Page 11 of A Rake's Redemption
“Moi?” Alex mirrored his friend’s expression. “But we digress. What the hell are you talking about?”
“Have you mentioned your grand idea to Inis? What if she does not agree to your scheme?”
“What woman wouldn’t welcome the chance to better her position? I can’t imagine that Inis wouldn’t want the opportunity to become educated and even enjoy the benefits society has to offer for a while.” Alex’s grin broadened. “Besides, I intend to be very persuasive.”
…
Inis stared at Alex, not sure she had heard him properly. It was only mid-morning, but perhaps the man indulged in spirits a bit early. She sniffed the air, but the stench of manure covered whatever liquor might be on his breath. “We are standing here in the middle of a stall that needs mucking out, and ye are telling me ye want me to act like a lady?”
“Yes.”
Inis frowned. “Beggin’ your pardon, but are ye a wee bit touched in the head?”
Alex grinned “Not at all, although my brother might well be.”
“The duke? ’Tis a trait in English nobility then? I heard your king talks to trees.”
“King George has an affliction,” Alex replied, “but what I meant was mybrotherGeorge has too high an opinion of himself, which is the reason I want you to become a lady. With my help, of course.”
Inis felt her eyes widen. “With your help?”
“Yes. I am sure it does sound a bit odd. Brice—Baron Barclay—thought so too until he heard me out.”
Alex must be referring to the man who’d arrived in a stylish phaeton yesterday afternoon, drawn by a coal-black horse that looked to have a Friesian bloodline. She’d practically scampered to the driveway to lead the beautiful animal to the stables, but the man—who had golden-colored eyes like a wolf and a penetrating look to match—had said there was no need.
“Perhaps we could discuss this somewhere that smells better?” Alex asked.
Inis braced her pitchfork against the side of the stall and followed Alex out to the paddock area. He leaned against the rails casually, but she still gave him a wary look. What if this was a trick? Perhaps the baron or that woman who had visited the house had mentioned something about a missing niece of an Irish duke. Maybe Alex was trying to get her to confess. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
“There is no need to be nervous,” Alex said. “Be assured, when I am through tutoring you, you will feel totally comfortable whether at a formal dinner, making polite conversation at the theatre, or dancing at a ball.”
Inis studied him. Was he trying to get her to admit she already knew how to do all those things?
“Are you not going to speak? Does it not sound like a grand opportunity for you?”
It most definitely didnot. The last thing she wanted to do was be seen at aristocratic functions. “I am happy to work with the horses. I have nae desire to join the likes of those who give themselves airs.”
Alex nodded. “That is precisely why I want you to do it.”
Inis took a tentative step back. Perhaps Alex was a bit barmy after all. “Ye are nae making sense, my lord.”
“Please do not call me lord. I do not think having the luck to be born into nobility makes one man better than the next.”
Her father’s words. Inis tilted her head. “Why do ye want me to act like a noble lady then?”
“I want to prove my point. I want to present you to thetonas a lady as accomplished as the debutantes who attend boarding schools.”
Inis shook her head. “Do ye wish to humiliate me?”
“Never.” Alex looked taken back. “I would not consider escorting you to a Society function until you feel ready. In fact, I want to create a bit of mystery regarding your identity.”
Did Alex know something about her identity? She gave him another wary look. “Why?”
“Because of the way thetonthinks. There is already speculation since Lady Compton and Countess Benton saw you in the park. The past few days, rumors have spread about who you are and why you are my guest. That is the reason Brice came over yesterday afternoon. He wanted to see for himself.”
“I doona understand what difference it makes to anyone.”
“The more thetondoes not know, the more curious they will get. By the time I present you, those women will be falling all over themselves to be the first to make your acquaintance. Meanwhile, you do not even have to speak when we are out riding and come across any of them. That will make them wonder what you sound like, too.”
