Page 39 of A Rake's Redemption
Caroline raised an eyebrow, her mouth twitching. “Pardon my use of such a mundane verb. Perhaps beguile, enthrall, or enchant would be better words?”
Alex shook his head. “You make me sound like a magician.”
“Ummm,” Caroline took a sip of her wine. “Perhaps I should start calling you Merlin, then.”
“Please do not.”
Caroline smiled mischievously. “Imagine the bragging the Ravaged Revelers of the Rake would do if they thought they had been seduced by King Arthur’s right-hand man? Or perhaps I should call you Lancelot—”
“Will you stop?” Alex said with a little more exasperation than he’d intended. “You know as well as I do that a man does not have to be that well versed in the art of seduction to break the boredom of the prestigious ladies of theton.”
“True, but I do not know any other man whose paramours form a club for the sole purpose of admiring and discussing his…ah, skills.” Her grin widened as Alex’s face heated. “Are you blushing?”
“I do not blush. It is quite warm in here with the crush of people.”
“Or perhaps you are feeling the heat from the seductive looks all those hopeful ladies are sending your way?”
“You exaggerate, my dear.”
“Hardly. Jeanette has been watching you like a cat waiting to pounce on prey. Melanie, Miranda, and Vanessa have not taken their eyes off you, either, and I dare say Beatrice probably has a bedchamber ready if you only wink at her.” Caroline took another sip of wine. “And that is not even mentioning the ladies present who have not yet had the privilege of being your next conquest.”
“You make it sound like I am some kind of marauding invader fresh off a pirate ship come to pillage.”
“Quite aptly put,” Caroline said.
“What I meant was…” Alex’s voice trailed off as a momentary hush fell over the crowded room.
“Well, well,” Caroline said. “Speaking of pirates. Look who arrived. The Marquis of Kendrick. He has not attended anything in so long I thought maybe he really was off raiding ships.”
Alex glanced toward the door and then back to Caroline. “You should know better than to believe those rumors.”
Caroline shrugged. “He does looks like a pirate with those eyes nearly as black as that long hair. I can almost see him in black breeches wearing a sash and bandana.”
Alex gave her an amused look. “I had no idea you harbored such romantic illusions about Kendrick.”
“I donot,” Caroline said.
“Is he wearing a shirt?” Alex asked.
Caroline blinked. “Of course he is wearing a shirt. A waistcoat and top coat as well, along with a cravat. Is something wrong with your eyesight?”
“I meant in your fantasy,” Alex said blandly.
Caroline turned pink. “I do not fantasize.”
“I believe I saw a shirtless pirate on the cover of one of those Gothic stories not long ago,” Alex said as though she hadn’t spoken. “If I recall, he had black hair, too. Perhaps you associated Kendrick with that?”
“I do not read them. I am surprised you do.”
“I do not. My chambermaids seem rather fond of them, although I have not heard any comparisons to Kendrick.” Alex smiled, enjoying teasing her. “I doubt he would mind if you wanted to picture him shirtless.”
“I donot.” Caroline replied stiffly. “But the marquis does own a dark-hulled sailboat with tanbark sails, which means the vessel would not be seen at night.”
Alex raised one brow. “How did you come by that piece of information?”
“My father,” Caroline said. “The marquis entered the boat in a race on the Thames last year. My father said it was quite fast.”
“Just like a pirate’s ship should be,” Alex said.
