Page 12 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Katrina blanched. “I… I cannot. I have dinner plans with my cousin Elizabeth.”

“Bring her along. Charles can join us.” Greyson thumped his very sad-looking companion on his chest.

As troublesome as Elizabeth and Katrina were, not even an untamable shrew should be forced to spend time with Greyson. Evan had to do something to protect the women.

“Elizabeth and Katrina have already consented to attend the theater with Wellspring and me that evening,” Evan said.

Katrina clamped her lips together. If she didn’t soon take a breath, they’d have to peel her from the sand.

Greyson’s soulless eyes morphed into devious slits. The shite-sack guided Katrina a few feet away, stepped close to her, and boldly whispered something in her ear. The chit turned white, her gaze locking with Evan’s.

Greyson faced his onlookers. “I look forward to our time together, Lady Katrina.” With a malevolent grin consuming his countenance, he turned on his heel. When Taylor did not immediately follow him, he turned to call, “Keep pace, man.”

“I am sorry, Lady Katrina,” Taylor mouthed to her as she worried her lip. He bowed. “Good day, gentleman.” Thereupon, he trudged across the sand to catch up to his odious mate.

“What in the hell did that arse say to you?” Harrington asked his sister.

Katrina swallowed as she wiped her hands on her skirt. “He simply asked to call upon me. I have agreed.” Unshed tears glistened in her eyes. She turned her back to the men.

“You shall never be alone with that man,” Harrington bellowed. “I forbid it.”

Her head low and her shoulders slumped, Katrina returned to the tent.

Had Greyson, the devious prick, just threatened Lady Katrina Harrington into spending time with him? If so, it could only mean one thing. He had scandalous information on her. She was so damn proper. What could it be?

As the unfortunate situation dawned on Evan, he winced. What in the bloody hell had he set into motion the second he unwittingly kissed the masked Katrina Harrington?

“I forbid it,” Harrington bellowed again.

Chapter five

June 29th, 1818

Only the most fashionable of Brighton’s visitors and inhabitants lodged at The Crown Jewel Inn. Lord Byron, Fanny Burney, and Maria Fitzherbert were just a few notables who at one time or another had graced its halls. A few years prior, Cousin Prinny himself had stayed in the chamber Kat and Beth now occupied. It was said that he watched construction on his beloved Royal Pavilion from the bay window. Since the view also included a panorama of the sea and the newest homes on Regency Square, it was indeed the most magical bed chamber in all of England. Perchance all of the world.

The mint-green floral wallpaper and rose-colored upholstery gave the room a light and airy feel perfectly suited to the resort’s elegant and healing reputation. The four-posterbed was so large that Kat and Beth could stretch their arms wide and still not touch each other. And each of them had a settee to lounge upon. Currently, Kat reposed on the one beneath the oriel, cradling a copy ofNorthanger Abbeyon her lap while Beth stared into the mirror above their dressing table.

“Good heavens, my cheeks pinkened in the sun this afternoon,” Beth said. “Do you think that Frederick will find it unbecoming?”

The shade suited her cousin. But would a man find it attractive? Probably not. A proper gentleman would want his betrothed to have a pale, delicate complexion. Kat touched her warm nose and sighed. Henceforward, she needed to do a better job of protecting her skin.

A light rap on the door distracted her from responding. Aunt Justine entered, the silver threads in her lavender gown sparkling, and the twinkle in her eyes reminding Kat of her late mother when she was excited.

As usual, Kat forced a stoic smile, swallowed years of unacknowledged grief, and greeted her aunt.

“Are you sure you do not want to join us at the theater?” Aunt Justine asked as she perched on a regal wingback.

Kat desperately needed to be alone with her thoughts. “Nay, I find myself quite tired after the picnic and would like to read. Yet again,A Ladyhas done a marvelous job.” Kat held up her book. In truth, she had not been able to make it past the first page since her thoughts careened about punching at her brain like brutal fists.

“Mother, do you think that my sun-tinted cheeks are unbecoming?” Beth giggled. “Shall I change into a dress that highlights mydécolletage?That way, Frederick will not notice my coloring because he will be too busy staring at my breasts.”

Beth’s bosom already overflowed indecently. Why couldn’t Kat’s cousin show more decorum?

Aunt Justine rolled her eyes. “If you show any more skin, why even bother with a clothing? Besides, you look perfectly lovely in that gown, and I have a powder you may borrow. I shall call for a maid to deliver it.”

“Thank you.” Elizabeth beamed at her mother. “Please don’t hover while chaperoning this evening. I do not want Frederick to think my mother is overbearing.”

Aunt Justine’s response was a pinched brow that would make Kat behave. Although, one never could be sure about Beth. A chastity belt might not keep her from wrapping herself around the opposite sex.