Page 3 of To Seduce A Rake
Chapter 2
She immediately recognized the voice and glanced up to see those emerald eyes shining back at her. “A woman must eat,” she replied in a flat tone.
“I wasn’t aware that proper ladies drank ale in taverns.”
“Who said I was proper?” She took another bite of her stew, pretending his presence didn’t affect her.
He chuckled, and she loved his rich, hearty laugh.
“I suppose I shouldn’t assume.” He caught the barmaid’s attention and then motioned to indicate he wanted what Rebecca was having. “Are you going to tell me your name at least?”
“Why?” Rebecca asked.
“Because I find you interesting.”
She rolled her eyes. “Is that what you tell all the simpering misses to bend them to your will?” she asked, her tone more of a scoff.
“How about you answer my question first, and perhaps I shall tell you.”
“Lady Rebecca Eliot. My father was the Earl of St. Germans.” Something about him was far too intriguing, and as much as she questioned his intentions, she didn’t wish for their conversation to end. “Do I dare ask who you are?”
He grinned at her. “Wish to know what name to use when you dream about me tonight?”
She took a large gulp of her ale as the barmaid set down his stew and tankard. As soon as the woman walked away, Rebecca spoke again. “You think far too highly of yourself.”
The far-too-handsome man shrugged. “Perhaps.” He picked up his spoon and took a bite of stew before narrowing his eyes at her, assessing her as he chewed. Once he swallowed, he gave her a seated, exaggerated bow. “The Earl of Mulgrave, at your service.”
She gasped. It couldn’t be. He was rumored to be one of the most elusive rakes, never to be seen by society, and had never attended the season. The man was known for his scandalous life of travel and women.
“So you are aware of my reputation then,” he said, shaking his head. “The simple-minded society matrons still have nothing better to gossip about?”
“Do they lie, my lord?” she asked, challenging him. From what she’d seen of him already, he’d easily sway any woman into his bed.
He shrugged, then raised his tankard and took a few gulps before setting it back on the table. “I wouldn’t have the foggiest idea what they have said. Have I bedded many women? Yes. Do I have no intention of marrying? Also yes.”
Musgrave fixed his gaze on her, watching her reaction. Somehow, he appeared even more dangerous to her, in the most exciting of ways.
If he expected her to react, he would be disappointed. Men like him enjoyed playing with women’s sensibilities. Instead, she took a bite of her stew and waited for him to speak again.
“And what brings you to an inn all alone?” he asked.
“I am returning home to Derbyshire. I have had more than enough of the season.”
He raised his tankard in agreement and then downed the rest of the contents. “I found one should just avoid attending altogether.”
“We find ourselves on the same side of that point, my lord.”
He huffed. “None of this ‘my lord’ shite. Call me by my given name, Harrison.”
“Wouldn’t that be quite improper?”
Harrison smirked at her. “Who said you were proper?”
She couldn’t help but grin at him. He was quite charming and witty. Traits she enjoyed in a man. Life would be far too boring to spend with a dull man. Why was she thinking about such silly notions? They may have shared a meal and had enjoyable banter, but he wasn’t a man that anyone would spend their life with. Hadn’t he just said the very thing, in fact?
“Very well,” she said, caving under his stare. “Harrison, then.”
“My name sounds good on your lips, Angel.”
