She was used to men closing in on her and did not flinch at his sudden nearness. She did, however, snap her head toward him when he said what he said about her life. "As if Mrs. Anne Carrington would suffer a whore in her house," she said bitterly. "I didn't marry Magnus by choice and I certainly am not welcome, even if I carry his possible heir. I am frightened of his family. Nobody but the family knows I was his wife, brief that it was. Besides, I can see the advantages of marrying you instead, and it has nothing to do with your money if that is your worry. It is a matter of safety. I need your help and I will do anything I must to get it."

Sonia lowered her eyes to her hands, "I despise what I am about to be forced to do if you don't accept my proposal for a marriage of convenience."