Page 44 of How to Ruin a Rake

“Are you quite sure that you don’t want me to deliver you to your front door?”

“We’ve already talked about this,” Allegra said. “And I agreed not to mention you.”

“I am responsible for your predicament.”

“Yes, you are, but I have forgiven you,” Allegra reminded him. “Because you gave me something very valuable in return.” She paused. “A night with a rake.”

“You mean I ruined you.”

“I don’t see it like that.” Allegra eased out of his grasp. “You gave me what I asked for. I have no regrets for what passed between us. Do you?”

He didn’t reply, but his gaze was locked on hers, so she continued. “Are you still annoyed that I forced you into it? You could’ve refused.”

His mouth twisted. “If I’d been a better man, I should’ve done so.”

Allegra took a step back. “Then I am sorry that I coerced you into something that was distasteful for you.” She picked up her reticule. “The good news is that we never have to see each other again and that you’ll soon forget your temporary loss of judgment.”

She turned away, hoping he wouldn’t see the tears in her eyes. Surely, he didn’t wish to end their liaison like this. “Come along, Pippin. It’s time to go home.”

She’d gone several steps before he called out to her, and her heart skipped.

“Allegra.”

“Yes?” She didn’t turn her head.

“If you find yourself with child, you will contact me.”

“It seems unlikely, sir.”

“Promise you will tell me.”

She sighed. “Fine, I promise.”

She waited for more, but he didn’t speak, so she carried on walking, Pippin jumping at her heels until she found the gap in the wall where there had once been a stile. Just before she stepped over it, she turned and looked back. Max was still standing by the gig, his head bowed, but he wasn’t looking in her direction.

He never would again.

Allegra made her way through the familiar wood and walked up the drive to Musgrove Hall, which was a pleasant flint and stone manor house her father had significantly enlarged during his tenure.

Allegra reached the front of the house and turned left to go under the arch into the stable yard and the entrance to the kitchen. Max would have gone by now. She could only hope he’d be able to mitigate some of the damage done by his friend Roberts in London. Not that it was a terrible problem for her, because she probably wouldn’t be going there again.

“Lady Allegra!” There was a screech, and one of the maids dropped the tray she was carrying. “Where have you been?”

Allegra smiled at the aghast faces crowding around her. “I wonder if someone might feed my dog while I go and speak to my parents? I’m sure they’ll let you know what happened as soon as they can.”

“I’ll take the dog, my lady.” Frogmore the butler came forward, his dignity intact. “Does it have a name?”

“Pippin,” Allegra said. “He’s a very good boy, but quite excitable, so don’t let him outside unless he is supervised.”

“Very good, my lady. Your parents are in the drawing room with Lady Carenza and Mr. Laurent.” He paused. “It is very good to see you returned to us safe and sound.”

“Thank you.” Allegra set her bag down on the table. “Could someone take this up to my bedroom, please, and organize me a bath? I am rather tired.”

She walked along the flagstones to the green baize door, went through the hall, and into the drawing room, which was on the garden side of the house.

Her parents were seated together, and opposite them, looking extremely pleased with themselves, were Carenza and Julian Laurent.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” Allegra said.