Page 5 of Married to the Rake

“I heard you well enough.” Miss Larkin’s gaze landed on the fence behind him. “You should not be on our land. If Father catches you here, he shall bring out the shotgun.”

“I shall be but a moment. If you care enough about me not to see blood spilt, then I would ask you to take a moment to speak with me.”

She glanced around then huffed. “Very well.”

“I searched you out to speak about the border.”

She lifted her gaze to the sky. “That border. I am desperately tired of hearing about that border.”

“As am I.” He clasped his hands behind his back. “That is why I think you and I should put an end to this feud.”

She released a laugh. “An end? This feud has been going on since medieval times. What on earth makes you think we could manage such a thing?”

“Well, with your brains and my…”

“Good looks?”

“I was going to say charms.” He grinned widely. “I’m glad you think I’m good-looking.”

Creases appeared between her brows. “I did not say I found you good-looking. But…but I know there are women who do. But not I. Certainly not I.”

“Very well. I am chastened. But that does not mean we should not work together. Even if you do find me hideous.”

“That is not what I said!”

“Regardless, I think we could do something to fix this.”

She eyed him for a moment then shook her head. “There is nothing that I could say to my father to persuade him. I am certain your father is as stubborn. Besides, why would you want to mend the feud? Do you not want your extra land for when it is yours?”

“So, you admit it is Waverley land?” He smirked.

Miss Larkin folded her arms. “I certainly do not. I have seen the records and it is Larkin land.”

“Believe it or not, I do not give one fig about the land. However, my father is ageing and this constant arguing is taking its toll. I would like to see him live out the rest of his days in peace.”

A red brow rose. “If you want to give him peace, then perhaps you should look to your own behavior.”

“What is that meant to mean?”

“If you need to ask, I certainly have no wish to tell you. It is not something of which a lady should be speaking.”

“I had no idea I was speaking with a lady. Perhaps I was fooled by her muddied hems and creased gown.” He bowed mockingly. “Forgive me, my lady.”

“You are incorrigible.”

“Why, thank you.”

“You have wasted enough of my day, Mr. Waverley. If you do not mind, I shall bid you a good day.” She went to twist on her heel but he moved in front of her. If she could have shot fire from her eyes, he had no doubt she would have done and singed him to a crisp. “Mr. Waverley!” she cried, frustration tinging her voice.

“I am serious. I wish to put a halt to this feud and I think you and I could do it together.”

She stared at him for a few moments. “I do not think you have ever had a serious moment in your life. I am not certain what you think you are doing by mocking me and toying with me but I have no interest in offering you a moment of my time.”

“Surely there’s some way I can persuade you?”

“Persuade me to spend time with a rake of ill reputation?” She glanced around. “All it would take was for me to be caught alone with you out here, and my reputation would be ruined. It would be a fine way for the Waverleys to get revenge on the Larkins, would it not?”

“You really do think ill of me, do you not?”

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