And Victoria was so tired of the pain.

Chapter 13

Robert was waiting on her doorstep when she left for work the next morning. Victoria wasn't particularly surprised; he was nothing if not stubborn. He'd probably been planning his return all night.

She let out a deep breath. “Good morning, Robert.” It seemed infantile to pretend to ignore him.

“I've come to escort you to Madame Lambert's,” he said.

“That is very kind of you, but wholly unnecessary.”

He stepped directly in her path, forcing her to look up at him. “I beg to differ with you. It is never safe for a young woman to walk in London unescorted, but it is especially dangerous in this area.”

“I have managed to get myself to the dress shop every day for the past month,” she said.

His mouth settled into a grim line. “I can assure you that does not set my mind at ease.”

“Setting your mind at ease has never been at the top of my list of priorities.”

He clucked at her. “My, my, we have a pointy tongue this morning.”

His condescending tone ate at her. “Have I ever told you how much I detest the use of the royal ‘we’? It reminds me of all those odious employers I had over the years. Nothing like a good ‘we’ to put the governess in her place.”

“Victoria, we are not discussing being a governess, nor are we discussing pronouns, either singular or plural.”

She tried to push past him, but he stood firmly in her way.

“I am only going to repeat this one more time,” he said. “I will not permit you to remain in this hellhole for another day.”

She counted to three before she said, “Robert, you are not responsible for my welfare.”

“Somebody damn well has to be. You obviously don't know how to take proper care of yourself.”

She counted to five before she said, “I am going to ignore that comment.”

“I cannot believe you took lodgings here. Here!” Robert gave his head a disgusted shake.

She counted to ten before she said, “This is all I can afford, Robert, and I am perfectly happy with it.”

He learned forward in an intimidating manner. “Well, I am not. Let me tell you how I spent last night, Victoria.”

“Please do,” she muttered. “As if I could stop you.”

“I spent last night wondering how many men have tried to attack you in the last month.”

“None since Eversleigh.”

He either didn't hear her or didn't want to hear her. “Then I wondered how often you have to cross the street to avoid the prostitutes loitering on the street corners.”

She smiled archly. “Most of the prostitutes are very nice. I had tea with one just the other day.” That was a lie, but she knew it would needle him.

He shuddered. “Then I wondered how many damn rats share your room with you.”

Victoria tried to force herself to count to twenty before responding, but her temper wouldn't allow it. She could take his insults and his overbearing attitude, but an attack on her housekeeping skills—well, that was really too much. “You could eat off the floor of my room,” she hissed.

“I'm sure the rats do,” he replied with an acerbic twist of his lips. “Really, Victoria, you cannot stay in this vermin-infested area. It isn't safe, and it isn't healthy.”

She stood ramrod straight, holding her hands stiffly at her sides to keep herself from smacking him. “Robert, have you noticed that I am beginning to get just a trifle irritated with you?”

He ignored her. “I gave you one night, Victoria. That is all. You're coming home with me this evening.”

“I think not.”

“Then move in with my aunt.”

“I value my independence above all things,” she said.

“Well, I value your life and virtue,” he exploded, “and you're going to lose them both if you insist upon living her.”

“Robert, I am perfectly safe. I do nothing to attract attention, and people leave me alone.”

“Victoria, you're a beautiful and obviously respectable woman. You can't help but attract attention every time you step foot out of the house.”

She snorted. “You're a fine one to talk. Look at you!”

He crossed his arms and waited for an explanation.

“I was doing a fine job of keeping to myself before you came along.” She waved her hand at his carriage. “This neighborhood hasn't seen such a grand vehicle in years, if ever. And I'm sure that at least a dozen people are already planning how to rid you of your wallet.”

“So you do admit that this is an unsavory area.”

“Of course I do. Do you think I'm blind? If nothing else, this should prove how very much I don't want your company.”

“What the hell do you mean by that?”

“For God's sake, Robert, I'd rather stay here in this slum than be with you. Here! That ought to tell you something.”

He flinched, and she knew she'd hurt him. What she didn't expect was how much it hurt herself to see his eyes fill with pain. Against her better judgement, she put her hand on his arm. “Robert,” she said softly, “let me explain something to you. I am content now. I may not have much in the way of material comforts, but for the first time in years I have my independence. And I have my pride back.”

“What are you saying?”

“You know I never liked being a governess. I was constantly insulted by my employers, both male and female.”

Robert's mouth tightened.

“The customers at the dress shop aren't always polite, but Madame Lambert treats me with respect. And when I do a good job she doesn't try to take the credit. Do you know how long it has been since anyone has offered me any praise?”