Page 44 of Nothing But a Rakehell
“No, dear. Lord Keswick spends his time with other gentlemen of sophistication, in pursuits that are whispered about in polite society. He searches out the dark and twisted places that echo the hidden parts of his soul.”
Keswick’s expression tightened, but otherwise, he made no objection to being described in such a manner. Glory, however, braced herself and carefully stood upright. She could feel the color rising in her face. It curled up from the fire of anger and indignation suddenly alight in her gut. “Lady Tresham, I think you forget yourself, speaking so about one of my sister’s guests—and in his very presence! You feel free to say such things about a man who you have only just met? I believe you have paid heed to too much gossip and allowed it to fuel your overheated imagination.”
Keswick had scrambled to his feet when she stood. Glory gestured toward him. “Lord Keswick is a gentleman.”
He started to interject, but she cut him off. “He is afinegentleman who has demonstrated nothing but friendship, kindness and honor to both me and my family.”
Keswick stared at her as if she was a specimen he’d never seen before.
The baroness whipped her head between them. “Silly child! I meant no insult. Lord Keswick doubtless understands and knows just what I mean.”
“I am neither silly nor a child. Nor do I believe anyone should have to withstand being labeled dark and twisted with equanimity.” She reached out a peremptory hand toward the viscount. “Sir, you promised Mr. Sterne that you would be my aide. I find I need a few more vines to finish my project. Will you please help me gather them?” She nodded toward the faint path that led to the trees beyond the boulders. “There should be plenty just there.” She gave the woman a frosty nod. “Good day, Lady Tresham.”
And she pulled Keswick along with her to the cover of the trees.
Chapter 9
Lady Glory was angry. Though they’d gone a little ways into the trees, her lips were pressed together and she held her chin high. Her step was brisk, her limp more pronounced and she allowed herself to lean on his arm for support—a sure sign of her agitation.
As for him, his head was a churning study in contradiction—a state that he was beginning to become used to, in her company.
“There’s no need for this fuss,” he said at last. “Nothing she said is untrue.”
Lady Glory gave a scoffing sniff.
“I do frequent low places and worse company. I drink and gamble and carouse with my friends.” His lifestyle served its purpose. It thwarted his father and caused most women in Society to give him a wide berth. Occasionally, a thrill-seeker like Lady Tresham came around, but they were easily evaded. Or, sometimes, he let them stay.
Why did this girl turn everything upside down?
He usually appreciated it when his reputation cleared the path before him, but he’d been furious when she had expected the worse from him and hidden her affliction.
Now she defended him and his honor. It was not well done of Lady Tresham to speak about such things in front of an innocent. The usual sort of girl would have been flustered and dismayed. But not Lady Glory. She didn’t withdraw or back down. She didn’t let the idea of his reckless behavior push her away. Instead she’d chided the baroness and spoken of him in glowing terms.
Ofhim.
It left him feeling hot and bothered. Uncomfortable. And frighteningly intrigued.
No. No, he was a fool, that’s all. And she was only more stubborn than most.
“Lady Tresham is a widow,” he announced belligerently. “She knows how these games are played. I am free to dally with her as I wish.”
She pulled her arm from his and took a few steps away. With one hand braced on a birch tree, she waved the other. “Then by all means, go back.”
He glared at her. But he didn’t leave. “I’ve entertained widows before. I’ve hadaffaireswith them.”
She repeated the gesture. “Dally away.”
He held his ground.
“Do you want to take up with Lady Tresham?” she asked.
He winced. “No.”
“Of course you don’t. She is vain, shallow and self-serving.”
“She’s also right. About me. I like the back ways and alleys. I do spend a good deal of time there. Everyone wants to put a hand in your pocket or a knife in your heart, but at least it is all up front. You scorned me for my association with Betsy at the Crown and Cock, you would cringe at some of these places.”
Her eyes blazed. “I didn’t scorn you. You scorned me because I knew about it. Because I learned about it through the servant’s grapevine.”
