Three Times The Rake (The Northumberland Nine Series Book 3) by Dayna Quince

Author:Dayna Quince [Quince, Dayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Rose Press
Published: 2019-03-15T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Gavin had done his best to appear politely bored during the hour of parlor games he’d had to endure, but Georgie was on the forefront of his mind. How could she not be? She’d all but begged to ease his plight right there in the parlor. No man could easily walk away from an offer like that.

But he’d done it because tempting as her offer had been, the risk was too great. She had understood that too. But now that he’d made an appearance, and the ladies would soon be retiring, he could make his own excuses. Normally he’d play billiards with Luckfeld and Selhorst for a while, but there was talk of fishing first thing in the morning. They would rise before first light and be back in time for breakfast.

His wishing to find his bed would not be too out of the ordinary.

He hoped.

“You reek of boredom, old chap.”

Luckfeld nudged Gavin aside as he tried to make his way toward his exit.

“I’m tired. If we’re to be at Derry’s pond before first light, I want a decent night’s sleep.”

Luckfeld rolled his eyes. “Have you all lost your stamina? Is it solely up to me to keep the demimonde satisfied? First Roderick and now you—”

“What’s wrong with Roderick?” Gavin asked.

“Well, it’s been a secret, but Chester at last revealed he’s quit the drink. He’s been avoiding our billiard games for that reason, though I suspect one of these women has something to do with it.”

Gavin looked around with renewed interest. Roderick had said something at the start of the party, but now Gavin couldn’t remember specifically what it was. “You think he’s courting one of the sisters?”

“I don’t think. I know,” Luckfeld whispered to dramatic effect.

“Who?”

“Miss Annette.”

Gavin blinked in stunned silence, finding Miss Annette on the settee, peering over a gossip sheet with her sister, Miss Josette.

He stroked his chin. “Interesting…”

“Isn’t it?” Luckfeld murmured. “Brought low by a simple country chit—though they are rather stunning, aren’t they?”

Gavin looked sideways at Luckfeld. “I beg your pardon?”

“Could you imagine the nine of them taking Almacks by storm? I’ve told Jeanie”—he coughed—“excuse me, Miss Jeanette, about the place. You could see the stars in her eyes.”

Gavin studied Luckfeld more intently. Jeanie? What was going on here?

“Miss Jeanette is mad for town life. It’s a pity she’ll probably never get to see it.”

Gavin snorted. “Unless you marry her.”

Luckfeld turn to him with a glare. “Bite your tongue. She’s enchanting, but you know I’ve obligations and certain expectations saddled to my title.”

“Don’t we all,” Gavin muttered.

“No, you don’t.”

Gavin narrowed his eyes. “Would you like to trade? You can run four manufactories in London and open the largest forge in England, and I’ll kick my feet up at White’s while my mother chooses a bride for me. Deal?”

“Bloody hell, don’t say bride,” Luckfeld hissed and looked around.

Gavin chuckled. “You brought it up.”

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’m getting a drink.”

“You do that. I’m going to bed.”

Gavin escaped, heading toward the bachelor quarters but then detouring through the back stairs to the parlor.

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