Page 15 of A Marquess to Save Her
The Marquess shook his head. “If I begin to court you, you will most definitely catch the eyes of the other bachelors because they would believe that for another bachelor to court you, then you are a good catch.”
Louise nodded. “That sounds good.”
“It is,” Callum said, “and before you know it, your reputation will have been restored.”
Louise smiled genuinely for the first time in forever but, almost immediately, the smile disappeared from her face as she began to grow skeptical. “But you are a rake,” she suddenly blurted.
“Indeed,” the Marquess replied.
“The words of a rake hold no value. How do I know that you are not trying to take advantage of me like your friend?” Louise said.
Callum laughed, visibly amused. “You are right. You do not know for sure if I am trying to take advantage of you,” he said, coming to an abrupt stop. Since you are not interested in my suggestion, I would not burden you with my company any longer,” the Marquess said, turning on his heels to walk away.
“Wait, do not leave!” Louise said urgently. She might not trust the Marquess, but he was her only option at that point. He stopped and turned toward her.
“Whatever is the matter, Lady Louise?” he asked.
“If you will pretend to court me, then you have to call me to stop calling me Lady Louise. Call me Louise instead,” she said.
A small smile crept on his face. “Is that so, Louise?”
“You seem to be enjoying this,” she said.
The Marquess shrugged. “I have been told that beautiful women are the bane of my existence as I am always happy to be in the presence of one.”
“What is in it for you, anyway?” Louise asked, “someone like you would not just do things for no reason.”
“I already told you. I enjoy being in the company of beautiful women and being around you is enough compensation,” he said.
Louise frowned. “I hope you are not getting any ideas, my lord,” she said. The Marquess threw his hands up as though to declare his innocence.
“Have no fear, Louise. I would not get any idea that you do not approve of at first,” he said.
“Regardless, I will be the one who makes the calls when it comes to how much time we would spend together and how often you can have my company,” she said.
“I do not mind at all. I am certain that when you will get addicted to my presence soon enough,” the Marquess said, with the confidence of a man that knew he was irresistible.
ChapterSix
Callum entered the smoking room to see all the men gathered for some early pre-dinner drinks, waiting for the gong to be heard so that they could all get in the dining room.
“Langton, I have been meaning to talk to you about something,” a sandy-haired man that Callum immediately recognized as the Viscount of Byron said. Callum groaned inwardly. The man was bad news and nearly every member of thetonknew it.
“Is that so, Byron?” he said, trying to look for an escape route.
“I have a business venture that you could invest in,” Byron said.
Callum smiled. “I believe someone needs my attention over there,” he said, pointing awkwardly behind Byron.
Byron turned around. “Who is that? I cannot see anyone,” he said.
“Ah, it is…” he muttered as he looked around the room until his eyes fell on Felington, “Felington over there. He needs my attention. I apologize that we could not have this conversation today. I suppose we can speak more some other time.”
He made to leave. Byron broke into a smile as he followed Callum closely even as he approached Felington. “I have been looking to introduce this business to the Earl too,” he said, “I suppose I could talk to the both of you about the business venture.”
“I do not think Felington would be interested,” Callum said, in a bid to get Byron off his back.
“Interested in what?” Felington asked as he noticed the pair.
