Page 54 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Evan growled in Greyson’s face, “Do not make me seek you out again.” He stood and brushed his hands back and forth. Thereupon, he turned on his heel and strutted back the way they’d come.

Chapter twenty-two

July 4th, 1818

Evan spent the morning finishing Anna’s portrait and the afternoon showing it off. Like the woman herself, the painting was quite lovely. If Alistair ever tossed him out the front door, he could probably make a living through his art. ’Twas fortunate, since it was high time he discussed his future with his siblings and Grandmother Louisa. He couldn’t just loiter around Trent Castle forever, could he?

But he loved living there with Alistair, Evangeline, baby Ali, Jimmy, and Grandmother. Hell, Grandmother enjoyed Trent Castle so much she’d turned a Christmastide visit into apermanent stay. Come to think of it, what was he to do without Mrs. Clayton’s biscuits?

Perchance this third son rubbish wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. And mayhap, he should have paid attention when Alistair discussed their inheritances and property. His brother,the earl—Evan sniggered—may have mentioned an inheritance. And there might have been a mention of a carriage. Or had his brother,the earl—hysterical—said marriage?

Could he turn the old stone chapel beside the castle into a painting studio? If so, he could walk next door and eat as many biscuits as he wanted. And fence with Alistair—and Jimmy when the lad had semester breaks. Someone had to teach Ali to jump his horse over the lower gate. And who would Grandmother feign annoyance with, and swat at, if Evan wasn’t there?

Or mayhap he should grow up and figure out how to make himself worthy of Katrina Harrington.

Justine clasped his arm. “The portrait is divine. You are so talented. I would love to commission some paintings for the inn.”

Too perfect.

“I would be delighted to paint whatever you would like,” Evan said. “Seascapes would look lovely in the morning room, and perhaps some portraits in the drawing room.” Please let Katrina hear her aunt’s praise and offer.

“We should toss that one in the rubbish bin.” Justine winced at the rumpled vellum in the corner of the room.

Even the trash heap might be too good for Wellspring’s abstract depiction of Katrina.

Everyoneoohedandawedover Anna’s portrait. Unfortunately, they gasped in horror—or laughed—at Katrina’s portrait. Buttons and Anna assisted the staff, serving the guestscucumber sandwiches, fresh berries, and lemon tarts. Althoughguestsmight not be the correct term. Perhaps army was a better word. Nay. Suicide Squad. Yes.

The seven of them planned social hari kari on a sunny afternoon while partaking of a light luncheon in the Yardley Manor drawing room.

“Thank you for standing by me. I have been blessed with the very best mates in the world,” Wellspring said.

“Of course, Springy. We will always stand together,” Harrington declared.

“Brothers before chits.” Well, that saying didn’t quite fit; however, the sentiment did. “To the bloody end,” Evan declared with a raised fist.

“I hope my actions did not do anything that might harm your reputations,” Wellspring said.

“I’m well past anyone damaging my reputation,” Evan said.

Harrington huffed. “Mine went to hell the day Mother gave birth to me.”

Emitting a delighted “Yes!” Elizabeth clasped her hands together. “Oh, how I do love a good scheme. Let us finish Greyson off.”

Apparently, the lot of them didn’t give a shite about their reputations. Which meant Greyson no longer had leverage.

Yesterday, they had left the man lying in the middle of a secluded patch of trees, his nose bleeding, tears dripping from his eyes. If only a ravenous wolf had come upon him and snacked hardily. Because if not, he’d eventually seek revenge and come for them. But until then, Evan would revel in his victory.

This morning, the missing groundskeepers had appeared, claiming they’d been attacked and tied up by three masked men in a dark alley. They’d punched and scratched theirassaulters to no avail. They suspected one of the men was Lord Greyson, and from the way he’d ordered the other two around, they may have been servants.

Without proof, the constable had simply shrugged and declared, “You seem to be unharmed other than a few bruises, and if you think I am hauling in an aristocrat without proof, you are insane.”

Once again, Greyson had perpetrated a crime and gotten away with it. And for what purpose? To show off playing cricket for Katrina? To best Evan? He’d failed on both accounts. Although he had solidified his position asBiggest Arse of the Ton?

Justine gazed at Katrina, sighed, and then turned her attention to her nephew. “I understand your enthusiasm to hold Lord Greyson accountable for his actions, but you must protect the girls’ reputations.”

It probably wouldn’t do to snort at the pluralgirls. Despite their initial encounter, Elizabeth Fletcher had grown on Evan. He admired her free spirit. But the girl’s repute was as damaged as his. Fortunately, despite the disasters—and blissful encounters—of the last few days, Katrina’s reputation remained intact.

Justine arranged her skirts and sat. “And I must take care. I do not want my guests to hear about any of these scandals.”