Page 507 of From Rakes to Riches

Which Rake took as a very good sign.

Perhaps she was encouraging him to pursue that other matter with her—marriage.

He set the letter aside. It would keep until tomorrow.

For now, the brandy cart beckoned. A nightcap while he read the latest adventure by the Scotsman Sir Walter Scott would be his evening done.

What was that about his dotage?

Behind him, he heard a terrace door creak open. He didn’t need to turn to know who would dare enter his study through an exterior door. Without looking, he asked, “Would you like me to pour you one, Julian?”

“Sure,” came his friend’s response.

Rake’s head cocked. A note sounded decidedlyoffin Julian’s voice. A slur in the single syllable that only someone who knew him well would detect. Rake half pivoted and gave his friend a once-over—typically impeccable blond hair mussed…cravat loose and askew…jaw stubbled golden, as if it hadn’t seen the sharp side of a straightedge in days.

It wasn’t merely that something was off.

Julian was soaked to the gills.

Rake stoppered the brandy snifter. “From the sauced look of you, you likely don’t need one.”

Julian snorted, but there was no humor in it. He crossed the room and reached for an empty crystal tumbler, holding it out expectantly. “But I’ll take one anyway.”

Rake had no choice but to pour. His friend was determined to get foxed tonight, and who was Rake to stop him?

Julian obviously had a weight on his chest that he needed to unload.Kenilworthcould wait until tomorrow.

Tonight, Rake had a friend in need.

He resumed his seat before the fire and indicated the chair opposite. Julian sprawled ungracefully into the proffered seat and pointed at the letter on the side table. “Anything important?”

Rake shrugged a mostly indifferent shoulder. The letter had been forgotten the instant he’d set it down. “From the Duchess of Acaster.”

Julian nodded with slow exaggeration. “About the mare? What was her name?”

“Silky Sadie.”

Julian held up his half-full tumbler as if toasting the horse, then tossed the entire contents back.

Something was wrong.

Very wrong.

Julian wasn’t given to strong drink—or any vices to think of. Even in the world of horseracing, he didn’t partake in betting or gaming. In fact, he was set against those activities, even as he accepted them as part of the atmosphere. Like Rake, his love for horses and the competition of racing was simple.

Julian sank deeper into plush cushions. “You’re a good friend, you know that?”

“And you’re drunk.”

Julian wagged a finger, as if chastening Rake. “Not a lot of people know that about you.”

“Thank you?”

“But you’re selective. You choose who you love.” Julian tapped his temple. “Smart.But someday, old chap, you’re going to find yourself loving someone you didn’t choose.”

Rake tapped the duchess’s letter. “Not if I have any say over the matter.”

Julian gave a loud bark of a laugh, not a hint of jollity in it.

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