Page 30 of How to Ruin a Rake

“Again, it’s not my fault that I was born male.”

Allegra rose to her feet. “What time do you think we’ll be leaving? I need to go and pack my things.”

Max rose, too, and followed her out into the hall. “Allegra—”

They both stopped and stared in horror at the man standing in the entrance hall.

“Max!” Roberts leered at Allegra. “And what have we here?” His expression changed to one of unconcealed glee. “Lady Allegra Musgrove. What a surprise!”

Max stepped in front of Allegra. “Roberts, what do you want?”

“You left your hat at the George. I thought you might need it.” Roberts tossed the hat to him and grinned. “Have I stumbled upon an elopement? How charming! No wonder you didn’t choose to stay at the George.”

“How ridiculous.” Allegra pushed past Max. “There is no elopement, my lord. I was as surprised to see Lord Max Devereux as you were. We just met in the hallway as he was coming down for breakfast.” She curtsied. “Pray excuse me, I am returning to my room, where my maid awaits me. Good morning to both of you.”

Allegra hoped that her calm tone carried the conviction of her words. Surely even someone as silly as Roberts couldn’t possibly imagine that Max Devereux would be eloping with the likes of her.

Max waited until Lady Allegra had gone up the stairs before returning his attention to Roberts, who was still grinning like a fool.

“As the lady said, we just met a few moments ago. I believe she is returning to her family estate in Norfolk after visiting friends.” He paused. “And as to why I chose to stay here, I must confess that I’m running low on funds and couldn’t afford the George.”

“Is that why you also used a false name?” Roberts asked sweetly. “When I asked for Lord Max Devereux, the landlord didn’t recognize you. But when I described you, he said you’d registered as a Mr. Foster …” He met Max’s gaze. “Along with your sister, Miss Foster.”

There was a tense silence.

“It’s not what you think,” Max said. “I’m escorting her home after her carriage was involved in an accident.”

Roberts winked at him. “I’m sure that’s it. Have an excellent day, Max.”

He departed, leaving Max wondering whether to run after him and beg him not to say anything or whether that would simply make everything worse.

“Damnation!” Max slapped the wall with the palm of his hand.

He went up the stairs and into the bedchamber to find Lady Allegra folding up her nightgown. She looked devastated, and he felt like a blackguard.

“What damnable luck.”

She looked at him. “Did he not believe my explanation?”

“No, he’d already asked for me, and found out I was staying here with my sister using an assumed name.”

She bit her lip. “Is he the kind of man who will gossip?”

“Yes, and he’s appallingly good at it.”

She turned away to put the nightgown in her reticule and sighed. “I’m sure you’ll weather the storm. If you want to leave me here and go back to London to deal with the consequences, I’d quite understand.”

“I don’t care what he says about me,” Max replied. “I’m not leaving you. I’m taking you home as we agreed.”

She turned to face him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I don’t care what you think; I’m damn well taking you.” He scowled at her. “I am fully aware that yet again this is all my fault, and the least you could do is allow me to make amends and see you safely home!”

Lady Allegra raised her chin. “Don’t you dare shout at me, Max Devereux.”

“Or what?” Max asked, stepping right in front of her.

“Or—” She frowned. “Stop looming over me. It’s distracting.”