Page 27 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Popping from the water, sputtering and spitting, Katrina tossed her hair back as if she were a mermaid. Then Katrina Harrington did the most unexpected thing ever. She laughed.

Evan pulled the lens from his eye, refocused, and then checked again. Katrina held a hand to her chest as she threw her head back and chortled.

“Is she safe?” Wellspring asked again.

“Um.” Evan blinked a few times. “I believe so, for she is laughing.”

The spectacular vision poked at his heart, which warmed, then flitted about too much for his liking.

The dipper cradled Katrina in her arms and dunked her—over and over again. Each time Katrina bobbed her head out of the water, her glee traveled across the expanse of beach, into the telescope, and landed in Evan’s gut with an earth-shattering punch.

“You should allow the women their privacy and concentrate on my lessons,” Wellspring said.

Awestruck by the swimming siren, Evan ignored him.

“I doubt Harrington will appreciate you spying on his wife, aunt, and cousin. And I would prefer you didn’t leer at the woman I am presently courting.”

Evan reluctantly dropped the telescope to his side and attempted to focus on his pupil.

On their stroll back to Yardley Manor, Evan stopped short andthunkedhis forehead with the heel of his hand. He’d not even checked to see if he could see through Katrina’s wet frock. First, he’d been worried about her, then consumed by her joyous laugh and what it might sound like up close. What could he do to make her laugh like thatforever?

“Pfft.”Forever was a very long time, and he had to survive tonight while trying not to imagine what color her nipples were as his clueless mate—who had no interest in said nipples—wooed her.

Frigging bollocks. It would be a long evening. Not only that, he had yet to deal with Greyson’s machinations.

Chapter eleven

June 30th, 1818

Awhirl of turquoise satin and delicate lace, Kat swirled in front of the full-length mirror in her chamber. Would it not be wonderful if Evan—nay, Alexander—thought she was the most beautiful woman at the theater? Sea bathing had brightened her complexion and accentuated the golden highlights in her hair. It was as if her mind, body, and soul had been invigorated in that life-affirming water.

How could something so terrifying also be euphoric? But, oh my, it was. Splashing in that bitter sea thrilled her from her fingertips to her toes. No wonder both Evan and Beth had exuded suchjoy during their dips.

“Are you sure you do not mind seeing the same show again tonight?” she asked Beth as she slid into turquoise gloves and wrapped a cream-colored shawl around her shoulders.

“I dare say I adoreA MidsummerNight'sDream. Tonight, I plan to pay attention.”

“Oh?” Kat asked.

“Frederick and I talked through most of the performance last night.” Beth brought a hand to her heart. “He is such a fine conversationalist.”

Beth seemed to be over her fascination with Evan. Not that Kat cared one way or another. So why was it difficult to keep the prickly edge from her voice as she asked, “How does Frederick feel about you attending tonight’s show with Evan Eaton?”

“I am not attending with Evan. I am attending with you, Lord Wellspring, and Evan. ’Tis not as if we are courting. and I am not the one who kissed him.” Beth shrugged. “I no longer favor Evan, for I see the way he looks at you.”

Stars! “How does he look at me?”

“As if he means to pounce and devour you.” Beth formed claws with her hands, growled, leaped toward Kat, and then tickled her.

Kat slapped Beth’s hands. “For heaven’s sake, we are dressed for the theater. We do not want to show up looking disheveled.”

“Apparently, your dip did not cure you.” Beth pounced again, tickling Kat until they both convulsed with laughter.

“I’m delighted to see you enjoying yourselves.” Aunt Justine stepped into their chamber. “It seems you are over your little tiff from the masquerade.”

Aunt Justine knew about their disagreement? Although everyone probably knew since they’d been snapping at each other quite a bit since the unfortunate night.

Clasping Kat, Beth wrapped her in a hug. “We shall be best friends forever, no matter what befalls us.”