Page 12 of What A Rogue Wants
“I didn’t threaten her.”
“You don’t call telling her you’d see her thrown from Court a threat?”
She pressed her lips together. “I suppose you could see it that way.”
“I do. Things, I find, are easy to see if one simply looks. You threatened my sister to gain a recommendation from her to me. Consider yourself recommended and dismissed.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “I am flattered. You’re beautiful. But I’m not in the market to marry, as you so kindly pointed out to Lady Madelaine. But if I were, I would choose a lady who hadn’t already given herself willingly to half the men at Court.”
“You’re a devil.”
He shrugged. “You’re correct, of course. So don’t think for a moment you can threaten my sister. If you so much as peep a word of her harmless girl talk with Lady Madelaine, I’ll go straight to your father and make sure he knows you lay with Lord Barrington not a week ago.”
“You’ve no proof.”
He didn’t have it at this moment, but he knew how to get it. “You may take that chance if you wish. Some have, but I’ll warn you they regretted it. I do not bluff, Lady Grace.”
The woman blanched at his words. “Lord Barrington is an imbecile. He’ll never rise far at Court.”
“Yes. It makes me wonder why someone as scheming as you wasted your favors on him.”
Color heightened her cheeks as her eyes narrowed. “I’ve my reasons. My silence for yours?”
Grey nodded. “I do so love a deal.”
“A devil’s bargain,” she hissed and stomped away.
Something nagged at Grey as he watched her depart. His sister tugged on his arm. “Grey, you were brilliant. She’ll never bother me again. But poor Lady Madelaine, Lady Grace will—”
That was it! Lady Madelaine! “Hold that thought, Liz.” He ran ahead until he reached Lady Grace. “One more thing,” he said.
“What is it?” She folded her hands across her chest.
“You will cease harassing Lady Madelaine as well or I will forget our bargain and tell your father.”
“Why do you care about her? The little fool wouldn’t know how to please youifyou managed to get her into your bed.”
Lady Madelaine’s discretion pleased him. He much preferred to pursue a lady who chose her lovers with care and managed to keep her bed sport secret. “It doesn’t matter why I care, only that I do. So bite your pretty little tongue or find yourself married to a man who will never rise to the heights you hope to reach.”
“Very well.” Her nostrils flared, but she didn’t say more. He had to give her some credit. She appeared smart enough to understand when she was beaten. She swiveled on her heel and walked away.
Grey went quickly back to his sister and took her arm. “I don’t have long. The king is expecting me, so I have to hurry. But I’ll be here for at least the next week, so we can visit. No more talk of the queen, even if you think you are alone.”
“I promise. But Grey, it was harmless.”
“To you. But the wrong word could get you named traitor. You should know that, and so should your new friend. Tell me about Lady Madelaine.”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “Why? She is not some doxy for you to play with, Grey.”
“You too?” He ran a hand through his hair. “I coerce no lady into accepting my favors. They do so of their own choosing.”
“I imagine it’s hard to make a rational decision when someone as handsome as you has turned all his attention upon a lady.”
Wistfulness laced his sister’s words. “Liz, you will meet the perfect man someday, have ten children, and be utterly content just as Mother and Father are.”
“And what of you?” She touched her fingertips to his arm. “Will you take a wife someday?”
“We’re not talking about me,” he said, neatly avoiding his sister’s question. She wouldn’t like that he wanted no part of marriage or love, and he didn’t want to fight about it. “We’re talking of you and your lovely friend. Tell me of her.”
Liz shrugged. “There’s little to tell. I’m ashamed to admit I’ve been too afraid of Grace to openly befriend Lady Madelaine.”
