Page 625 of From Rakes to Riches

In fact, Rake did know this about Gemma.

It was one of his favorite things about her.

Liam snorted, and a knowing light entered his eyes. “I thought that might be the case.”

Now, it was Rake’s head cocking to the side. “What case?”

Again, Liam snorted.

Which was all the answer Rake needed. Were his intentions toward Gemma so obvious?

Likely.

Definitely.

“In Yorkshire, you say?” asked Rake, the words only now sinking in. “With a lady?”

Of course…

“What sort of work?” he demanded.

“Helping horses,” said Liam. “What other work would tempt her all the way north?”

A friend…

Artemis said she and a friend were leaving for Endcliffe Grange.

Gemma was that friend.

He should’ve seen it sooner.

He needed to leave…

Now.

But, first, he had something to say. “Thank you.”

Liam went dead serious. “And your intentions toward my sister?” he asked. “She won’t settle for the life our mam had.”

Liam was a good brother. Rake saw that. “I’ll make her a duchess, if she’ll allow me.”

“That’s not the title—or life—she cares about.”

“I’ll make her my wife…my partner…my love.”

The moment stretched as Liam weighed Rake’s sincerity. Then he nodded, satisfied.

Though his feet itched to be on their way, Rake had another question for Liam. “And you?”

A smile tipped about the other man’s mouth. “Here, for now,” he said. “Can’t keep me away from a stable or a racecourse.”

Rake snorted. “I figured as much.” This was firm, companiable ground. “Do you have your sister’s way with horses?”

“Aye.”

“If you ever find yourself up near Somerton,” said Rake. Now his feet were truly on the move. “You’ll have a place.”

Liam’s chuckle met Rake’s back. “I wish you all the luck.”

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