Rogue's Honor by Brenda Hiatt

Author:Brenda Hiatt
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: regency rogue, historical romance, regency romance, romance historical, romance, brenda hiatt
Publisher: Brenda Hiatt

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Pausing to let Hettie slide one last pin into the cluster of curls on top of her head, Pearl listlessly thanked her and descended to the main parlor. Her spirits had gradually fallen over the past week as life returned to the same dull routine it had followed before her adventure and all that happened afterward. Rise, dress, eat, freshen up, receive callers . . .

No news had come about Luke's antecedants —not that she had really expected any yet. Entering the parlor, she was both pleased to see that she had only two callers, and irritated that those callers were two of her least favorite people.

"I give you good morning, Lord Bellowsworth, Lord Hardwyck," she greeted those most persistent suitors with what she hoped was enough cordiality to conceal her feelings about them. "Such a pleasure to see you here again."

"Lord Bellowsworth was just about to tell us some news from his cousin, about that investigation we discussed last week," Obelia informed her, her eyes rebuking Pearl for her tardiness.

About the tardiness she could not care in the least. But about the investigation—"Have they caught the Saint of Seven Dials then, Lord Bellowsworth?" She was careful not to display undue interest, though her insides contracted in sudden fear.

Both gentlemen had risen at her entrance, but now they reseated themselves, one on either side of her.

"No, but they expect to have him within the week," Bellowsworth replied. "His henchman —the lad—was traced to Mayfair itself, if you will believe it. He was seen by several servants in Grosvenor Street, but their stories apparently conflict. Just yesterday, however, he was spotted working as a crossing sweeper near Covent Garden. One of the Runners is shadowing him even as we speak. As soon as he returns to his master, we'll have him!"

Lord Bellowsworth preened as though he himself were responsible for the all-but-certain capture. Pearl could only smile fixedly and pray that Luke —and Flute —were too clever to be caught so easily.

"I don't know why they bother, myself," drawled Lord Hardwyck, flicking an imaginary speck of dust from one pearl-gray glove. "Where's the real harm in the fellow, after all? He merely redistributes a few trifling bits of money or jewelry before Parliament can do so. And he gives the ladies an object of interest to swoon over."

He sent Pearl an indulgent smile, which she forced herself to return. Lord Hardwyck had always been insufferably condescending, toward her and other women. Just now, though, she preferred his viewpoint to that of Lord Bellowsworth.

"Besides," he continued, "if the man is caught, he'll become a martyr, I doubt not. How would ordinary fellows like ourselves glean any attention at all from the fair sex if he were being paraded about the city in irons?"

"You do yourselves a disservice, my lord, I am sure," exclaimed the Duchess. "Does he not, my dear?"

Thus appealed to, Pearl was obliged to agree. "Indeed. How could any woman of sense prefer a common thief —or even

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