His voice had taken on an edge.

“Very well, if you must know-”

“I must,” he brusquely interposed.

“Then I’ll tell you. I’m a countess in my own right, but as you know in situations such as mine, I simply hold the title as steward for the next male in line to inherit should I die childless. In my case, a cousin has decided he doesn’t wish to wait-I might outlive him, you see, or marry and have children. So he intends to marry me to gain access to my funds.”

“What of a marriage settlement?” They were written to protect family fortunes.

“First, I loathe my cousin and wouldn’t marry him if he was the last man on the face of the earth. Secondly, Frederick’s pursuit has been persistent and very determined since his gambling losses have mounted. I expect coercion would be involved with a marriage settlement. He’s completely unscrupulous.”

“Have you no one to protect you?”

“Naturally, I could hire guards, but I’m hoping it won’t come to that. My plan, in which you recently participated, is to so completely ruin my reputation that even Frederick will be forestalled at least in his marriage plans. What other tactics he might employ to make claim on my property Malmsey can handle in court.” Her voice took on a derisive tone. “I doubt he’d be personally moved by this scandal, but fortunately for me he has a domineering mother who prides herself on virtue and decorum.”