Page 12 of To Pleasure a Prince

“Of course not,” he said mockingly. “You have only my sister’s best interests at heart. So you’ll happily endure my company just to unite two lovers.”

“I might. If I knewwhyyou want to court someone of my ‘sort.’ ”

He shrugged. “If I must go out into society, why not do it with a beautiful woman on my arm?” He let his gaze trail insolently over her, waiting until the color rose in her cheeks before adding, “In the right place, even the company of a woman like you can be enjoyable.”

Her eyes narrowed on him. “Are you sure you’re not wanting to court me just to annoy my brother?”

“I’ll admit that adds to the attraction, but no.” He threw out the first reason that came to him, knowing she would refuse his terms anyway. “It’s time I acquired a wife. Why not start my search at the top of the social ladder?”

“How very flattering,” she remarked coldly.

“I’m not asking you to marry me. I merely want you to give me your company exclusively, the way I’m letting your brother have my sister’s. If a woman of your station champions me, it will ease my way in society.”

She regarded him intently for a long moment, then tipped up her chin. “Very well, I accept your proposal, sir.”

His smile faltered. She couldn’t be serious. “Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. I don’t mean a private courtship where I take you riding in the country or accompany you to a play in a darkened theater. You must dance with me publicly and ride in my carriage on Rotten Row. To truly soften the blow of my return to society, you must attend at least two or three public events on my arm.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Is that all? I say we make it an even month of events. You’re allowing Simon and Louisa a month to court, so we should have the same.”

“You think I’m joking—”

“No, indeed. You don’t strike me as the sort to joke.”

“Damned right, I’m not.” But could he really mean to go through with this?

Oh yes. When it came to Louisa, he would brave anything. While it might hurt his sister’s standing to have him appear in public, her being found in a compromising position with the duke would destroy it. And having Prinny wheedle his way into her affections would be disastrous. Marcus knew firsthand how easily his manipulative father could ruin a life. Well, the man wouldn’t ruin Louisa’s.

And if Foxmoor could use Marcus’s sister, then Marcus could certainly use Foxmoor’s. He’d make sure Lady Regina’s outings in society with him gave her a good taste of what being related to him would be like. Then Lady Lofty would beg her brother to stop courting Louisa. “So we’re agreed,” he said. “Simon courts Louisa; I court you.”

She didn’t even flinch. “Fine by me.”

“Very well. The Iversleys are having a soiree tomorrow evening to exhibit Louisa’s musical talents. I’ll be at your town house at seven to fetch you.”

He thought she might balk, but she merely set her shoulders. “And Simon, too. I was invited, but he was not, since the Iversleys apparently share your disapproval of his interest in Louisa. But I’m not going anywhere unless he—”

“I’ll take care of that right now.” He strode over to a writing table to scribble a note. “Since you’re so fond of paying calls, you can call on Lady Iversley this afternoon to give her this.” He handed the note to her. “Go ahead and read it if you don’t trust me to word it properly.”

A strange panic filled her features before she masked it. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He headed back toward the gallery stairs, hoping she would understand she was being dismissed. She’d found her own way in, so she could damned well find her own way out.

“One more thing before I go, Lord Draker,” she said. “You should shave off your beard before tomorrow. Beards aren’t considered fashionable these days.”

He turned a cold gaze to her. “Neither are impertinent women, but that doesn’t seem to stop you. Good day, madam.”

“I just thought you’d wish to know—”

“Good day, madam,” he repeated firmly.

She looked as if she might retort, then sniffed and turned toward the door.

As she swept from the room in a swirl of white muslin, he snorted. Shave off his beard indeed. Was that why she’d agreed to his proposal? Because she thought she could turn him into a suitable gentleman?

If so, she was in for a surprise. He wasn’t one of her fawning suitors to be wound about her little finger for her own amusement. No sharp-tongued duchess’s daughter would tellhimhow to groom himself.

Let her flash her winsome smile and flaunt those glorious breasts that begged to be kissed and fondled and—