Page 33 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

That was a terrible solution since Kat wanted… What did she want?

“Hmm,” she murmured a few times as her desire marched its way into her conscience.

She wanted to court Evan Eaton—openly and publicly. Lady Katrina Harrington, the daughter of a duke and the diamond of the season, wanted to court the untamable wild rake third son of an earl. That was the God’s-honest truth. Stars, it felt good to admit it, even if it was only to herself.

Kat shook her head. “Nay. No affairs. I don’t want a marriage of convenience. I want to marry for love.”

“Humph.” Beth’s brow furrowed. “Evan favors you—quite a lot. I can tell. But he is not the marrying type. Of course, who would have ever thought that William and Ethan would marry? Even Alistair Eaton, the Earl of Trent, married, and they say he was the greatest rake of them all.” Beth brought her hand out from under the covers to rest it against her chin. “I suppose Hugh is the greatest scoundrel of all. Well, maybe Evan has had more women. Actually, if we were crowning the King of the Rogues—”

Enough of this rambling about rakes, rogues, and scoundrels. “What are you getting at?”

Beth yawned. “I am not sure.” She rolled over to blow out the candle.

Kat tapped her on the shoulder. “What should I do?”

“I am quite tired and need sleep. I would like to be well-rested for the cricket match. We will talk more tomorrow evening.”

All those nights that Beth had kept her up late talking about her liaisons, and now she was too tired to discuss Kat’s hurtingheart? How unfair. However, it had been a long day. Kat laid her head on her pillow and closed her eyes. Unfortunately, her thoughts continued to whirl.

Would Evan Eaton give up all other women for her? Dare she ask after the way she’d treated him? And, if Evan married her, would their indiscretion matter to anyone? One thing was certain, she must let Alexander go and support him as he searched for love. And Ethan must help and support his friend. She’d insist, and her brother never told her no.

Yes! Ethan would save her and Alexander both. And even though Evan could be infuriating, he would never allow any harm to befall either Alexander or her. This would all work out. Despite evidence to the contrary, her luck could not have completely abandoned her.

For now, she should enjoy a restful slumber. The bed was inviting, and the counterpane warm.

Kat snuggled into the mattress.

Chapter fourteen

July 1st, 1818

Damn etiquette to hell. If Evan couldn’t sleep, neither would anyone else. It was well after midnight when he pounded on Charles Taylor’s door. Actually, the cottage belonged to Taylor’s ancient father, and also currently housed Greyson. More than likely, the houseguest had invited himself, for who would want the shite-sack sleeping beneath their roof?

Something felt off and quite suspicious. Evan didn’t know Charles Taylor well, but his favorable reputation did not quite fit with his despicable associates. However, he’d ponder that enigmaanother time.

A droopy-lidded butler answered the door, claiming everyone was asleep. “I suggest you call tomorrow afternoon,” he added.

“This is an urgent matter, so I insist you wake Greyson up,” Evan said.

The butler frowned. “Sir, I beg of you, please return in the morning.”

Knowing Greyson, he was probably tormenting some poor maid in a dark corner. Evan pushed aside the butler and entered the foyer.

“You do not mean to protect that piece of shite, do you? He is probably harassing someone on your staff at this very minute.”

Looking as if he might burst into tears, the butler exhaled. “Please wait here while I see if I can locate Lord Greyson.”

“There is no need for that, Carter.” Reeking of whiskey, Mephistopheles incarnate stepped into the foyer, a flickering candle in one bandaged hand, a half-empty glass in the other, the beginnings of a wicked bruise beneath his eye. His silk banyan hung open, and his hair was mussed, creating a slovenly appearance.

“Sir.” Carter, the butler, bowed in Greyson’s direction. “I tried to explain to our visitor that everyone was in bed for the evening.”

And yet, Greyson was awake and drinking.

Carson swallowed. “My lord, have you seen Caroline?”

Greyson huffed. “’Tis not my job to keep track of Taylor’s bloody maid.”

“Of course not, sir.” Carter again swallowed. “I thought she might be with you. I apologize for my presumption and my error.”