Page 16 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Buttons dutifully stood by, his gaze glued to Wellspring, his tongue running over his bottom lip. Wellspring met the butler’s gaze and grinned as if he might be charming a lady. Strange because Wellspring did not flirt, and Buttons was a man.

Perchance, looking through a little hole messed with one’s perception. Evan stepped back and rubbed his eyes.

“Katrina, the portrait is lovely. Lord Wellspring is a divine artist indeed,” Buttons called to her.

Divine artist? What the blimey hell? Although, a butler probably shouldn’t tell an earl he was an untalented charlatan. Hmm? Especially if he fancied that earl in a romantic way. Now that Evan thought about it, the attraction was obvious, and mutual. Interestingly, his newfound understanding of his friend didn’t change his opinion in the least. Springy was one hell of a good chap.

“Oh, I just know it will be lovely, Alexander,” Katrina declared joyfully. “Your mask last night was a masterpiece.”

Evan should not want to punch the earl in the nose. But Katrina should be complimenting him, not Wellspring.

However, this wasn’t Wellspring’s fault. It was Harrington’s meddling that had set it into motion. Still, enough was enough. This spying was bollocks. Evan exited the dusty little room and flung the library door wide.

“Good afternoon,” he declared with an affable wave and a huge smile.

Katrina Harrington stiffened and glared at him.

A flushed Wellspring swallowed and stepped away from the butler. “I believe I am finished for the day.”

Finally, at long last, everyone else departed, leaving Wellspring and Evan alone in the library.

Wellspring rested a hand against his forehead and moaned. “Why did I ever let the two of you talk me into this? ’Tis ridiculous. I am lying to a woman I hope favors me.”

Evan closed his lips to keep from saying,Do not blame me. This was her brother’s idea.“Are you sure you fancy Katrina?” he eventually asked. “She can be quite difficult.”

However, she tasted like sweet sin.

All this overanalyzing and soul-searching was a waste of time, so Evan would not spend another minute examining his motives for discouraging Wellspring. And no, he wasn’t trying to covet the chit for himself. He was looking out for his friend.

Perchance, it was none of Evan’s business. However, his friend deserved to find true love. “Wellspring, I dare say, you and Buttons have become quite close.”

Wellspring colored up. “Is it odd that I enjoy a butler’s company?”

“Not at all. My sister Georgiana’s dearest friend is her ladies’ maid. And my brother Alistair quite enjoys spending time with his valet. I’m partial to Mrs. Clayton’s pies.” Evan grinned. “I see no harm in flirting with a woman old enough to be my grandmother when her biscuits and tarts are akin to an orgasm.”

Still, feeling affection for one’s staff and exceptional baked goods was quite different from fancying a friend’s butler.

How to say this without embarrassing Wellspring? More than likely Evan should keep his irreverent humor from a conversation this serious. He must conjure sincerity and compassion.

He met Wellspring’s gaze. “You do know that no one has the right to dictate who you love or take into your bed? I say, damn society to hell.”

Wellspring’s brow furrowed. “But I am of the opinion society finds us suitably matched. Of course, I would never takeherto bed unless she was my wife.”

The poor, sweet Earl of Denial.

“I would not think any less of you if you chose not to marry a woman,” Evan said. “Say you favored…” Dare he sayaman? Perchance, it was best to speak metaphorically. “Say you favored a horse.”

The second the words left his mouth, Evan cringed. Damn, he was no good at this compassionate, understanding rubbish.

Wellspring’s chin snapped indignantly. “Are you suggesting I marry an equine?”

“Yes. If you loved an equine.” Evan leaned forward, keeping his gaze serious. “Or a dog. Or a horse. Metaphorically, of course. Do you understand now?”

“Why do you never take anything seriously?” Wellspring asked. “Wait!” His eyes widened in understanding. “Now I understand.”

Thank the heavens.

“I do not care who or what you tup, Eaton. But stay away from my horse. I find that nonsense unpalatable, and I do not wish to hear about it.”