A Good Rake is Hard to Find by Collins Manda

Author:Collins, Manda [Collins, Manda]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781466866799
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

“You are mocking me now,” said Sir Gerard, his lips tightening almost imperceptibly. “But I can assure you that we have our reasons for keeping our secrets. If word were to get out, I am quite sure that any number of persons might be harmed. It’s not all fun and games for the Lords of Anarchy, you must understand.”

“On the contrary, Sir Gerard,” she said with what she hoped seemed like sincerity. “I do quite understand the need to segregate some activities by sex. We could hardly last very long as a civilization if gentlemen were to suddenly take over the running of the household or—heaven forbid—the rearing of children. No, sir, I am quite content with the knowledge that there are some things I should be protected from, but it is my tender woman’s heart that wishes to know these things about your club. For instance, what actually happened when my brother’s curricle had an accident. He was such a skilled and experienced driver, you see, and I should hate to think that he lost his life because of something that might have been prevented.”

Sir Gerard looked at her from beneath hooded eyes for a moment. Finally he sighed, and placed his hand over hers. “Then let me assure you, Miss Craven,” he said in a condescending tone that made her want to stab his hand with her fork, “your brother was very much enjoying himself when he died. He loved competition, your brother, and it was one of my greatest joys to watch him at the ribbons. And he was racing when he died. I assure you he will be missed by our entire membership.”

Leonora bit back a wave of sadness. Gerard was right about one thing. Her brother had loved racing. More than almost anything. It was just a shame his last race had been with the man sitting next to her.

“You are very kind, Sir Gerard,” she said with a sad smile. “I don’t suppose you or a club member have his curricle, do you? I mean the one he drove. That day.” She paused, waiting for some response. But Gerard was not so easy to manipulate.

“But I’m sure you were told already, Miss Craven,” he said with a frown, “that Jonathan’s curricle was stolen by whoever caused his accident. That is what the local magistrate decided at any rate. I was sure your father would have related this information to you. But I daresay he was trying to spare you from further pain.”

Then, perhaps thinking to forestall more questions, Gerard patted her hand. “I really do understand your need for answers, but I think it would be best for all of us if you were to simply go on with your life. It’s what your brother would have wanted. I’m sure of it.”

Leonora fought to keep her temper under control. The nerve of that man to tell her what her own brother would have wished to happen after his death. Especially given the blackguard’s involvement in that death.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.