Page 55 of A Rogue to Resist
“Lady Katherine seems quite popular this evening,” she observed, a hint of petulance creeping into her tone. “Though I suppose that’s to be expected. Widows have a certain freedom in Society that unmarried ladies might envy.”
There was a subtle barb beneath the observation that Drake didn’t care for. “Lady Katherine’s popularity stems from her intelligence and character, I suspect. Qualities that transcend any particular social status.”
Lady Elizabeth looked slightly taken aback by his defence. “Of course. I meant no disrespect. It’s admirable how she’s managed since the late earl’s passing. So independent.”
She imbued the word with a faintly disapproving emphasis that suggested independence was not a quality she particularly valued in women. Drake found his already limited interest in Lady Elizabeth diminishing further.
“Independence of mind is an admirable trait in anyone,” he said pointedly. “I’ve always found it preferable to blind adherence to convention.”
Lady Elizabeth blinked, clearly uncertain how to respond to this unconventional sentiment from a man who, by all outward appearances, represented the very pinnacle of aristocratic society.
“How progressive of you,” she managed, echoing the duke’s earlier observation with considerably less enthusiasm. “Though surely there’s comfort in traditional arrangements as well? A lady guided by her husband’s superior experience, a gentleman supported by his wife’s domestic talents...”
Drake barely suppressed a grimace.
The world Lady Elizabeth described—where men and women remained in rigidly defined spheres, never truly partners but merely complementary ornaments in each other’s lives—was precisely the arrangement his parents had maintained. Its elegant emptiness had driven him across an ocean in search of something more authentic.
“Some may find comfort in such arrangements,” he conceded diplomatically. “I prefer relationships based on mutual respect and shared purpose.”
Something in Lady Elizabeth’s expression suggested she was rapidly reconsidering his suitability as a prospective husband. The thought should have concerned him, given his pressing need to marry. Instead, he felt only relief.
They returned to the drawing room a few minutes later, Lady Elizabeth making a graceful but definite move to join a group ofyoung ladies near the pianoforte. Drake took advantage of his temporary freedom to observe Katherine once more.
She was still engaged with Lord Barrington, though her posture had subtly shifted from polite attention to barely concealed impatience. As Drake watched, she glanced at the ornate clock on the mantel, then back to her companion with what appeared to be forced interest.
Without consciously deciding to do so, Drake found himself moving in their direction.
“Lady Katherine,” he said, approaching with a slight bow. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Lord Barrington looked distinctly annoyed at the intrusion, but Katherine’s expression brightened with what seemed like genuine relief.
“Not at all, Lord Greythorne. Lord Barrington was just sharing his insights on the Peninsula campaign.”
“Fascinating subject,” Drake commented politely. “Though I wonder if I might borrow Lady Katherine briefly? There’s a matter regarding the mill repairs at Greythorne that requires her expertise.”
It was a transparent excuse, but Katherine seized it immediately. “Of course. If you’ll excuse me, Lord Barrington? Estate matters, you understand.”
The older man bowed stiffly. “Naturally. Though I had hoped to continue our discussion of my proposal to show you my collection of military memorabilia.”
“Another time, perhaps,” Katherine replied, not quite managing to sound regretful as she placed her hand on Drake’s proffered arm.
Drake led her toward a relatively quiet corner of the drawing room, aware of the warmth of her hand on his sleeve and the subtle scent of lavender that seemed to surround her.
“Thank you,” Katherine murmured once they were out of Lord Barrington’s earshot. “If I had to hear one more anecdote about cavalry manoeuvres, I fear I might have done something unforgivably rude.”
“My rescue was entirely self-serving,” Drake assured her, unable to suppress a smile at her grateful expression. “Lady Elizabeth was showing me our host’s collection of miniatures with rather more enthusiasm than the subject warranted. I required a credible escape.”
Katherine laughed, a genuine sound of amusement that transformed her face and sent an unexpected warmth through Drake’s chest.
“So, we’ve saved each other from social tedium,” she observed, her blue eyes bright with humour. “Though I notice Lady Elizabeth seemed quite captivated by your company earlier. Did the miniatures not hold her interest?”
The hint of jealousy in her tone was unmistakable, despite her attempt at casual inquiry. Drake found himself unable to resist teasing her further.
“Lady Elizabeth is everything a gentleman could desire in a prospective countess,” he said, watching Katherine’s expression cloud slightly. “Beautiful, accomplished, properly deferential to male authority...”
“How delightful for you both,” Katherine replied, her voice cooling several degrees. “I’m sure you’ll be very happy together.”
“I would be miserable,” Drake corrected quietly. “As would she, eventually. We have nothing of substance in common.”
