Page 98 of A Rogue to Ruin
He took her hands. “Absolutely not. If you’re going to try to get him to confess, you need witnesses. In any case, you will not be alone with him. Ever. Do you understand?”
“I understand. But you can’t be there, at least not with me. I have to convince him that I’m ending our betrothal and that I hate you now, that he was right.” She made a face. “I will have to work very hard not to toss up my accounts saying that.”
“Please, Anne, you don’t need to do this. I won’t put you in danger.”
“We’ll plan everything perfectly.” She looked away from him, her mind clearly working. “We’ll need Harry and Anthony, perhaps Rockbourne too.”
“You’ve already come up with a scheme.”
Her lips curled into a smile. “Perhaps. Or at least the beginning of one.”
He thrust his hands into her hair and pulled her to him for a long, searing kiss. “I never imagined I would love someone again. I never wanted to.”
Her answering smile was bright and wonderful, and it filled all the darkest crevasses in Rafe’s heart. “I’m glad you let down your guard and decided to let me in.”
“Just promise you won’t leave me.” He couldn’t bear to lose anyone else.
“I promise.” She kissed him again, and it was as if he stood in the sun, eyes closed as delicious warmth bathed his soul.
He loved her optimism, her determination, her absolute ferocity to protect and care for those she loved. If anything happened to her as a result of this scheme, there would be nowhere Ludlow Mallory could hide that would keep him safe.
Chapter 17
The summer night was warm and perfect. The moon was up, and the stars were growing brighter by the moment in a nearly dark sky. The scent of roses, honeysuckle, and fresh-cut grass filled the air. The sounds of the ball carried on the faint breeze: laughter, conversation, and the music emanating from the ballroom, though most everyone was outside, either in Brixton Park’s famed maze or the surrounding area. It felt like a pleasure garden such as Vauxhall, not a private estate hosting perhaps the last large ball of the Season.
Despite all that, Anne stood near the maze with Jane and Anthony and felt none of the giddy excitement such an evening should herald. Instead, she was a bundle of apprehension as she went over their plan in her mind for the hundredth time and prayed nothing would go wrong.
If things went awry, it certainly wouldn’t be because they hadn’t thoroughly prepared. Or that they didn’t have enough help. In addition to Anne and Rafe, their extended families were also part of the scheme—Jane and Anthony, Selina and Harry, Beatrix and Thomas. Even Harry’s brother, North.
“Have you seen him yet?” Jane asked, surveying the crowd. They’d arrived nearly an hour ago and had spent time speaking with the hosts, the Marquess and Marchioness of Ripley, as well as several other friends.
“Rafe or my godfather?” Anne hadn’t seen either despite looking desperately for them both. Ludlow, because finding him and luring him inside was the start of the plan. And Rafe because, well, she wanted to see him.
No, sheneededto. Seeing him would give her all the courage she needed. Not that she was afraid. She was angry. And ready to ensure her godfather paid for his crimes.
“Mallory,” Jane answered.
“No, I haven’t.” She’d assumed Rafe would be easy to spot, given the fact that he towered over most people. A tall, blond gentleman several yards away caught her eye. Anne took a step forward. “Is that Rafe?”
Jane clasped her arm. “You’re not supposed to speak with him. In fact, if you come into contact with him, you must give him the cut direct. You’ve a role to play for your godfather.”
“I know.” And for that reason, she must not cross Rafe’s path, for she really didn’t want to give him the cut direct, even if it was only pretend.
Anthony leaned toward them. “Here comes Mallory.” No one in their tight circle referred to him as Stone or the earl anymore. He was Ludlow or Mallory or, perhaps most often,that blackguard.
A rush of anticipation—and not the good kind—swept through Anne. She straightened her shoulders and hoped he wouldn’t be able to see the fury beneath her lies.
Jane gave Anne’s hand a quick squeeze before edging closer to Anthony on her other side.
Ludlow smiled as he approached. “Good evening, my dear Anne. Jane. Colton.” He inclined his head toward Anthony who greeted him with a clipped “Stone.”
Anne worried that he sounded annoyed and hoped it didn’t prick her godfather’s curiosity. She rushed to distract him. “Godfather! I’m so glad to see you.”
“In truth, I’m surprised to see you. You avoided Society after Chamberlain was arrested, and I feared you would go into hiding again given what’s come to light about your most recent betrothed.” He gave her a sad look that only further exacerbated her ill feelings toward him.
Flexing her hands, she summoned a smile. “I’ve decided not to let your nephew get the best of me. I’m better off without him, and I want everyone to know it.”
“Hear, hear!” Ludlow crowed, beaming with pride.
