Page 8 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“Oh, my. ’Tis as if I am staring into a mirror, but you have made me quite handsome.”

“You are always beautiful. I have simply captured it,” Evan said with complete sincerity.

“Eh, hm.” Harrington filled the drawing room doorway. “May I come in?”

The smiling Wellspring peered over their host’s shoulder.

Anna giggled as she glided to her husband. He clasped her in his arms, and she bonked his nose with her index finger.

“You are not permitted to look until it is finished.” She clasped his hand and tugged him into the room.

Grumbling, Harrington stared at the back of the easel since the canvas faced the wall. “When will it be finished, Eaton?”

“When it’s finished,” Evan declared, with a not-so-subtle wink to Anna.

“I believe everything is arranged for our picnic tomorrow,” Anna said.

“Splendid,” Harrington said. “Did you invite my Aunt Justine and Elizabeth?”

“Yes,” Anna said. “And, of course, your sister.”

Hell, no. Katrina Harrington may smell and taste heavenly, but she was impossible. Holding a ten-year grudge over a tiny frog, always acting holier than thou, and blaming Evan for the entirety of last night’s kisses were just a few of his complaints about the chit. How apropos that he’d called herPrincess. It was the perfect nickname for her spoiled, uptight highness. Besides, he’d rid himself of her memory just moments ago.

And Harrington’s cousin? The woman was trouble. Evan tried to school his cringe. Elizabeth had whispered such indecent things in his ear. It was no wonder he’d thought she might be inviting him to aménage a` troiswhen the wrong woman temporarily appeared in her place. Elizabeth was even more dangerous than… Evan moaned. He’d often behaved in the same manner. Perhaps his siblings and grandmother were correct the numerous times they told him togrow up.

“The more the merrier, Rosebud.” Harrington kissed his wife on the lips.

“May Buttons join us?” Anna folded her hands in a prayer position and batted her lashes at her husband. “Please. He stayed in his room during the masquerade last night. And he does so love the seaside.”

Harrington rolled his eyes. “I suppose so.”

“Oh, thank you.” Anna bounced on her toes and clapped. “You do so indulge me.”

“Because you are the sweetest, most beautiful woman in the world, and I am an absolute fool in your presence.”

Lord Ethan Harrington, the second son of the late Duke of Astleyshire and Evan’s one-time libidinous partner in crime had been reduced to sickeningly sweet sentiment at the hands of a pretty chambermaid. It would be ridiculous if it weren’t so bloody charming.

Harrington motioned for Evan and Wellspring to follow him. “Let us head to my study for a drink.”

“Buttons?” Wellspring asked as they strolled down the corridor. “Does Anna have a pet?”

Harrington’s moan morphed into a chuckle. “Nay. He is the butler at my family's London House and Anna considers him her best friend. He is visiting her for the fortnight.”

Wellspring rested a finger on his chin. Neither he nor Evan addressed their friend’s unorthodox choice of bride or the fact the additional houseguest was a butler.

As they strolled, Wellspring and Harrington turned the conversation to the masquerade. Once they entered the study, Harrington clapped Evan on the back.

“Eaton, you are quiet today. I dare say, you must have been out late with one of our female guests?”

Evan’s stomach soured. He’d never cared who he’d seduced or tupped. But he’d never before kissed his best mate’s sister. And it had been one hell of a kiss. His cock twitched at the mere memory.

Willing his prick to behave, he plopped onto one of the wingbacks. “I don’t want to talk about it. Just pour me a whiskey.”

Someone passed him a drink.

He still held the last swig in his mouth when Wellspring said, “Harrington, I believe it is time for me to choose a wife. I find Lady Katrina to be a superior woman. May I have your permission to court your sister?”

Evan choked, spraying whiskey across Harrington and his desk.