When a Rake Falls by Sally Orr

Author:Sally Orr
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2015-02-09T16:41:18+00:00

Thirteen

Stumbling down the front steps of the priory, Eve’s feet barely reached the gravel of the drive before Charles Henry caught up with her. Without slowing her pace, she continued to head directly toward the stables. Her emotions seemed to fly everywhere, from upset to anxious, to angry, and she didn’t fully understand why. She did, however, recognize a sudden hostility toward Lady Sarah, a woman she had never met before. If Lady Sarah had not been so picky over the choice of a spouse, perhaps the events of the last week would never have happened.

Charles Henry cleared his throat several times to gain her attention. “Why did you leave the room in haste? You do not seem like yourself today.”

Eve ignored him, suppressing a strange, overwhelming desire to run. “I am still tired from my ordeal in the woods, that’s all.” They reached the basket, and she gripped the edge, because it kept her from complete collapse. The stables had become stiflingly hot already and the smell of acrid straw filled the air. For no reason at all, she tugged on a twig of loose wicker and kept her back to him.

He gave an exasperated sigh. “We have always been the best of friends. Please turn around and speak to me.”

Blast. He was right. He did not deserve her ill will. But this was one of those rare times when the presence of a friend made matters worse. If only she had pretended to be busy. Refold the balloon or inventory equipment, then she’d have an excuse to politely ask him to leave her alone.

Charles Henry stood with his hand on one hip. Dressed in baggy beige trousers and coat, he seemed indistinguishable from the straw and wood walls. The expression on his face resembled a wealthy, spoiled man who expected to be attended.

“Lord Boyce appeared upset this morning as well. Do you and his lordship share some secret? Or perhaps the trouble is more serious and there is an understanding between the two of you?”

An odd choke escaped her. “No, no, of course not. He is wealthy, titled, and one of London’s most admired bachelors.” She feigned a carefree chuckle. “Yes, I am a gentleman’s daughter, but you heard him. His lordship is an aristocrat who expects to marry a woman named Lady Sarah. I’m sure he would never even consider a woman like me. What a silly notion.”

“Yes, I forgot for a moment that he is an aristocrat from such a distinguished family. Gentlemen of his consequence would never consider you as a potential spouse.” Charles Henry narrowed his eyes. “Also, his abhorrent behavior in the stables proved that he is not in the least serious in regard to women.”

He was right, of course. Parker would never imagine her—someone not a member of the ton—as the woman he might eventually wed. Still Charles Henry’s words hurt, a small stab in the heart. But his accusation over Parker’s behavior in the stables, Eve firmly believed, was unjust. While

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