Page 82 of A Rogue to Ruin
He felt a pang of sorrow as he thought of Eliza. He hated that he was replacing her. No, Anne was not a replacement. She couldn’t be, no matter how much he grew to care for her.
A rap on the door drew Anne to turn her head. When she looked back at Rafe, she frowned slightly, then exhaled. “I suppose our private time is over.”
“So it seems. One more thing. Selina has invited us, along with Beatrix and her husband and your sister and Colton, for dinner at Cavendish Square tomorrow night.”
“Lovely! I wondered if I was going to manage seeing you tomorrow.” With a delighted grin, she took the box from him and went to open the door.
Her sister and Colton stood outside, the latter glowering at Rafe as if he wanted to run him through with a sword. Rafe decided to look at Lady Colton instead. Her gaze was on Anne’s dress. “Did you just get that?”
Anne touched the cameo. “Yes. It’s a betrothal gift. Isn’t it spectacular?”
“Quite,” Jane said with a grin. “It looks a little like you.”
“That’s what Rafe thought.” She glanced back at him, her smile bright. “Is everyone ready to walk to the park?”
“Yes. I brought your hat and gloves,” Lady Colton said.
Ten minutes later, they were on their way toward the park. Rafe and Anne led the way with Colton and his wife following behind. “I hope you don’t mind, but Phoebe and Ripley are going to meet us,” Lady Colton called.
Anne looked back over her shoulder. “I don’t mind at all.” She looked toward Rafe as they walked into Grosvenor Square. “Do you know Ripley?”
“Yes, we’ve met. I’m looking forward to his ball on Saturday. I’ve long wanted to see Brixton Park, the maze in particular.” He darted a look at Anne, noting that she smiled mischievously when he mentioned the maze. “Will you be there?”
“I will now.” She gave him a look of seductive promise that made him wish it was Saturday night. “I’ve been mostly avoiding Society events, but now that we’re betrothed, I don’t have to fear being bothered by gentlemen looking for a wife.” She squeezed his arm gently. “And you don’t have to worry about anyone looking to snare you in the parson’s trap now that everyone will know you’re about to become an earl.”
He found it fascinating, and galling, that without the title, he was somehow less attractive, particularly because he was in trade, a fact he hadn’t tried to hide. People already knew he owned a pleasure garden in Clerkenwell—he’d met Selina’s sister-in-law there before she and Harry had wed. But did he want them to know he also owned a bookshop and, as of very recently, a publishing venture? He had many investments, but presumably other peers did too. “I think I need to go to earl school,” he murmured.
“What’s that?” Anne asked, leaning closer. “Did you say earl school?”
“I did.”
She laughed softly. “Hopefully, my godfather will handle that. You can start on Thursday evening.”
Rafe’s good mood faltered. He would no sooner take advice or direction from his uncle than he would from the lord of hell.
A few minutes later, they entered the park through the Grosvenor Gate. The afternoon was bright and warm, and the park was positively teeming with Society’s finest. Rafe began to doubt the wisdom of coming here today of all days. The day he’d submitted his claim to the earldom of Stone.
Just inside, they met the Marquess and Marchioness of Ripley. He was a dark-haired, easygoing gentleman with a somewhat rakish reputation. Until he’d fallen completely and unabashedly in love with his wife, one of the founding members of the Spitfire Society. Like Anne’s sister, Phoebe had also come close to marrying. But in her situation, she’d left her groom at the altar. Anne had told him it was because she couldn’t bring herself to marry him.
“Afternoon, Mallory,” Ripley said. “Or should I say Stone?” He grinned good-naturedly. “I’m sure you’ve quite a story to share. The Lords was abuzz today with the news—and with speculation.”
“There’s not much to tell,” Rafe said blandly. “My sister and I were kidnapped and only recently learned our true identities.”
Ripley cracked a half smile. “I don’t believe that for a moment, but I won’t bother you for the details. Know that I’m happy to hear them if you ever want to share, but it isn’t important. Are you ready to take on the duties of the earldom?”
“Ripley sits on the Committee for Privileges,” Colton said.
Shit.Rafe hadn’t known that. He should have asked Harry for a list so he could be informed. Not that he cared about making an impression. He hated being caught unaware.
“Yes,” Rafe said, answering the marquess’s question. “I am eager to reclaim my birthright.” As if it could wipe away the past twenty-seven years. Nothing ever could.
Ripley assessed him with a sympathetic stare. “I can only imagine how that must feel. I’m just glad you’ve discovered who you are, who you’re meant to be.”
Rafe sensed the man’s words were genuine. “Thank you.”
“Shall we walk?” Lady Ripley asked with a smile.
“Yes,” Anne answered, clutching Rafe’s arm more tightly as they set out toward Cumberland Gate. They took up the rear as Ripley and his wife talked with Anne’s sister and Colton.
