Page 9 of Until the Rake Surrenders (Rogue Rules #5)

E van loved Bath, with its sweeping hillside views and the winding, beautiful River Avon. He only wished he were able to ride Merlin. The poor horse clearly missed their outings, but no more than Evan. Merlin was now ensconced in the mews that came with his mother’s house, where Evan was staying. Located in Catharine Place, she’d leased it the past few years.

Tonight, Evan escorted her to the Upper Rooms for the first ball of the Season. He would not be dancing, since he was still relying on the walking stick, but he was moving around quite well after the setback he’d suffered the last day of the house party. He’d overdone it and had needed to convalesce for a few more days at Longleat before coming to Bath.

“It’s strange attending this ball without your sister,” Evan’s mother said as they departed the carriage and stepped toward the entrance.

Evan looked toward his dark-haired, elegant mother. Catriona Price was a popular hostess in Society from Cardiff to Bath to London. “Just so long as you don’t expect me to make a match now that Gwen is married off.”

They paused to wait as others entered before them, and she gave him a playfully scolding look. “Of course I expect you to marry. You are your father’s only son, and you must carry on the family name. I do not, however, anticipate you will be doing so anytime soon.” There was an edge of disappointment in her tone, but also of resignation.

Though Evan’s father did not have a title, his position as Lord Commissioner of the Treasury was admirable. And there was always the chance that a title or knighthood might be bestowed upon him at some point. Regardless, Evan’s father took family legacy very seriously. His own father and grandfather had been MPs before him.

Evan wondered if his mother wasn’t being entirely honest about her expectations. “Why did you bother with a subscription to the Upper Rooms since you no longer need to find a match for Gwen?”

“I enjoy the Upper Rooms,” she replied as they edged forward. “And I enjoy presenting my handsome son to everyone.”

“ Presenting me?” That did not sound as though she wasn’t expecting something from him. “What are you hoping to accomplish, Mama?” he asked softly so no one could overhear.

“Your reputation could use a bit of polishing,” she replied in a whisper. “Do promise me you will not engage in any scandalous behavior while you are in Bath.”

Evan stiffened. She had every right to make such demands since he was staying with her. Not to mention the fact that everyone believed he’d engaged in scandalous behavior in London. He should have expected she would want to rehabilitate people’s perception of him.

The urge to defend himself and confess the truth was great, but he’d wanted to help Roger, both to repay a debt and because they were friends. Evan would be fine, whereas Roger might have been ruined. Some would say he deserved that, but Evan didn’t like to judge people. Everyone made mistakes, and what Roger deserved was the chance to learn from his.

But perhaps Evan wasn’t as immune as he’d thought he’d be. “I will behave with the utmost decorum, Mama. Is my reputation truly damaged?”

“I can’t say as we are not in London. Your father’s last letter indicated there is gossip.” She pursed her lips and gave her head a slight shake. “Let us not speak of it.”

Evan regretted his mother’s discomfort. It was one thing for him to take accountability for something that might harm him, but he’d never wanted his mother to be affected.

They moved into the entrance hall, where the master of ceremonies greeted them. After his mother deposited her wrap with the cloakroom, they made their way into the ballroom, where the first set was already underway.

Evan surveyed the ballroom and realized he was searching for Min. It took him a moment to find her, but there she was, dancing with Barswell, of all people. He was surprised to see that since she hadn’t seemed to want to encourage his suit at Longleat.

“It’s a shame you can’t dance,” Evan’s mother said. “How soon will I lose you to the cardroom?”

Evan laughed. “Definitely after the tea, and perhaps a bit before.” Since the supper interval in the tearoom was nearly two hours off, Evan didn’t want to make any promises.

“I suppose that will do,” she replied just before they were besieged by several mothers and their daughters.

When the next set started, Evan and his mother were alone once more, as the young ladies all found partners for the next set. Evan watched as Min partnered with Eberforce, a thoroughly despicable fellow who’d insulted Evan’s sister. Evan was affronted that Min would dance with him, but reasoned she hadn’t much choice if he’d asked.

“Did you hear that Eberforce is now the Viscount Spilsby?” Evan’s mother asked, evidently following Evan’s line of sight.

“ Spilsby? ” Evan turned his head toward his mother and laughed. “What a hilariously appropriate name since Gwen spilled orgeat all over him at Almack’s.” Evan was still angry that he hadn’t been there to defend her. Though, his friend Somerton—to whom Gwen was now married—had done an admirable job.

Evan’s mother laughed. “I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right. It’s quite fitting. I must say, I do not care for him at all.”

“Because you are a woman of taste.” Evan tried not to scowl as he watched Min in the scoundrel’s arms. Min was also a woman of taste, just as she was a young lady being pressured to wed.

Evan was sorry he couldn’t dance, because he would have asked Min. Then he could demand to know why she was spending time with bloody Spilsby of all people. Evan sniggered as he thought the man’s name and wondered if he would do so forevermore.

He shouldn’t care who Min was dancing with—they were friends and nothing more. In fact, he wondered if they were now not even really friends. Things had been awkward since their kiss, the day after which had been the end of the party.

He’d taken advantage of his newfound mobility that day to visit with his horse, play billiards, and even indulge in lawn bowling for a short time. Looking back, he wondered if he’d kept himself busy so he wouldn’t notice that Min had not come to visit him after breakfast, as she’d done every day before. In fact, they’d only exchanged a few brief words before dinner that evening, and he hadn’t seen her the next day before she departed Longleat.

Perhaps she was angry with him. He hoped their friendship wasn’t ruined. It was good she was here, for he could speak to her tonight. He didn’t want things to be bad between them.

“I do think I need to sit, Mama,” Evan said.

His mother pivoted toward him, her forehead pleating with concern. “Yes, you should probably have done so by now. If you want to go to the cardroom, I won’t deter you.”

“I shall meet you in the tearoom for supper,” he said, then departed the ballroom after one final look at Min.

Outside the ballroom, Evan plotted how he might approach Min and speak to her privately. He had to assume she would be dancing every set, which meant his best chance would be during the tea. There would probably be two more sets before then, so he would bide his time in the cardroom.

Near the end of the last set before supper, Evan left the cardroom—despite being quite ahead—and made his way to the ballroom. He wanted to catch Min as she left.

However, it wasn’t easy to spot her in the ivory gown, as many other young ladies wore the same hue. Finally, he saw her leaving the dance floor with Jarvis. Instead of going to her mother, she went toward the other doorway.

Evan had to hurry to catch up to her. He moved as quickly as his injured ankle would allow, which was probably faster than he should have done. But he couldn’t let this opportunity pass. He managed to reach the other doorway just after she stepped through it into the corridor.

Taking a large step that sparked a flare of pain in his ankle, he reached for her with his free hand and tapped her arm. She swung around, her brows dipped into a V, and looked ready to snap at him.

“Evan,” she said, sounding a trifle breathless as her brow smoothed.

But it was Evan who felt as if the breath had been knocked from his lungs. Had he forgotten how beautiful she was? No. He’d forgotten—or perhaps not realized—the extent of his reaction to her. She was stunning, from the rich sable of her hair to the arresting gray of her eyes to the elegant sweep of her neck as it met her collarbone.

Suddenly, Evan was right back in the florid pink ladies’ library at Longleat with Min in his arms as they kissed until he could hardly see straight. “Good evening, Lady Minerva. Might we take a short promenade?” He was proud that he managed to sound normal and not flustered by her presence. Which he shockingly was.

She appeared briefly surprised, and he held his breath, waiting to see if she would accept. At last, she took his arm. “You seem to be moving around well.”

“Doing my best. I’m afraid I overdid it that last day of the party and ended up staying at Longleat four more days to recover.”

She grimaced. “You had to spend four more days in the pink dungeon?”

He laughed. “I did, and without your company, it was even more horrible, if you can imagine.”

She smiled, and he felt immense relief, but she sobered quickly. He sensed tension in her—her mouth was tight and her body was rigid. They walked into the vestibule, and he took her into a shadowy corner.

She frowned at him. “This seems inappropriate. I need to go to the tearoom before my mother realizes I’m missing.”

“You aren’t missing,” he said. “We’re just having a short conversation.” Her demeanor was cool, icy even. He never should have kissed her and ruined their friendship. “I’m so sorry, Min. I never meant to upset you or cause disruption to our wonderful friendship, which I value so much more than I could have ever imagined. In a matter of days at Longleat, you became my dearest friend.”

She blinked at him, appearing slightly confused for a moment. “You don’t need to apologize. What happened between us is in the past. We both agreed to forget what happened, and that’s what I’m doing.”

Except she was clearly agitated. And he didn’t exactly remember them agreeing to anything. In fact, he recalled telling her he would remember their kiss forever. “I hoped we would still be friends.”

“We are.”

He edged closer to her, keeping his voice low. “Then why do you seem upset?”

She exhaled. “I am not upset with you. There is something else going on. I can’t discuss it.” She looked over her shoulder, and Evan frowned.

“You’re sure it’s not me?” he asked. “You can tell me the truth. I hate thinking that I might be the cause.”

“You aren’t,” she snapped, the ice in her eyes melting as anger sparked.

“I see.” While he was glad it wasn’t him, he was still eager to determine the cause of her irritation. “Can I be of help? I don’t like seeing you this upset. Something seems greatly amiss.”

She wiped her hand against her brow. “I shouldn’t tell you, but I cannot bear the burden. I learned some distressing news earlier today from my father and brother.” She spoke very quietly.

“Your father is here?” Evan had known Sheff and his new bride, Jo, would be in Bath, but he wasn’t aware that the Duke of Henlow would be as well.

“Yes, he’s taken a house in Catharine Place. With his mistress,” she added with a slightly arched brow.

“That’s where I’m staying. My mother’s house is in Catharine Place.”

“I’d forgotten that is where she leased a house,” Min murmured. “Well, I was there this afternoon with Sheff and Jo and learned the most shocking news. I really shouldn’t tell you. No one must ever know. I haven’t even told Ellis, and she’s the one person who needs to know.”

Evan realized he hadn’t seen her in the ballroom. “Where is Ellis?”

Min pressed her lips together as anger darkened her gaze once more. “My mother did not buy a subscription for her. She did not want Ellis distracting me during the balls. She is intent that I will find a husband by the end of the month, if possible.”

“That can’t be pleasant.”

“No, it is not. And it is even worse than that because I learned this afternoon that my mother is actually Ellis’s mother too.”

Evan gripped his walking stick. That was major news indeed. “I take it Ellis is not also your father’s daughter.” If she were, she would not be Min’s companion but her sister.

Min explained—very quietly—how her mother had an adulterous affair with Jo’s father, of all people, and bore a child. Min’s father had known of the child, of course, but not who the father was, and had arranged for the child’s adoption with family friends. That was how His Grace had become so involved in Ellis’s life and why many people, Evan included at one time, assumed she was his by-blow, particularly given His Grace’s penchant for extramarital affairs.

Min had grown more anguished as she’d related the tale. Evan gripped his walking stick to keep from pulling her into his arms. She finished by telling him that they would reveal the truth to Ellis tomorrow.

“I can see why you don’t want anyone to learn this information. Rest assured, I will not breathe a word of it.” He met her gaze as a surprisingly warm feeling washed over him. “I am honored that you would trust me with this, and I’m glad I can be a friend to you. It’s the least I can do after your care at Longleat. I would have been lost without you.” That was all true. Here, he’d been worried their friendship had been ruined, but it seemed the bond they’d forged at the house party was stronger than ever.

“I am relieved to share the secret with someone. You appeared just when I needed you,” she said with a smile that only deepened the connection he felt with her.

“I’m glad.”

Her smile faded, and her eyes darkened. “It’s agony to keep the secret from Ellis. I’m actually relieved she’s not here with me tonight, for it would be too difficult.”

“Is it wrong that I want to embrace you?” he asked softly.

“No.” Her eyes found his. “If it were possible, I would eagerly accept it.”

“Rest assured, the moment I am able, I will.” It could not come too soon.

Another small smile teased her lips. “I’ll look forward to it.”

How Evan wished she hadn’t said that. He was already anticipating it himself, but knowing she was too made the expectation all the sweeter.

She glanced back toward the way they’d come. “I must go to the tearoom. Thank you for your discretion in this matter.”

He put his fingers to his lips. “Your secret is safe with me. Rather, Ellis’s secret.”

“It’s the entire family’s secret,” Min said darkly. “Honestly, it’s changed everything for me. I don’t quite know how I feel yet. I certainly can’t stand being around my mother just now, and I can’t even tell her why.”

“Do you plan to let her know that you’re aware she’s Ellis’s mother?”

“I must at some point, for I won’t be able to keep it inside forever, especially given all the time we will spend together over the next several weeks. But I didn’t discuss that with my brother or father today. I will speak with them tomorrow and seek their advice.”

“It may be that you’d rather stay with your father and his mistress,” Evan said drily.

She let out a hollow laugh. “I considered that, though it would not help my prospects on the Marriage Mart. At this juncture, however, I don’t know that I care.”

She took her leave then, hurrying away from him. He watched her turn into the corridor toward the tearoom. Her last statement stuck with him. He could understand why she would not be interested in the Marriage Mart after what she’d learned that day, but a part of him wondered if it was more than that.

Another part of him demanded to know why he would think so. Was he hoping she held some sort of tendre for him? He needed to remember that they were friends. He wasn’t looking to marry, even if kissing Min had been a thoroughly divine experience. He would remain her steadfast friend and support her as best he could. She would not be interested in anything else anyway.

Evan followed Min’s path back to the corridor and turned toward the tearoom. However, before he reached the first doorway, he recognized a familiar figure near the octagon—Harriet Dalton!

His pulse galloped, and he quickly ducked into the tearoom before Mrs. Dalton could see him. The last thing he needed was for his rumored lover, the very reason he had to stay away from London, to see him. Or worse, approach him.

What the devil was she doing in Bath?

M in had been a coward all morning. She’d taken breakfast in her room to avoid spending time with Ellis because it was too hard knowing the truth and not saying anything. As the noon hour had just passed, Min decided it was safe to venture from her bedchamber.

In a short while, she would invite Ellis to take a walk, and they would go to her father’s house, where Min could finally stop hiding what she’d learned yesterday. It felt as though she’d been carrying the weight of the secret for far longer.

As Min passed the drawing room on her way to the staircase, the duchess called for her. Min paused at the threshold and saw her mother sitting near the window, reading correspondence.

“Yes, Mother?” Min worked to keep her voice devoid of emotion. It was difficult when she wanted to rail at her for treating her other daughter so horribly for years and years.

“You’ve been scarce all morning,” the duchess said crossly.

Ellis wasn’t the only reason for Min’s self-imposed isolation. She had even less desire to spend time with her mother after what she’d learned. Last night had been hard enough, enduring the ball with her. Thankfully, Min had really only needed to tolerate her during the tea. Even then, they’d been fortunate enough to be joined by other ladies and their daughters. Min hadn’t even had to sit next to her mother.

As it was, Min had found her attention diverted because Evan had sat just a few tables away with his mother. Min kept looking in his direction, and at one point, their eyes met. She’d felt a rush of heat and blamed it on embarrassment for being caught stealing glances at him. However, she knew it was more than that.

She’d hoped the kiss was entirely behind them, but when he’d touched her arm in the corridor and then secreted her away to the corner, her heart had raced with anticipation. It wasn’t that she’d expected him to kiss her in full sight of everyone at the Upper Rooms. It was only that being in his presence again was exciting.

It had also been soothing, for, as he’d noticed, she’d been very agitated. She probably ought not to have told him about Ellis, but she didn’t regret doing so. The moment she’d shared the secret with him, she’d felt better. And he’d been so understanding and wonderful. She was very glad their friendship was intact.

The duchess snapped her fingers, jerking Min from her reverie. “What is wrong with you today?” Her mother’s lips were thinner than normal, and her brow was cut into deep furrows. Min could see that she was angry about something, and Min didn’t want any part of it.

“I suppose I am tired after the ball last night,” Min said flatly. “I danced every set, if you recall.”

“I do, and that is as to be expected. You will dance every set at every ball that we attend here in Bath.” The duchess smacked her palm on the arm of her chair, making Min flinch. This was unusually angry behavior from her mother. “Did you know that your father is here?”

Min wasn’t sure if her mother had posed the question as a trick. Min could reply no, which would be the easiest path, or she could admit that she’d seen him yesterday—along with Sheff and Jo—which would surely enrage the duchess. But if she already knew and Min acted as though she hadn’t seen him, that could be worse.

“Yes, I knew he was here,” Min replied, keeping her tone even. “I saw him yesterday with Sheff.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Min arched a brow, for the answer seemed plainly obvious. “Because I knew you wouldn’t be pleased.”

Her mother sucked in a breath. “Did you see the harlot too?”

Min assumed her mother meant Mrs. Welbeck, her father’s mistress. “No, I did not see Mrs. Welbeck,” Min said, giving the “harlot” a name. “You mustn’t go there again,” the duchess said angrily. “You cannot risk even the faintest hint of scandal.”

“Is it really a scandal that Papa has a mistress?” Min asked with a light laugh that had no humor. He’d had many mistresses and dalliances, and they were no secret.

“Don’t be flippant,” her mother snapped. “Your father is a walking scandal. It’s bad enough that I have to live here now.” She stood and paced to the hearth. “Can’t I have any peace?”

Min watched her mother warily. “I thought you wanted to live here.”

Her mother responded with a caustic laugh. “You think I chose to move out of Henlow House? To be banished to the dower house when I’m at Beacon Park? Not that I feel welcome there at all.”

Min hadn’t realized that her mother hadn’t chosen to live here in Bath. But now that she knew, she couldn’t say she blamed her father for setting those rules, if, in fact, he had.

“Why does he have to be in Bath?” the duchess went on, pacing angrily, gesturing wildly with her arms as she spoke. “He knew I would be here with you, and yet he came with his strumpet. It’s unconscionable. Hasn’t he put me through enough over the years?”

Min had to bite her tongue to keep from shouting what she’d learned the day before. The hypocrisy from her mother was staggering.

The duchess stopped abruptly. She took a deep breath and briefly closed her eyes. Then she exhaled and pinned her gaze on Min. “Enough of that. We must focus on you. We’re going to Sydney Gardens later today. You must promenade with Spilsby. I have it on good authority that he’s serious about courting you. With a promenade today and another dance at the ball on Monday, I should think you could be betrothed by this time next week.”

“I’m not going to marry Spilsby!” Min exclaimed. “He was very rude to Lady Somerton, who is a dear friend of mine. He lacks character.” He was worse than a rogue, really.

Her mother frowned. “But you danced with him last night. I assumed that meant you were serious about accepting him.”

“I have danced with countless gentlemen over the years just to please you. That didn’t mean I was interested in courtship.”

“You’ve never had any serious intention of wedding any of them?” the duchess asked incredulously. “That’s asinine. You can’t really be that stupid.”

Min’s ire was quickly matching, or perhaps exceeding, that of her mother. “I’m not stupid at all, Mother. I’ve simply tried to be the daughter you wanted me to be. However, the truth is that I don’t want to marry unless I’m absolutely sure I’ll be happy. I certainly don’t want to be as miserable as you.”

The duchess straightened, her hand fluttering to her throat. “Whatever do you mean? I’m a duchess and am well regarded in Society. I’ve raised two wonderful children, and though one did not marry as well as he could have, the other will marry well enough. I’ve been a good mother, if not entirely successful.”

“Listen to yourself,” Min raged. “You gauge your success as a mother on your children’s marriages, not whether they are happy or loved. Why did you marry Father? I have to wonder if you ever loved him.”

“I’ve told you before that love isn’t necessary to wed. If you’re fortunate, it will come in time, and if not…” The duchess shrugged. “If you’ve married well, that doesn’t matter.”

Min stared at the woman who’d raised her. How had Min not seen just how cold she was? “It matters to me. Not that you care.”

“You are being most disagreeable today,” her mother said with a dark glower. “After I’ve already explained to you how I am being humiliated by your father, I can’t believe you would treat me in this manner.”

“Just stop!” Min nearly yelled as she finally surrendered to her own fury. “I am weary of your hypocrisy.”

“Whatever do you mean?” the duchess asked, her brow knitted with confusion.

“As if you don’t know,” Min spat. “Well, I know everything, Mother. I know you were unfaithful to Father in the past. I know you bore another man’s child, and I know he was Jo’s father, Rowland Harker. It never made sense to me why you despised Jo so very much.” Min shook her head. “It was beyond the fact that her mother owns a gaming hell. There was something far more insidious, and the same can be said about Ellis. You’ve never tolerated her, let alone liked her. Your extreme aversion to her has never made sense until now.”

The duchess’s face had turned the color of snow. “Don’t say it.” Her voice was low, almost a growl.

“Don’t say what?” Min purposely kept her voice elevated. She was going to speak the truth loudly and clearly. “That Ellis is your daughter? That she is my half sister? That you have hated her because Papa insisted you let her live in your household? You’ve had to be reminded of her daily, of the mistake you made. Do I have that right, Mother? I think I understand you now.”

The duchess looked as if she might faint. While Min hadn’t wanted to do her mother any harm, she could not muster any sympathy.

“How do you know?” her mother asked tightly.

“Does it matter?” Min didn’t mask her bitterness. “I know. Sheff knows, Jo knows, and of course, Papa knows. He’s always known. He’s the reason Ellis has a family, such as it is.”

“What did Ellis say?” the duchess asked warily.

“Nothing yet, because we haven’t told her. But we will, and you will not be a part of that. In fact, I would be happy if you were no longer a part of anything to do with us.” Min spun on her heel and stalked out of the drawing room.

The momentary elation she’d felt at unburdening herself on her mother evaporated as she saw Ellis dashing up the stairs to the second floor, where her bedchamber was located. Had she overheard? She must have. Min had been speaking very loudly.

Min’s stomach dropped to the floor.

Racing after Ellis, Min paused on the landing at the top of the stairs as she saw her hastening toward her bedchamber. “Ellis, wait!” Min took several breaths to try to calm her racing heart.

Ellis turned slowly. She was not quite as pale as their mother, but she was close. For the first time, Min saw traces of the resemblance that they shared with the duchess and with each other. She realized Ellis took more after her father than her mother, a fact that would probably comfort her in the days and years to come. She had his fair hair, and the shape of her face was similar to his. But the blue of her eyes belonged to their mother—except Ellis’s were far warmer. Though just now, they looked like a storm.

“You heard what I said downstairs,” Min said, aching for how Ellis must feel. She grimaced as she took a small step forward.

Ellis held up her hand. “Please don’t come any closer. I want to be alone.”

“I understand.” Min nodded gently. “I’m so sorry you found out that way. I was going to invite you on a walk to my father’s house in Catharine Place. Sheff and Jo are going to be there, and we planned to tell you all together. I only found out yesterday. We could still go.”

Ellis just stood there staring at Min.

“Say something. Please.” Min felt awful.

“I don’t know what to say.” Ellis sounded hollow. “I don’t want to see her again.” There was no need for her to clarify who “her” was. “What am I to do?”

Min’s heart cracked. She wanted to embrace her friend. No, her half sister. “You don’t have to see her again,” she said vehemently. “You don’t have to stay here. You can go to my father’s house or to Sheff’s. I’ll take you if you want.”

“I want to be alone right now,” Ellis said quietly.

“We all support you,” Min told her. “Sheff, Jo, Papa?—”

“What about Mr. Harker?” Ellis asked, haltingly. “My father.”

“He doesn’t yet know about you,” Min replied. “He doesn’t know that he has another child.”

Ellis clapped her hand over her mouth. She half turned. “Please, leave me alone now, Min.”

Watching Ellis’s pain was agony. “You believe me that I didn’t know, don’t you?” Min asked.

“I do, but forgive me if I can’t summon the grace to care what you or anybody else thinks or feels in this moment.”

“Of course not,” Min said quickly. “Just tell me what I can do, whenever you need me to do it. I will always be here for you.”

Ellis turned and fled to her room, closing the door behind her. Min turned and pressed her hand to her mouth to keep a sob from escaping. She walked halfway down the stairs before sinking onto one of the steps.

She sat there for a long time as silent tears tracked down her cheeks, staring into nothing as she tried to imagine what Ellis must be going through. It was always going to be difficult for her to learn the truth, but to find out the way she did was awful.

And it was all Min’s fault.