Page 24 of The No Good Irresistible Viscount Tipton
Rayne’s interest perked up at the mention of the earl’s name. “What’s this about Nevin hounding Devona?” Rayne would call the man out tomorrow if he had anything to do with this.
She gave Rayne a weary glance. “Old news, my lord. Wynne knew I was not in the mood to handle Lord Nevin’s flirtation, so she volunteered to distract him. No one could have predicted this would have been the outcome.”
“Who else knew you were out here?”
“I—I do not know. I never spoke to anyone directly, but if someone had been watching me…”
Watching and waiting for a chance to hurt her. Rayne did not want to add to her misery, so he did not say the words aloud.
“I will go summon our coach.” Wynne’s gaze met Rayne’s in silent understanding. “Keep her safe.” After a quick, reassuring glance at her, Wynne left.
“You should not be out of bed.”
He almost grinned at the chastising tone. Devona was definitely feeling better if she was in the mood to skin him alive for his own careless behavior. “I thought I had a good reason.”
Her brow arched inquisitively. “Pray tell. I am quite interested in this reason.”
“You left me, Devona.”
The succinct reason rendered her speechless, a rare state for a Bedegrayne. Seeing that she was improving made him feel better himself. “Did you really think I would allow you to walk out of my life so easily?”
She looked away. “I had hopes.”
“Never, Devona,” he vowed ardently.
“Brock—”
“Is not an issue. I sought him out this evening.” Rayne did not bother to add where he had found him. After all, she was his sister.
“What did you do? What did he say? Please tell me you have not agreed to duel!” She was gripping her ivory fan so tightly he expected the delicate blades to snap.
Noticing that the ribbons on her slipper had loosened, he sat on his haunches in front of her and patiently began to retie them. “We haven’t scheduled a duel on your behalf. Although I might have given him a reason or two to call me out on his own.”
“I do not see the humor in this, Lord Tipton! I forbid you to meet my brother.”
Rayne smiled, resisting the urge to stroke her calf. He doubted she would appreciate his observations of her fine legs. “Still fiery, even when you’re spooked, eh, Devona? Don’t worry about it. I have no desire to face your brother. Even if he deserves it.”
“Oh. Well, good.” His compliance had taken the steam out of her scathing reprimand. “I assume he admitted to the attack then.”
Wishing he could linger and admire her legs, he regretfully pulled her dress back into place. “No. Not specifically. He seemed surprised that there was a line of enemies just waiting to hasten my demise. He prays for their success.”
“Brock did not mean it.”
“Oh, I am most certain he did.” He was not particularly disturbed by the fact. “His feelings will in no manner disrupt our plans.”
Her shoulders sagged, along with her lagging spirit. “Rayne, I have not changed my mind.”
“Nor have I, beloved. You are stuck with me.”
The doors opened, and a burst of laughter and music floated on the air as Wynne entered. “Here, I borrowed this blanket from Her Grace. I thought you might want to cover your dress.”
Rayne took the blanket, wrapping it around Devona’s shoulders.
“That was thoughtful, thank you.” Devona stood, wincing when she straightened her knees. “No more adventures for me. At least for a few days.”
Rayne scooped her into his arms. Devona squeaked at his bold handling, but her arms went around his neck without hesitation. He looked pointedly at Wynne, expecting her to argue. Instead she reached for her sister’s forgotten reticule and fan, then walked to the doors. He almost missed the hint of a smile Wynne kept hidden as she sailed through the doors.
It did not go unnoticed that Le Cadavre Raffiné had Miss Devona Bedegrayne in his clutches again. With her mussed hair and torn dress, he was almost certain thetonwould twist the scene and by morning word would be out that Lord Tipton had ravished Miss Bedegrayne in the Duchess of Lonsinger’s conservatory.
