Page 2 of Until the Rake Surrenders (Rogue Rules #5)

The dark-haired and dark-eyed Viscount Barswell gave Lambton a hooded look. “Why me?” he asked, before sliding a glance toward Claxton. “I think our money should be on the one with the need to wed.”

Claxton narrowed his eyes at Barswell. “I would argue that we all need to wed at some point.”

Even Evan knew that was true. He might not be a titled gentleman with a need for an heir, but his father was successful and had gained an important role in the government. He wanted a legacy and was eager for Evan to take a wife and have children to carry on the family name. Evan was, after all, the only son.

“Some sooner than others,” Lambton said before sipping his port. He’d barely swallowed before adding, “Are the rumors about your finances untrue?”

The younger men sat at one end of the table, and every one of them swept their gazes toward Claxton. The older men at the head of the table, where the marquess was holding court, were not paying attention to the conversation at the other end.

Claxton frowned. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I’m quite solvent, thank you.” He tipped back the rest of his port, and a footman quickly refilled his glass.

Evan studied Claxton and tried to discern if the man was telling the truth, but it was impossible to tell.

“At least my teeth are straight,” Claxton said to Lambton, confirming what Evan had already decided—that Claxton possessed a penchant for spite.

Lambton flushed before draining his glass. It too was quickly refilled.

Claxton turned his attention to Evan. “ And I have a title, which can’t be overlooked.”

Was he trying to assert his noble dominance? Evan swallowed a laugh. “I am delighted to be free of the obligations that come with a title and dictate much of one’s life.”

“More time for your daredevil feats,” another of the young men said. “Will you be conducting any of your riding tricks at the party?”

One of Evan’s athletic pursuits was riding horses and performing tricks one might see at Astley’s. “Who can say?”

“I think it’s time we join the ladies,” their host announced as he rose at the head of the table.

All the gentlemen stood and made their way from the dining room. The marquess spoke with one of the footmen and did not move toward the door until Evan was nearly there. They were the last two gentlemen to leave.

The marquess gestured at the doorway. “After you, Price.”

Evan inclined his head and stepped over the threshold. Outside the dining room, the marquess moved to walk alongside him. “I’m glad you were able to attend the party. My wife is thrilled to have you here and is hopeful you will demonstrate your daring skills on horseback. Perhaps tomorrow after our ride?”

“I would be delighted,” Evan said.

They stood facing one another, and the marquess studied Evan a moment. “Will you return to London after the party, or will you be spending the autumn away from Town?”

The man’s assessing gaze made Evan tense. Had the marquess heard of the scandal that had driven Evan from London? “I will be spending a month or so in Bath,” Evan replied evenly.

In fact, his father had instructed him not to return to London until the new year, to allow the gossip to dissipate. It was a major inconvenience to Evan, particularly since his role in the scandal was entirely fabricated.

The marquess nodded faintly. “A sound decision. I do hope you’ll be on your best behavior here. I’m not sure what happened specifically, but I would ask that you ensure my wife’s party and reputation are not harmed by any…indiscretion.”

Evan should have expected something like this since he was believed to have engaged in a liaison with a married woman whose husband also worked at the Treasury. The truth, however, was that he had not conducted an affair with Mrs. Dalton. That had been his good friend Roger Martin, to whom Evan owed a debt. He’d taken the blame, thinking he would weather the scandal far better than Roger, who was just starting a promising career as a barrister and who did not have the benefit of strong family or social connections to see him through.

Summoning a smile he hoped the marquess would believe, Evan inclined his head with a measure of deference. “I have learned my lesson, my lord. Please be assured my behavior will be well above reproach.”

“I am relieved—and glad—to hear it,” Bath said. “And if you are searching for a wife, the marchioness will be thrilled to assist you.”

“I am not on the hunt, alas. And I think you may want to prepare her ladyship for the very real possibility that there will not be a match at this party. I don’t think this particular crop of gentlemen is altogether serious about matrimony just now.”

“You ought to convince them,” the marquess said with a smile. “Marriage comes for us all, and there are several excellent bridal prospects here. One of you could very well procure the hand of Henlow’s daughter. That man would be highly congratulated, his faults forgotten.”

Was he trying to persuade Evan that he should wed Min in order to tidy his reputation?

“I’ll point that out,” Evan said. He didn’t bother telling the man that Min wouldn’t wed any of these rogues.

The marquess started toward the drawing room, and Evan fell into step beside him. “You should ask Lady Minerva to dance.”

“I’m sure I will. She is a friend of my sister’s, after all. And her brother is a close friend.”

“One must wonder why the two of you aren’t already betrothed,” the marquess noted with a sidelong glance and a chuckle.

“We are friends, my lord. I am not sure Lady Minerva and I would be suited romantically.”

“Sometimes it’s enough to marry a friend—someone you respect and whose company you enjoy. It’s certainly preferable to wedding a woman you barely know or with whom you have nothing in common.” The marquess’s gaze fixed on the doorway to the drawing room ahead.

Evan let the host of the party enter first, then followed behind. He sought out Min and saw that she was already dancing—with Claxton. She seemed to be enjoying herself, if her smile was any indication.

Ellis was standing in the corner, ever the wallflower. Evan joined her. “I have never seen you dance. Do you even know how?”

She laughed. “Yes, not that I have occasion to demonstrate my ability. I learned from watching Min—both in lessons and in practice at countless balls and assemblies.”

“You did not partake in the lessons?’

“They weren’t for me.” Her tone seemed to indicate that didn’t bother her, but Evan had to think she must have felt left out.

“You didn’t want to learn?”

She shrugged. “I have always been Min’s companion. While I received the same education from the governess, I was not given any training in comportment. The irony is that I am better at embroidery than Min.”

Evan grinned. “How charming.” They watched the dancing for a few moments before he said. “What will you do when Min weds?”

“ If she weds.”

“You think she won’t?” He pivoted toward Ellis, whose evening gown was plain and whose blonde hair was coiled into a simple style, with only a ribbon to decorate it. Her appearance reinforced that she was subordinate to Min. Evan noted that regardless of the division, the two women appeared to be as close as sisters.

“I think she will only wed when and if she finds the right bridegroom. She will not settle, even if her parents demand it.”

“She can always follow her brother’s lead,” Evan said. “When they demanded he marry, he found the most inappropriate woman possible.”

Ellis turned her head to look at him. “And now they are happily wed. If that is the lead Min should follow, then I heartily agree. She deserves nothing less than true, abiding love and lasting happiness.”

The dance ended, and Evan realized Ellis hadn’t answered his question about what she would do when Min wed. Perhaps that was something Ellis didn’t care to contemplate.

Min and Claxton parted as they left the small dancing area. Min went directly to a table bearing a Delft punch bowl. After helping herself to a cup, she took a few sips before making her way to Ellis and Evan.

Evan noted Min’s pink cheeks and her rapid drinking of the punch. “I was going to ask if you wanted to dance the next set, but perhaps you would rather have a respite.”

“There isn’t going to be any more dancing,” Min said. “We decided the space was too small. I’ll dance with you at the ball on the final night, if you like. That will be in the ballroom.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” He sent a look toward Claxton, who was now speaking with one of the other young ladies. Evan had no idea which one. If he was terrible at recalling faces, he was only marginally better at remembering people’s names. It was damnably difficult to keep everyone straight, so he found it best to just be frank about his poor memory when it came to people.

“How did you find Claxton?” he asked Min, wondering if the man had revealed any of his venom.

“Quite charming, actually.” She narrowed her eyes at Evan and edged closer. “Why, what do you know?”

He didn’t want to tell her about Claxton’s obnoxious behavior in the dining room. Perhaps the man had only been trying to show off since he didn’t really know anyone. Evan could understand feeling nervous. He recalled the first time he’d met Min’s brother and his friends more than a year ago in London and the first August he’d spent with them in Weston last year. He’d been somewhat intimidated by a duke, a viscount, and two earls, and even more so by their close friendship. He’d felt like an interloper until they’d welcomed him eagerly and sincerely.

“I don’t know anything,” Evan replied. “I’m sure you’ll come to know him during the party.”

“Can I count on you to tell me if you hear anything important?” she asked. “Particularly if he’s a scoundrel.”

“Yes, you can rely on me to deliver the truth if it is presented to me.” He made a silent note to himself to keep a close eye on Claxton, particularly as his behavior pertained to Min. “I’m happy to play the role of brother during the party.”

Min’s brow creased. “I don’t need another brother, but I appreciate your concern. I am looking forward to this respite from my family, so I would prefer if you didn’t watch over me in that manner.”

“I can understand needing a respite from one’s family.” Evan was glad to be away from his father in particular. He’d been livid when he’d learned of Evan’s “indiscretion” and had promptly banished him from the Treasury and from London.

“Will you be performing any of your riding tricks at the party?” Min asked.

“In fact, the marquess asked me to demonstrate them tomorrow after the ride.”

Min sniffed. “The ride the ladies aren’t invited to?”

“Er, I suppose so,” Evan said. “I am not as well versed in house parties as you, but don’t the men typically ride separately?”

“Usually, but since the marchioness is playing matchmaker, I thought she might allow the women to ride with the men. Instead, she isn’t offering riding to us at all.” Min made a sound of frustration.

“What will you be doing?” Evan asked.

“Reading or doing needlework, I would guess. Though, perhaps we will be invited outside to watch your performance.” A mischievous glint lit her pale gray eyes. They were an astonishing color and never failed to draw his notice—and admiration. “If not, I think we shall happen to take a walk around that time.” She looked to Ellis, who inclined her head in response.

“Then I shall attempt something extraordinary,” Evan said with a smile.

Ellis arched a brow. “I shall hope you do more than attempt. We don’t want anything unfortunate to happen to you.”

“I haven’t hurt myself yet, beyond the occasional bruise. I’m confident in my abilities.” He leaned toward them. “You should be too.”

“Well, if your arrogance is any indication, we shall be greatly entertained,” Min said with a laugh.

Evan couldn’t help grinning. “I shall do my best.” He saw Min’s gaze drift toward Claxton once more and had second thoughts about not telling her of his offensive behavior. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you to watch out for the handsome viscount since he is unknown to us.”

“You do not,” Min replied pertly. “There is no one more guarded when it comes to your sex than I.”

That Evan believed.