Page 86 of A Duke in the Rough

Simon grinned. “Perhaps you should have taken up the request to spy for the Crown. But I’ll admit I’m surprised that shrew was so clever to suggest that to Anne.”

“It appears the two of you are of like mind in that regard.”

An inelegant snort escaped from Simon. “That harpy and I have nothing in common.”

Drake kept the Shakespeare quote about protesting too much to himself, thinking it wasn’t only relevant to women.

Simon’s brow furrowed. “What are you grinning about?”

“Nothing.” Drake pressed his lips together and raised his eyes. “Now, you were saying something about Miss Weatherby and yourplan.”

“Only that she’s hanging on my every word. I’ve done my best to monopolize her time. However, she has yet to mention anything about how my attentions might look to you. You do your part and gaze adoringly at Honoria this evening, which should be no hardship for you, and Miss Weatherby should end this ridiculous infatuation.”

Drake straightened. “Why is it ridiculous?”

“Well, clearly she should have been enamored with me from the start.” Running a hand down his bespoke coat, Simon struck a haughty pose. “I am the more handsome of the two of us.”

“You’re delusional.”

Simon planted his hands on his hips. “Do you want to rid yourself of the lady’s ardor or not?”

“I do. But you may find yourself married before I am.”

“There’s yet a woman alive who’s able to drag me before the parson. Once you’re happily betrothed to Honoria, we can end this charade, and I will let Miss Weatherby down gently.”

“From your lips . . .”

“God has nothing to do with this.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Gatheredin a parlor tucked away at the back of the house, Honoria, Miranda, and Charlotte waited for Anne.

Honoria glanced toward the slightly ajar door. “Are you certain no one will disturb us here?”

“Burwood assured me its location made it unlikely anyone would seek it out intentionally.” Charlotte ran a white-gloved finger across a table, then inspected it. “At least the servants keep it clean.”

She held up a key. “Plus, he gave me this. Once Anne arrives, we shall lock the door. The cad even suggested that when we’re finished, I remain confined in here for the duration of the house party.” Her face scrunched in distaste, then morphed into truculence. “As if I would give him the satisfaction. I intend to plague him tonight at the ball.”

“Plague who?” Anne rushed into the room, breathless. “I had a devil of a time finding where you were. I had to ask a footman.” With an unladylikeplop,she fell onto the settee next to Honoria.

Charlotte rose and locked the door.

Anne straightened from her relaxed position. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” Charlotte rolled her eyes.

“Who?” Anne asked.

Everyone turned toward her with the same quizzical expression.

“Who what?” Honoria asked.

“Who is Charlotte going to plague at the ball?”

“Burwood, the cad.” Charlotte’s expression was worrisome indeed. The slight upward curve of her lips that didn’t narrow her eyes reminded Honoria of Charlotte’s brother, Lord Nash.

“You leave Burwood alone,” Anne protested.

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