Page 35 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Evan leaned over Greyson and shoved his finger into his chest. “Not only are you a poor excuse for a gentleman and a blemish on the aristocracy, but you abuse your power with women.”

For a moment, they simply stared at each other. Then, Greyson stood and growled. His glass smashed against the wall as he shoved Evan backward.

By the time Evan steadied himself, Greyson pointed a pistol at him.

Evan should have known the shite-sack carried a weapon. And he should have been more like his siblings, who kept weapons about as if they were spare coins. Not that he couldn’t disarm Greyson in five seconds flat, then shoot him between his eyes.

“What in the devil is going on?” A tousled-looking Taylor entered the room.

“Our guest was just leaving,” Greyson said. For a man who had over-imbibed, the marquess held the gun steady.

Evan would have insisted they meet at dawn and settle this with dueling pistols, but that would only bring attention to Katrina. He had no choice but to leave and devise a new strategy. Thinking he could reason with Greyson had been a fool’s solution. However, since the marquess’s jaw clenched and lips turned downward, it was evident Evan had at least rattled him and knocked the sneer from his lips.

He shot Greyson his best smart-arse grin. The same one that made Katrina Harrington glower. “Be a decent human for once in your life, Greyson. Leave Katrina alone.”

“You and what army will make me?”

An army of Eatons and Harringtons, by God!

“You might want to align yourself with new acquaintances,” Evan said as he passed by Taylor. “Oh, and you also require a new maid. And keep her away from that.” He thumbed toward Greyson. “On second thought, wait until he leaves before you bring any women into this house.”

“What the devil?” Taylor said again.

Thereupon, Evan charged down the hall in search of the crying Caroline. Anna Harrington would surely take the girl in until Greyson was locked in a cell—or fed to a school of hungry sharks.

Chapter fifteen

July 1st, 1818

The sunny rays peeking through the window filled the day with promise, and the wind blowing the curtain about infused Kat with vigor. Careful not to wake Beth, she wriggled into her stays. The loose bindings would have to do. She donned her favorite summer day dress, tied her hair back with a lavender ribbon that matched the lilacs in her frock, slid into gloves, and then chose a delicate pair of slippers and a silk bonnet resplendent with purple flowers. She slipped from her chamber, gently pulling the door closed behind her.

When she entered the breakfast parlor, a half-dozen early-rising guests dined on sausage and egg pie, fresh berries, and coffee. From her seat in front of the bay window, she watched the seagulls swooping and rising, drawing erraticpatterns in the breeze as she picked at the food on her plate. Although it was delicious, she was much too excited to eat. Mostly because she meant to seek out Evan and explore this potent chemistry between them. It should be easy enough to find him. She’d simply arrive on her brother’s doorstep. He’d still be in bed with Anna. Stars, the two of them spent a lot of time kissing.

She’d tell the butler she left something in the library, and she needed to retrieve it, and then take a wrong turn—one that would take her directly past Evan’s room. Never mind that she’d grown up visiting Yardley Manor. She would feign being a silly, forgetful miss.

“Oops. I seem to be lost,” she’d say in case anyone bore witness. “Maybe someone could help me.” She’d lightly tap onhisdoor. When he answered, she’d feign confusion. And once she ensured no one was watching, and he invited her in, she’d tell him she planned to break off her courtship with Alexander. Poor, sweet Alexander. The kindest man of her acquaintance, with his compassionate eyes, genuine smile, and gentle nature. She was a fool to pass up such a grand husband. But she could not ask Evan to kiss her until she was honest with Alexander. And she needed Evan to kiss her, preferably with his delicious tongue.

She sipped at her coffee, then smiled. Yes, just this once—make that her sixth or seventh time since arriving in Brighton—she would behave like Elizabeth Fletcher.

Kat entered her brother’s home, her shoulders pulled back confidently. However, the moment the butler greeted her, herexcitement from earlier morphed into trepidation. She smiled at the head housekeeper and a chambermaid.

“I will be but a moment in the library. I forgot something there,” she called over her shoulder as she ascended the grand staircase.

She snorted as she climbed. Oh, how her opinion had changed. Just a few days ago, she’d disliked Evan with every ounce of her being. Unless he’d been addling and confusing her forever, and she’d fancied him since they were children? The more time she spent with him, the more likely this notion seemed.

Once she reached the second floor, she peered about the hallway to ensure no one watched. Thank the heavens above. She was alone.

She raced to Evan’s room. Ignoring her original plan, she forwent knocking, opened the door, barged in, and gasped.

A maid, her long, unbound hair the color of fire, was sprawled across his mattress. She abruptly sat, dangled her feet over the side of the bed, then gaped at Kat. “My, lady?” she muttered, her cheeks the same color as her hair.

So much for pursuing Evan Eaton since the fool had been engaged in amorous congress with one of Ethan’s staff. Kat should run from the room, but her legs refused to move.

The maid folded her hands into a prayer position. “Please don’t tell anyone. Lord and Lady Harrington have been so good to me. And please don’t tell Master Evan. I just wanted to look at these.” She held up a book.

Don’t tell Master Evan?Did that mean he did not know this beautiful woman was in his chamber, on his bed, rummaging through his things?

“He’s so talented. My lady, he has perfectly created your likeness.” The woman opened the book to display a black-and-white sketch.