Page 52 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“Harrington once told me that the duke insists she marry someone with a title,” Alexander told Buttons.

“I do not understand. Lord Ethan was permitted to marry Anna,” Buttons said. “And the Duke of Astleyshire bulks at propriety. His duchess is half-wild and as cunning as a fox.”

“Yes, but Ethan is a man. Katrina, the poor girl, will never be permitted to choose her husband,” Alexander said. “And they will never allow her to marry a man without a title, regardless of his status and family. ’Tis a shame. For shedeserves happiness.”

Piffle. The dashed comment was probably true. Despite thumbingtonexpectations, her brothers would never concede to a relationship between her and Evan. More than likely, it had nothing to do with titles and everything to do with William’s dislike for his brother-in-law. And then there was Ethan’s volatile reaction when he discovered them together. She whimpered. Her relationship with Evan might be over before it had a chance to bloom.

“Do you still plan to ask for her hand?” Buttons asked.

“Nay. Harrington might never forgive me for my change of heart. And as lovely and delightful as she is”—Alexander ran a hand along Button’s cheek—“she is not the one who has stolen my heart.”

Kat extinguished her gasp with her palm. He found her delightful? He didn’t think her a spoiled brat? What a dear sweet man.

However, as interesting as this revelation was, her shock had more to do with her discovery of two men together. She closed her eyes and held her breath.

“But we are not of the same class,” Buttons said.

“I care not of such things,” Alexander said. “Truth be told, I know little of love. I am inexperienced in such things. I have never even kissed someone. But I know I want to be with you every minute of the day.”

How romantic. And to think, a mere week ago, Kat had not believed in true love, and now it seemed to be blowing about in the sea breeze. She should give the men their privacy. However, fear over the noise she might make if she moved held her in place.

“And I want to be with you,” Buttons said.

“If I could, I would scream to the world that I fancy you with all my heart,” Alexander said.

“You don’t have to tell the world. Simply tell me,” Buttons said.

Kat’s heart melted as she willed Alexander to say the words.

“I fancy you with all my heart.”

He’d said it! Kat’s heart fluttered at the sincerity and vulnerability in Alexander’s proclamation. She opened her eyes to find the men embracing, their strong arms wrapped around each other, their lips locked together in a passionate kiss.

She should leave while they were distracted. She slipped her other foot into the slipper and gingerly stepped. She peeked over her shoulder to take one last look at the lovers. Their bodies had molded into one. She blew them a good luck kiss since they needed buckets full of good fortune to survive the close-minded society they lived in.

Feeling quite pleased with her generous gift, she faced forward, only to smack into a wall of heavenly-smelling lean muscle.

She squealed in surprise.

“Katrina,” Evan said. “Thank heavens. We have been looking everywhere for you.”

Ethan and Charles Taylor stood behind him, their brows furrowed with concern.

She held her finger to her lip, silencing them.

Ethan stepped toward her. “Where have you—”

She shushed them again and pointed toward the field. Stars. Please let them understand her pantomime and move away from the lovers. Besides, what would Evan and Ethan say of such things? Womanizers that they were—nay, had been—would they understand and accept their friend’s predilections or treat him like a pariah?

“Wait.” Evan pointed at one light blue and one dark blue waistcoat visible between the trees. “Someone is there.”

Kat grabbed Evan’s arm and tugged.

“Is that Springy and…? Bloody hell,” Ethan said. “He’s with Buttons. And they are… Well, I didn’t see that coming.”

“Then you are a bloody fool,” Evan mouthed. “Let us give them privacy.”

“I think it is quite beautiful and romantic,” Kat whispered. “I believe they are in love.” She met Ethan’s gaze. “Everyone should choose who they love. You chose Anna despite your not being entirely suited.”