Page 3 of Until the Rake Surrenders (Rogue Rules #5)

A s expected, the ladies were gathered in the drawing room late the following morning, either reading or working on embroidery. Min was doing neither and noticed there was another young lady who’d also eschewed the activities. She stood near the window looking out over the expansive gardens.

Min approached the young woman, who appeared to be slightly younger than Min’s twenty-two years. She had dark auburn hair and bright blue eyes that were focused, rather wistfully, outside.

“I’m Lady Minerva. I didn’t see you last night.”

She turned her head toward Min. “I know who you are. I’m Iona Shaughnessy. We arrived late. One of our horses had a problem with his shoe.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Min looked out at the gardens. “Do you wish you were outside? Perhaps riding with the gentlemen? I do.”

“It’s certainly preferable to embroidery.” Miss Shaughnessy wrinkled her nose. “Do you think it is worth telling the marchioness we would prefer to be riding?”

Min chuckled. “I’m not sure. The marchioness seems to have somewhat rigid ideas about what the men and women should be doing at this party. She’s quite focused on whether someone will make a match.” She slid a long look toward Miss Shaughnessy. “Will that be you?”

Miss Shaughnessy’s eyes darted toward a dark-haired woman seated in a chair not far away. “My mother certainly hopes so. That’s why she brought me here.” She looked at Min. “Is that not why you are here?”

Min shrugged. “The marchioness would like it if I made a match, as would my own mother. However, my mother is not here, so I do not feel the same pressure as you do. My apologies, Miss Shaughnessy.”

“Please call me Iona.”

“Then you must call me Min, as all my friends do.”

Iona smiled. “Are we friends, then?”

“I don’t see why not,” Min said. “We’ve already established that neither of us wants to be trapped in the drawing room under threat of embroidery. As it happens, I’m planning to steal outside shortly in order to watch Mr. Price demonstrate his feats of daring on horseback.”

Iona’s eyes took on a gleam of anticipation. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.”

“I’ve heard of Mr. Price’s daredevil antics,” Iona said. “My brother, Ruark, rather Wexford, is acquainted with Mr. Price.”

“Your brother is the Earl of Wexford?” Min asked. “I know Lady Wexford. If she were here, she would no doubt be joining us outside.”

Iona nodded. “She would indeed.”

Min realized she’d heard of Iona Shaughnessy before, probably from Cassandra—Lady Wexford. The Earl of Wexford had four half sisters, one of whom was married to the owner of the Phoenix Club. Min had thought that the second oldest, which would be Iona, was betrothed, but apparently, she’d been mistaken.

“Forgive me,” Min said, “I thought you were perhaps already engaged to be married.”

Iona’s lips twisted into a frown of disgust. “I expected to be; however, the gentleman did not make a formal offer, despite leading me to believe he would.”

Min scowled. “The bounder! He sounds like a terrible rogue. I hate rogues. In fact, my friends and I have a set of rules we adhere to in order to avoid rogues at all costs. It can be very treacherous as a young lady, especially if she is on the Marriage Mart.”

Iona pivoted toward Min, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “Do tell me about these rules.”

“They are somewhat common sense, but it is good to have a reminder and to have the support of one’s close friends as we work to keep ourselves safe from scandalous men,” Min explained. “They are: never be alone with a rogue. Never flirt with a rogue. Never give a rogue a chance. Never doubt a rogue’s reputation. Never believe a rogue’s pledge of love or devotion.”

“I’ve learned that one,” Iona interrupted with a harsh laugh. “Please continue, or is that all of them?”

“No, there are more. Eight in total,” Min said. “Never trust a rogue to change. Never allow a rogue to see your heart. And when all else fails, ruin the rogue before he can ruin you.”

“Oh, that is excellent advice,” Iona said earnestly. “Do you and your friends have a club for avoiding rogues?”

“Not officially, but consider yourself a member of our group—a founding one, since you just came up with the notion to formalize ourselves into a club. We must stick together, especially as we navigate house parties such as this, where the field is rife with eligible bachelors we are supposed to consider.”

“I’ve never been in a club,” Iona remarked.

“Of course not. Nearly all clubs are for men .” Min rolled her eyes, and they both laughed. “Will your mother force you to wed at some point?”

“Probably, but mostly she just wants to make sure my prospects haven’t been ruined,” Iona replied. “She’s concerned my reputation has been damaged by my former suitor not proposing. But I don’t care. I’m still young and have time before I’m consigned to spinsterhood. I’m in no hurry to find a husband after my recent experience.”

“I don’t blame you,” Min said in commiseration. “It is very hard to find a gentleman who is not a rogue. Four of my antirogue friends have married, and their husbands were some of the worst rogues you can imagine. Love has somehow transformed them. I can scarcely credit it.” She shook her head. “One of them is my own brother. It does give me hope, for if he can fall irrevocably in love and reform himself, then I think it’s possible anyone can.” Particularly since Sheff had perfected his roguish skills watching their father—one of the worst rogues Min knew. The difference between them, however, was that Sheff had been able to redeem himself.

“That’s wonderful to hear,” Iona said with a smile. “I did read that your brother recently married. Is his bride in your club?”

“Yes, Jo is absolutely delightful.”

Iona’s brow creased faintly. “Doesn’t her mother own the Siren’s Call? That’s a gaming hell, isn’t it?”

Min nodded. “Much to my mother’s chagrin. Their happiness is proof that you can’t let Society or even your mother dictate what’s best for you.”

“I agree,” Iona said eagerly. “I have been thinking of ways to placate my mother so that she will ease up on her management. She is hoping I might find a suitor here, but I confess, none of these gentlemen sparks my fancy.”

“I completely understand and feel the same.” Min lowered her voice slightly. “I have not been above making up pretend suitors to pacify my mother. But I’ve done so often enough that it doesn’t work anymore. Perhaps it would work for you.”

Iona seemed to consider the idea. “It might. Thank you.”

Ellis approached them, and Min introduced her to Iona. “She’s the newest member of our club.”

“We have a club?” Ellis asked.

“The Rogue Rules Club,” Min replied.

“I didn’t realize it was a club,” Ellis said with a laugh, her blue eyes sparkling.

“It was Iona’s idea.” Min sent her an admiring glance. “She asked if it was a club, and I wondered why it wasn’t.”

Ellis smiled at Iona. “Brilliant. Perhaps we all need something themed, perhaps embroidered handkerchiefs.”

“I love that idea, but you and Pandora can manage that.” Min chuckled. “Iona likes needlework as much as I do.”

“Pandora and I will be delighted ,” Ellis assured her with just the faintest hint of sarcasm. “Shall we take our walk outside?”

Min looked to their new friend. “Iona will be joining us.”

“Excellent,” Ellis said with a nod. “I’ve already informed Mrs. Ogilvie that we will be taking a walk in the garden.”

“Let me just inform my mother,” Iona said.

“She won’t want to come with us, will she?” Min hoped not.

Iona made a brief moue of distaste. “I will make sure she does not. I daresay she will prefer to remain here gossiping.”

Iona went to speak with her mother, a pretty woman with brown hair and a dazzling smile. As Min and Ellis made their way to the door, Min said, “Iona’s brother is the Earl of Wexford.”

“I knew that,” Ellis said.

“Of course, you did,” Min replied. “You know Debrett’s even better than I do.”

Ellis shrugged. “It has been useful over the years. To you , and I am your companion, after all.”

While it was useful to Min, it wasn’t for Ellis. She didn’t have to navigate Society or consider family, and she did not have to worry about marriage or what connection she might make.

Iona joined them at the door, and they made their way outside. “What about hats?” she asked. “Or gloves.”

“Min and I stashed ours in the yellow room near the door to the patio,” Ellis said.

“Should I run upstairs to fetch mine?” Iona asked. She appeared slightly concerned, with fine lines crossing her brow.

“There may not be time. Wear mine,” Min offered as they walked into the yellow room. “My mother isn’t here to be annoyed with me.”

Ellis hastened to the table where they’d set their accessories and handed her hat to Iona. “No, wear mine. I don’t have a mother at all, nor does anyone expect me to be anything other than background furnishing.” She grinned, which took the sting from her words. Still, Min could see that Iona didn’t quite know how to respond.

“Ellis truly means for you to wear her accessories,” Min said to Iona. “And she does not mind that we are treated differently than she is—even though we may mind.”

“That is very kind of you, Ellis.” Iona took the bonnet and set it atop her auburn locks. “But I refuse to take your gloves. I can manage without them, and this way, we are sharing.”

Ellis smiled. “Fair enough.”

They departed the house and stepped onto the patio. The day was bright and warm so that they did not need a wrap or spencer. The trees were still mostly green, but autumn was in the air. Longleat’s gardens were extensive and stunning. They’d been designed by Capability Brown and offered a great many features.

The gardens did not beckon, however, as Min was eager to watch Evan’s demonstration. They walked through the manicured gardens toward the stables. Min’s maid had determined that the spectacle was to take place in the stable yard.

“We should probably watch from afar,” Min said. “I don’t want to cause a scene since we aren’t supposed to be there.”

“That’s probably best,” Iona agreed.

As the stable yard came into view, they searched for a vantage point and settled on standing beneath a tree on a slight rise. After a few minutes, the men rode into the yard. There was a flurry of activity as they all dismounted, and grooms took the horses away.

Not everyone dismounted; Evan was still atop his magnificent bay horse.

“Have you seen him perform these feats before?” Iona asked.

“By accident, I suppose,” Min said. “He rescued a young woman from being trampled by a runaway horse in Hyde Park. It was most impressive. He was able to grab the bridle and pull himself onto the horse.” Min exchanged a look with Ellis who had also witnessed the marvel. “I would not have believed it if I hadn’t seen it.”

Iona’s eyes rounded. “That is astonishing.”

The gentlemen gathered together to watch as Evan rode to the other end of the stable yard. He swept his hand wide and then kicked his horse into a full gallop around the circle of the yard. Just watching him ride was entertainment enough. He was incredibly skilled, his lean legs hugging the horse’s flanks as they picked up speed. Horse and rider moved as one.

After a couple of laps, Evan let go of the reins and put his arms wide, casting his head back. The horse continued on its path and didn’t slow. Min realized she was smiling. He was magnificent.

“Remarkable,” Iona breathed. “That horse must belong to him.”

“I would say so,” Min agreed. “The animal would need to be as trained as he is. Any other horse would be bolting by now.”

“It looks bloody terrifying,” Ellis said. But then, Ellis rarely rode and not just because she hadn’t been encouraged to, as Min had. Ellis did not care for it at all.

Evan retook the reins, and there was applause from the gentlemen spectators. After another lap around the stable yard, Evan bent low over his mount, his cheek pressed to the horse’s neck.

Min held her breath in anticipation for what he might do next. He pulled his feet from the stirrups and brought his legs up. Again, the horse didn’t so much as flinch. They continued speeding around the stable yard.

Then Evan twisted in the saddle, sitting sideways as he brought one leg over. He grinned and waved at the gentlemen, his hand still raised as he continued around the yard. He seemed to see Min and the others standing beneath the tree, as he casually flicked his wrist in their direction.

Min’s pulse sped. “He sees us.”

Evan turned again in the saddle and brought one leg up under himself where he planted his foot down. He swept his other leg to the side, crouching on the back of the horse.

“Is he going to stand?” Iona asked, sounding as breathless as Min felt.

“He can’t,” Ellis said, sounding horrified. But that was exactly what he did. He pushed himself up, one hand still on the reins. The horse slowed a bit, but not as much as Min would have thought. Her heart was racing as she watched him straighten and stand tall atop the saddle, both feet braced on the animal.

“He’s going to fall,” Ellis exclaimed. “I can’t watch.” She slapped her hand over her eyes.

“I can’t look away,” Iona cried.

Min was riveted. He completed one full lap standing atop the animal. Then he crouched down once more. The men watching applauded wildly and whooped loudly.

“He’s back in the saddle,” Min said, and Ellis peeked over her hand before dropping it to her side. She exhaled with relief.

But Evan wasn’t finished. He tossed a handkerchief to the ground, then continued in his oval circuit of the stable yard. Min was entranced.

Taking one foot from the stirrups once more, he leaned over the other side of the horse and extended his arm to pluck up the handkerchief he’d dropped. As he grasped the white linen, the men cheered, and Min found herself clapping, a grin splitting her cheeks.

When he did not immediately right himself, Min’s smile faded. Where all his previous movements had been marked by grace and precision, something was now wrong. His arm twitched, and he seemed to be fighting to bring himself up.

Time slowed as Evan tilted toward the ground. His body slipped from the horse while his foot was still stuck in the stirrup.

All three of them gasped. Min took two steps forward, her breath frozen in her lungs. The horse was going to drag him if he couldn’t get his foot free. But the horse was well trained, and it slowed quickly, just as Evan managed to pull his foot away. He fell to the earth.

Without thought, Min ran toward the stable yard.