The Genuine Article by Patricia Rice Page A

unusual man."
    Montague smiled, transforming his normally staid expression to one of charm. "I am that, I admit. Even Darley will tell you so. Can we not cry 'pax' and be friends?"
    "I cannot see how." Marian returned to worrying at her gloves. "You have all but stated your desire to keep Lord Darley from my 'clutches,' as I assume you perceive them."
    The waiter placed the ices on the table and discreetly departed. Marian picked at hers. She would have delighted in the luxury at any other time. Now, her mind was elsewhere.
    "You do not love him," Montague pointed out, heartily enjoying his confection. "All you see in him is his wealth."
    Marian favored him with a look of annoyance. "It is not. Admittedly, I cannot marry where there is not wealth, for my family's sake, but there are plenty of eligible bachelors with plump pockets. It may be my duty to marry well, but I will have to live with my choice for the rest of my life. Lord Darley suits me, and if I suit him, I cannot see your objection. Marriages are made on a great deal less than that all the time. I have not deceived him in any way as to the portion I can expect."
    Montague cleaned his dish during this tirade. When she was done, he answered calmly, "No, you have deceived him as to your true nature. Darley needs a quiet, biddable wife, one who will not run roughshod over him as his mother does, one who will make his life pleasant and not a living hell. I am aware, where he is not, that you are not what he thinks."
    Marian folded her napkin and stood up. "That is your opinion. We will never agree on this matter. I wish to go home."
    Her cold tone forbade any other alternative. Montague escorted her from the confectioner's and down the street to his waiting carriage.
    As he climbed in beside her, he asked, "I realize I am not titled, but am I considered wealthy enough to deserve a place on your list of eligible bachelors?"
    She stared at him in horror. "You and Jessica would not suit, I assure you. If I marry well, she may wait and marry where her heart lies. Do not try to confuse her into thinking it is her duty to marry elsewhere."
    He gave her a thoughtful look. "You are a most unusual woman. Most would have assumed I meant to pursue them."
    She settled back against the squabs. "You have already discovered I am not stupid. I would have to be extremely silly to be that vain."
    A secret smile curled his lips again. "I can see you will lead me a merry chase, my lady. Let us take you back to the house before your mother calls the watch."
    * * *
    "O'Toole, you do have your uses. The lady will be able to see herself in those." Reginald glanced down at the polished gleam of the knee-high boots his valet was returning to the rack.
    "The lady is in the habit of admiring herself in boots?" the insolent valet inquired as he brushed off the coat waiting to be donned.
    "Actually, the lady I had in mind is more likely to bite off my nose than admire my toes, but her young sister has an affinity for admiring floors. Perhaps my boots will amuse her while I woo the elder."
    The valet looked mildly interested as he helped his employer into the tightly tailored coat. "If you are going to continue escorting ladies through the park, you ought to have a groom. Did I mention that I often served as the marquess's driver?"
    Reginald raised a disbelieving eyebrow. "Why am I inclined to doubt that?" he asked the ceiling as he adjusted his cravat.
    "Well, if he were not dead, he could confirm it," O'Toole assured him. "And any nodcock can act the part of groom. All I need do is stand at the back of the carriage and look handsome. For a few extra coins, I am willing to sacrifice myself in your service."
    There was some truth in that. If Reginald could be certain that the wretch wouldn't decide his horses were worth more than honest employment, he could leave his valuable animals in the care of someone experienced instead of relying on street urchins.
    And he might have less difficulty persuading