Page 13 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“I believe you shall both have a suitable proposal before the end of the season. Frederick and Alexander are both superior gentlemen,” Aunt Justine said.

“Speaking of superior gentlemen…” Beth’s reflection glared at Kat. “Mother, what do you think of Evan Eaton?”

Wincing, Kat slammed her book closed with entirely too much force. “Evan Eaton is a reprehensible rogue,” she declared way too emphatically.

Beth’s reflection raised a brow. “Is that truly how you feel about him?”

Although her cousin had declared she’d forgiven Kat for her indiscretion at the masquerade, perchance she still held a grudge. Not that Kat had forgiven herself. She would die from mortification if Aunt Justine ever found out what she’d done. She held her breath, awaiting her aunt’s opinion of the man.

Her lips pursed, Aunt Justine’s gaze traveled back and forth between Kat and Beth. “Girls, I thought we should take Katrina sea-bathing tomorrow afternoon.”

Sea-bathing? Nay! There was nothing more disgusting than sea creatures rubbing against her legs. Well, Greyson calling on her was more unpalatable. But cold water? Pinching lobsters? Biting sharks? Octopus and Kraken! And in an unfashionable dipping costume!

Beth clapped and faced them. “That would be most entertaining.”

“But I have no ailments that require a cure,” Kat declared.

“It shall be such fun,” Beth said. “It makes one feel like a mermaid.”

“But Alexander is painting my portrait,” Kat said.

“We should have time after your sitting and before Evan and Alexander arrive for the theater.” Aunt Justine’s intense gaze bored into Kat’s soul. “Katrina, are you sure you do not want to attend the theater this evening? Frederick has invited all three of us, and ’tis so unlike you to stay in for the evening.”

Oh, how Kat adored the theater. But, alas, she needed to ponder a way out of her dilemma. “I am truly content to sit with my book.”

“I do hope you won’t be such a bore your entire visit,” Beth said. “You will attend the upcoming cricket match and the theater with Evan and Alexander, won’t you?”

What if Greyson attended every social gathering? Was she to lock herself away for her summer holiday? The annual cricket tournament Aunt Justine organized was one of her favorite events, and she truly wanted to attend the theatre with Alexander. However, she could do without Evan. She sighed.

“I have left instructions with the staff. They are to turn Lord Greyson away if he calls on you this evening. I cannot provide the details, but the man cheats, blackmails, takes advantage ofwomen…”

Kat gasped in horror.

Her aunt continued as if she hadn’t just delivered a shocking proclamation. “Elizabeth, let me get you that powder, and then we will be on our way.” She tugged on the bell pull.

Thereupon, after the horrifying news, her aunt and cousin prattled away about sea-bathing and Frederick Montague as they awaited the maid.

Once alone, Kat paced the chamber, recalling the odious Greyson’s threat.

“If you want me to keep your secret, you will allow me to call upon you,” the arrogant blackguard whispered while her brother stood so close, he could have overheard.

She dropped her forehead into her hands and whimpered. This was Evan Eaton’s fault. He should also have to pay for their sins. If, indeed, kissing was a sin. Either way, he should be held accountable.

A couple of nights ago, the sea air had lifted her spirits and made her feel alive. Although she had no desire to dip in those terrifying waves, a stroll along the coast might provide a jolt of fortitude and assist her in finding a solution.

She donned her walking boots, bonnet, and gloves. Her footfall light, she crept down the stairwell and exited through a rarely used side entrance.

Avoiding the crowds, she cast her gaze downward as she hastened along the side street. Soon, she strolled the pebbled beach, then climbed the footpath to the overlook they’d picnicked on. Since she no longer had a blanket or a tent, sheplumped her rump onto the patch of grass and breathed the salt air.

The sun sat low on the horizon, its golden silhouette surrounded by purple, peach, and red patches.

Krarkrarthe seagulls sang to her as they dove and swopped.

Crash! The waves pounded and rolled; their power so immense that her problems felt minute. There was no way she would let Evan or Greyson destroy her. Alexander would propose to her. She’d make a lovely bride, and a doting wife and mother.

A lone figure strutted into her line of vision. Brushing a blowing strand of hair from her eyes, she double-checked to make sure it was indeed a man and not a sea creature.

Since, to her knowledge, sea creatures did not carry boots or have a waistcoat slung over their shoulder, it was definitely a human. Staring into the abyss of foamy black water, the figure kept his back to her. Narrow hips, wide shoulders, and a well-formed… dare she think the wordarse?