Page 3 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

With an insouciant shrug, he diverted his attention to the papers before him. The marriage contract? “Only that Felix washeard bragging that he’d despoiled you, thus sullying your pristine reputation. That alone is grounds for a forced marriage in my opinion. But Scarborough and I can cover that up easily enough with a little coin.”

A knot formed in Charlotte’s stomach. How could he be so nonchalant about the matter? “Lord Felix is a liar.”

Roland’s dark eyebrow quirked. “Is he?”

“How dare you!”

Herbrothersimply stared. The man was infuriating. “Whether he is or is not is pointless. His words alone can damage you—unless we do something about it immediately.” He flicked a hand toward the door. “He’s waiting in the yellow parlor for you. Now, go and let him make his proposal. It’s simply a formality at this point, but perhaps he’ll manage a few pretty words to win you over.”

With enough force to knock the chair over, Charlotte pushed back from Roland’s desk and rose. There were not enough words, nor none pretty enough to ever get her to accept Lord Felix Davies. Not after what he’d tried to do to her. “You can’t do this.”

Roland slammed his hand on the desk, the vibration ruffling the papers. “I can, and I will. Not only will you cease living under my protection, but you will face the consequences of a ruined reputation on your own.”

Charlotte straightened her back and—head held high—strode from the room. She would have to learn to live with a ruined reputation. It was better than a miserable life married to a worm like Felix.

Or so she hoped.

CHAPTER 2

Simon felt like bloody hell. How had it only been two hours since Drake and Honoria had left for Somerset? Hopefully, the quinine would start working its magic.

Dr. Somersby snapped his medical bag shut. “Let me know if you need more. The willow bark tea should also relieve the fever. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

Simon shook his head. “No need. I’ll send word if I need you. I don’t want to take you from the clinic more than necessary.”

Simon had come to respect both Oliver Somersby and Ashton—or as the duke insisted he be called—Harry.

“Harry would have come himself, but there was an important meeting in Parliament he didn’t want to miss, especially with Burwood gone.”

His head weary, Simon did his best to nod. “So Drake said. I appreciate it. But that’s even more reason not to keep you from the people who really need your care.”

Oliver patted his arm. “Dr. Marbry is there, and if any patients complain, his wife will keep them in line.”

Simon had no doubt about that. Word had it that Priscilla Marbry ran the clinic like a general. The more Simon had become acquainted with Honoria’s circle of friends, the more he’d come to appreciate them for the oddities they were. Good people among the snobbish aristocracy.

All except the ice queen, Lady Charlotte Talbot, that was. Lord, why did he have to make himself feel worse by thinking of her? Her pugnacious demeanor could sour even his best of days.

“Be a good fellow and give the bell pull a tug. I don’t think I have the strength.” God, how he hated admitting that to anyone. “Frampton will show you out.”

“Formalities aren’t necessary with me,” Oliver said. “I’m a big lad and am capable of finding the door myself.”

Simon summoned the strength to grunt. Then he rolled over, hoping to find some respite in sleep. Thoughts of cool, calming water and the fresh scent of nature helped him slowly drift off to fitful slumber.

Charlotte pausedat the entrance to the yellow parlor. Felix faced the window, his hands clasped behind his back as if it were any ordinary day and he was simply admiring the views of the gardens. If outward appearances were all that made up a man, Lord Felix Davies would have been considered an excellent catch. He could be charming when it suited him. She had thought so herself at one time—until he revealed the darkness lurking beneath his handsome exterior. She vowed never to allow any man’s quick smile and pretty words cloud her judgment again.

Summoning the glower simmering beneath the surface, she strode forward. “Lord Felix.”

He turned, his face breaking into a wide grin. Lord, she hatedthat about him. “Lady Charlotte. You’re looking asagreeableas ever. I trust Edgerton has spoken with you.”

“He has. And if you think for one moment I will agree to this atrocity of an arrangement, you’re an even bigger imbecile than I took you for.”

The grin remained, and he stepped closer. “Now, now, Charlotte. No need to be so testy. Although I admit it’s part of your charm. I like a woman with a bit of fight in her.” He stretched out a finger and trailed it up her arm.

She shuddered, his touch resurrecting the horrible memory. “Remove your hand,sir.”

The grin vanished, and his eyes grew sinister. “No.” He wrapped his hand around her arm—tight, his fingers pressing into her flesh. There would be a bruise. “Get used to that word if you dare try to give me orders.”

“It is you who should get used to the word.” She struggled to pull away. But as before, he was too strong.

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