Page 37 of One Fine Duke

“I have to go now,” she blurted.

A crashing thud interrupted his exploration. They both turned.

A man had entered through the same window Mina had used and was sprawled on the carpet.

“Bollocks,” the intruder groaned. “Meant to stick that landing better.”

“Rafe?” the duke asked incredulously.

“Don’t mind me,” slurred Lord Rafe, sitting up. “I can see you’re entertaining. Carry on, carry on.” He waved an unsteady hand. “Just gathering a few things. I’ll be gone in a trice.”

Chapter9

“Oh no you won’t,” Drew said, rushing to his brother, who reeked of gin. “Where have you been? What trouble are you in?” He reached for his hand and hauled him off the floor. “What nefarious plans do you have?”

Rafe gripped the sides of his head. “Too many questions.”

“I’ll give you more than a headache if you don’t cooperate,” Drew threatened.

“Don’t think you can best me easily anymore, Thorny. I’ve become something of an expert with knives.” Rafe felt around his pockets. “If I were carrying a knife, I’d show you.”

“I’m sick and tired of your evasions. This ends now. Tell me what’s happening or I’ll force you to tell me.”

MissPenny strode toward them. “Allow me to try, Your Grace.”

Rafe looked her up and down with an appreciative grin. “Your strumpet might have better luck, Thorny.”

“I’m not his strumpet. I’m MissMina Penny and I must speak with you, Lord Rafe.”

“You don’t want anything to do with me, Pretty Penny,” slurred Rafe.

“MissPenny,” she replied.

“Righto, MissPlummy.” Rafe stumbled to the desk. “Just a few things and I’ll be off.” He stuffed some bank notes into his greatcoat pockets.

“Who sent the letter, Rafe?” Drew asked. He was running out of patience.

“I’ve no idea,” Rafe replied. “I have more important things to think about.”

“More important than our sister’s safety?”

“I told you that was an empty threat.”

“But you can’t be sure because you don’t know who sent it.”

MissPenny looked on with growing irritation, judging by the set of her jaw. She crossed her arms. “Lord Rafe, I was going to speak with you in private but this will have to do. I know that you have fallen out of favor with Sir Malcolm because of what happened at the gambling house.”

“What’s that you say, love?” Rafe glanced at her. “Dashed pretty doxy, Thorny. Well done, you.”

“Kindly refrain from impugning MissPenny’s character,” said Drew. “She’s not a lady of easy virtue.”

“Made you work for it, did she? Good on you, Peggy.”

MissPenny stamped her foot. “For the last time, I’m no doxy. I’m Sir Malcolm Penny’s niece. You obviously don’t remember but I’ve met you on several occasions when you visited Sutton Hall.” She grabbed Rafe by the shoulders. “If you’ll tell me what’s happening, I’ll help restore you to my uncle’s good graces. In exchange for your promise to marry me.”

Drew’s jaw dropped. What in the blazes had just happened? How much brandy had Miss Penny consumed? “Now wait one second—”

“Your trollop just proposed marriage to me, Thorny,” crowed Rafe. “That’s got to hurt.”

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