Page 45 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“For the other team.” Mrs. Palmertsked in jest, then chuckled. “Forgiven. But only because you make such an agreeable couple.”

“He is a handsome man indeed. Dresses impeccably and comes from a fine family.” Lady Chisolm fixed Kat in her gaze. “My dear, you always look as if you are fretting yourself into a fit of the vapors. You remind me of myself when I was your age.”

Piffle. And now the woman was weaving cautionary tales.

“Are you courting someone?” Lady Chisolm asked her.

Dare she sayLord Wellspring?

Nay. She could not go through with this courtship while craving Evan Eaton’s company and touch. Luckily, Mrs. Palmer spoke up, allowing Kat time to chew on her lip while contemplating the situation.

“Did you know that Lady Katrina is considered one of this season’s diamonds of the first water? And that she is the queen’s niece.” Mrs. Palmer tapped her finger on the top of her teacup. “I suppose it can be quite unnerving to find oneself under that much pressure and scrutiny.”

Precisely.

“I do know that, and ’tis so true.” Lady Chisolm sighed. “There was once someone I favored with all my heart. But I was so worried about pleasing my family and marrying the right man that I let him go. If only I could live my life over.”

Kat swallowed the lump forming in her throat.

“Oh, my.” Mrs. Palmer placed her hand on her cheek. “Wait until I tell everyone at The London Floral Society that I stayed at an inn with Her Royal Highness’s niece!”

Trying to will away the heat surging up her neck, Kat sipped her punch. Unfortunately, the iced drink did nothing to cool her off.

“Look who it is.” Mrs. Palmer smiled and waved at someone in the doorway.

“Master Evan,” Lady Chislom said. “We were just talking about what a fine athlete you are.”

Kat looked up from her glass to take in the masculine presence filling the doorway. He’d changed from his whites into a fresh shirt and a cravat that matched the color of his eyes. His waistcoat was casually thrown over his shoulder. The sun had tinted his cheeks a golden hue, making his eyes resemble rare Egyptian emeralds. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Evan.” Aunt Justine rose from her seat to take his hand in hers. “Thank you for winning the game for The Crown Jewel. We have not held the trophy in many years. My late husband would be proud.” She led him into the center of the drawing-room, where everyone present showered him with compliments for a well-played game.

“Won’t you join us for a light repast?” Aunt Justine asked.

“I cannot stay.” His gaze slid to Kat, and his eyes clouded over with… Longing? Affection? Exhaustion? Hunger for sponge cake? “I simply wanted to…”

Please let him be there to see her.

“Master Eaton, please join us.” Lady Chisolm patted the seat beside her.

“I must be going,” he said. “Mrs. Fletcher, I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to play on your team. ’Twas an honor.”

“Of course,” Aunt Justine said. “I do hope you will come back next summer. You always have a room here. Although, I suppose you are quite happy staying at Yardley Manor with Ethan and Anna.”

“Exceedingly so,” he said. “Anna is quite charming. But I do so appreciate your invitation. Now, I mustreturn to my lodging and sleep, for I have an early morning portrait session with Anna.”

“You paint?” Lady Chislom asked.

“I do,” Evan said.

“He is quite talented,” Kat accidentally blurted out.

Evan smiled, easing her embarrassment and triggering the bubbles of happiness threatening to make her leap from her seat and curvet like a spirited pony.

Bowing to the women, Evan sent each of them a flirtatious grin. This time, instead of a smile, Kat received an open-mouthed exhale that traveled across the room to caress her cheek. It took all of her discipline not to chase after him when he took his leave.

Stars! Were Mrs. Palmer, Lady Chisolm, and Elizabeth all staring at his arse?

Beth nudged Kat’s shoulder. “That is not at all what he wanted. He was here to see you. He looked at you as if he was a love-sick pup.”