Page 10 of The Truth about the Rogue
“You do not think that I was rude?”
Miss Marshall shook her head.
“No, not in the least.”
“Do you know who he is?” Charlotte saw her friend’s gaze drift away. “I thought him a rogue, I confess. Are you acquainted with him?”
After a few moments, Miss Marshall nodded.
“Though I am not acquainted with him, I know of him. I believe that gentleman is Lord Kentmore – a Marquessanda rogue. You are quite right to think that he is inclined towards flirtation and the like, for that is precisely the sort of fellow he is! But the ladies of London are very fond of him, despite his reputation.”
Charlotte shook her head.
“I suppose that is what makes him a rogue, does it not? He is handsome, he is flirtatious, and no doubt there will be many a lady eager for his attention, mayhap in the misguided hope thattheywill be the one to ensnare him into matrimony!”
Her friend laughed softly.
“Indeed, though I think that they must all surely understand that such an idea is foolishness. He has proven, over the last few Seasons, that he has no interest in marriage so why ladies would then draw themselves to him, I cannot understand.”
I can.
The thought was a swift and unexpected one and Charlotte flushed hot, a little astonished that she should think such a thing. Lord Kentmore was clearly the very worst sort of gentleman, and certainly was someone she ought to avoid, just as her mother had insisted… so why, then, could she not remove the memory of his golden-green eyes, holding fast to hers?
“An ice, then?” Miss Marshall tilted her head and looked back at Charlotte curiously. “You do appear a little flushed. Are you all right?”
“It must still be the trace of irritation within me,” Charlotte laughed, making her friend giggle. “Yes, an ice is just whatI need. Anything to put Lord Kentmore and his ridiculous arrogance out of my mind!”
Chapter Four
There are others that are just as delicate.
Scowling to himself, Andrew threw back the door that led to his study and stormed into the room. For whatever reason, his encounter with that irritating young lady had made him more than a little out of sorts – indeed, he found himself angered at some of her words. He had been reveling in how much thetonhad been delighting in his words, had been glad to know that so many ladies of thetonwere discussing it, and even meditating upon it, only to hear dismissive words come to him instead.
“It should not matter what a mere Miss thinks,” he told himself, coming around to his behind his desk, slamming one hand down upon the table. “Why should I find myself concerned about her response?”
Closing his eyes, he took in a long breath, trying to tell himself that he was being ridiculous but, still, the thoughts would not leave him. Over and over, he saw the lady turn her gaze from his, her expression one of consideration as she had informed him that other work was better than his, that she found herself delighting in the poetry of other men rather than thinking that his was on the same level as theirs. Why thatirritated him, Andrew could not say, but yet, it was like a needle that continued to drive into his skin.
“This is foolishness!” Throwing up his hands, he pushed himself up from the table and moved to walk to the other side of the room, only for a knock at the door to break through his thoughts. “Yes?”
“Lord Glenfield has come to call, my Lord.”
“Show him in.” Andrew kept his gaze on the window as his friend came in, taking in a breath and attempting to push his frustration out of his expression before turning around. “Glenfield, good afternoon.”
His friend frowned.
“Whatever is the matter?”
Andrew’s expression crumpled.
“I thought that… nothing, that is to say. Nothing at all.”
Lord Glenfield lifted an eyebrow.
Sighing, Andrew went to pour them both a brandy.
“I thought that I had been able to keep my expression free of all that I have been thinking,” he said, by way of explanation. “Brandy?”
“Yes, if you please.” Lord Glenfield took it from him with a nod of thanks. “I did not think that you would be at home this afternoon, given that you were meant to be meeting with Lady Sternford. I stopped by only on the chance you would have returned a little earlier than anticipated.”
