Page 86 of Wicked Designs
Lucien folded his paper and gave Charles a stern look. “My mother writes you letters and you don’t answer them?”
“Hang on—” Cedric cut in. “Lucien, your mother writes to Charles?”
Lucien’s darkening scowl made Cedric laugh.
“Go on, Charles. What does she write to you about?” Godric prodded.
“It is of a private nature.”
“Nothing ever stays private with you, Charles, so you might as well tell us.” Ashton’s lips twisted into the faintest essence of a smile.
Charles scowled. “You want to know? Fine. Lucien’s mother has convinced herself I am the perfect husband for Lysandra.”
“My sister!” Lucien choked out. “God in heaven,man, you had better never reply to those letters or so help me—”
“Easy! Lysandra is not my type, as you well know.” Charles glanced around the table. “Besides, we have our rules, don’t we?”
“Rules?” Emily shook her head, confused.
Ashton looked over at her. “Even the so-called League of Rogues has rules, my dear.”
They had rules? The thought made her laugh.
“Even rogues must draw the line somewhere,” he added.
“And in this case no League member shall seduce a sister of another member,” Lucien said.
Charles nodded. “Rule Eight to be exact.”
“I am still wondering why you call yourselves the League.” Emily giggled. She’d heard of the name before, of course, whispered between society matrons, often followed by gasps of horror.
Godric grinned wolfishly. “That curious moniker was actually thrust upon us byThe Quizzing Glass Gazettein the Lady Society column. It regales thetonwith stories about our exploits, or what they believe we’ve done. They exaggerate quite often, but we found their name to be accurate. We wisely accepted it and now use it, with much pleasure, I might add.”
“It does have a rather charming ring to it,” Emily said.
Ashton turned the conversation back to the events of the day. “So Charles is writing letters. What about you, Cedric?”
“Thought I’d go for a ride.”
Emily straightened up in her chair. Perhaps she could go for a ride before she had to set her final escape plan in motion. One last good memory…
“And what about you, Lucien?”
“I’ve a small matter in London to see to. I should be back by nightfall.”
Emily didn’t miss the glance made towards Godric. She doubted he was aware of it.
“Perhaps I ought to accompany you?” Ashton suggested.
“I wouldn’t mind the company.”
It was as though they were speaking in code. Emily wondered what the two men were up to.
With breakfast over, Emily followed Cedric out of the room, eager to watch him ride. But Godric caught the back of her dress and pulled her to an abrupt halt.
He nuzzled her neck playfully and said, “Now where are you off to?”
Emily sighed, watching Cedric’s retreating back. “I thought I might watch Cedric ride.” Godric wound his arms about her waist from behind. His lips brushed her right ear and he nipped her lobe. She stifled a little moan.
