“I assure you that life is much simpler when you pay others no heed.”
“I am quite certain that, without a dowry, Mr. Haversham will lose all interest in me.”
His lordship let out a long breath. “Millie, this is not my problem. I have no desire to interfere in your family.”
“I am not asking you to speak to father. Simply withdraw the dowry.”
“While I may have granted your father his request in a moment of weakness, I will not retract my word. It would not be gentlemanly.”
“Since when were you concerned with being a gentleman?” she cried.
He could not resist smiling. When he did, his eyes of grey sparkled. It was what had many a woman undone in his presence.
“Dear Millie, you are far too clever for that Haversham charlatan.”
He began putting on his gloves. Seeing that he intended to leave, she suppressed the urge to scowl at him.
“Are you quite certain you wish to invite him into the family?” she tried.
Unperturbed, he donned his hat. “Your few minutes have come to an end. Good night, Millie.”
She knew better than to try to stay him. And she was too vexed for words. She should have known Alastair, though he indulged her more than he did most others, would make no effort to come to her aid.