Page 29 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“I cannot wait,” Evan said.

In her worrisome state, Kat had almost forgotten about the much-anticipated day. As a child she had loved watching her father play for her aunt and uncle’s team. She sighed out the nostalgia and swallowed the lump in her throat. The loss of the two powerful men was still as raw as if their deaths had happened just yesterday. Hopefully, the day would still be festive without her father and uncle in attendance. As long as Lord Greyson was not in attendance, she could make the best of the situation.

Aunt Justine waved. “Have a wonderful evening.”

“Oh, we will,” Beth and Evan said simultaneously. They faced each other and giggled like dashed fools.

Kat should return to the inn. She could bring a hand to her forehead and sigh dramatically. “The sea and sun must have been too much for me. I fear I feel a fainting spell coming on,” she could say. Everyone would surely believe that. Or maybe she could feign a headache. Yes, that would work. Then she could lock herself in her safe Greyson-less chamber.

Instead, forcing her most charming smile, she allowed Alexander to assist her into the carriage.

Chapter twelve

June 30th, 1818

Wellspring spent the carriage ride staring at his shoes, and Katrina Harrington epitomized haughty politeness. Although they made a handsome couple, and they both wore smiles, they had as much chemistry as a pair of dying slugs. Thank the Lord, the dangerous Elizabeth Fletcher exuded personality, or Evan would have leaped from the moving carriage to avoid the awkwardness.

They pulled in front of the theater none too soon. Without waiting for the footmen, Evan shoved the door open and escaped from the vehicle. He greedily inhaled the salt air as if he’d been suffocating. It pained him to watch Wellspring extend a hand to help Katrina down. But he needed to facethe truth. There was noperchanceormayhapabout it. This strange new ache was jealousy.

’Twas not as if he wanted to marry the chit. Forever was a preposterous proposition. However, he wanted to spend the present moment with his hand in hers, sharing a conversation void of malice. Then he wanted her in his bed, his face buried between her thighs, her nectar on his tongue.

Since this was not the time for a pego, he pushed thoughts of Katrina to the side and assisted Elizabeth from the carriage.

“Is it not lovely, Kat?” Elizabeth asked as she steadied herself on the cobblestones.

If only Katrina smiled at Evan the way she beamed at the theater.

In all fairness, the exquisite old auditorium was an architectural masterpiece. The newly installed lights illuminated the carved colonnade, and care had been taken to paint and scrub the facade of the three-story building as if it were a palace fit for a deity.

To reach the front portico, Evan’s party wove through the elegant carriages, colorfully dressed theatergoers, and fruit vendors. A girl carrying a basket of flowers approached. Preoccupied by a street performer juggling glowing sticks, Evan took too long to secure his coins from his pocket. Therefore, Wellspring purchased roses for both Katrina and Elizabeth—nothing like feeling like an ungentlemanly arse. But the sticks glowed, for crying out loud.

Katrina held the red flower to her nose and inhaled. “Thank you, Alexander.”

The grinning earl might be bamboozled, but Evan was not gullible. Katrina Harrington would rather have a diamond tiara from an enemy than a rose from a lover.

Soon, the four of them were seated in the most splendid of boxes, looking down at the stage, Evan and Wellspring bookending their lovely companions.

“Oh, Alexander. How did you manage such fine seats?” Katrina asked.

What an apple polisher she was. Evan internally rolled his eyes, for the seats had easily been obtained by Harrington. It was not as if a miracle had been performed. Relations to the king procured anything they desired.

“I had nothing to do with our box,” Wellspring said. “We have your brother to thank for this view.”

Begrudging Wellspring Katrina’s affection when the earl was so bloody good and honest was plain mean-spirited. Evan might be many things, but he was not hostile or cruel. He could stomp around like the jealous fool he was or make the best of the evening. The decision was easy. He’d enjoy the show and the company. He had no desire to bed Elizabeth Fletcher after the debacle at the masquerade, but he might consider her a friend and a suitable companion. She was lovely and full of life, after all.

“Please excuse me,” Elizabeth said. “I must visit the necessary. I shall return in a few moments.”

Evan was unaware that ladies, besides his sister Georgiana, had personal business to attend to. Didn’t they all just shite perfume and flowers? He chuckled.

Katrina rose from her seat. “Would you like me to join you?”

“No!” Elizabeth said a bit too forcefully for a woman pardoning herself to a private space. “I shall go by myself.”

The chit was definitely up to something wicked.

Her scowl intense, Katrina dropped back into her chair. “If you do not hurry, you shall miss the beginning of the show.”

Elizabeth slid through the curtain partition. Since Katrina and Wellspring faced forward, they didn’t see the reason for Elizabeth’s hasty retreat. But, ever curious, Evan caught a glimpse ofhim.