Page 17 of King of Rogues
Don’t let him see you are rattled.
Her capacity for small talk was somewhat limited by her secret disappointment at seeing him so elegantly attired. He was obviously keen to make a good impression on the families of the ladies Kitty had selected.
Not for the first time, did Naomi wonder if refusing to be on the list had been a major misstep on her part.
But in the aftermath of her tears, she had come up with a different strategy. She would take him on at his own game. Show Monsale just what he was missing. What marriage to another woman would lack.
Hold your hand firm and steady on the tiller. This ship will come safely to harbor.
He bowed low to her. When he lifted his head, their gazes met. “You look stunning in that blue gown. Is it new?”
She smiled sweetly at him. “This old thing? I think it is last year’s style. No point in wasting new clothes when I am just here as a bystander. Or should I say, to act as your assistant.”
Monsale narrowed his eyes. “What do mean assistant?”
Time to put the plan into action.
“Didn’t Mama tell you? I am here to give you all the pertinent details about the families and the girls on your list.”
Which really means I am going to give you all the juicy gossip about them so that you can strike them off that bloody list and finally realize that you are a clod.
Only when he was ready to admit his mistake, confess that he wanted her with his heart and soul, would she budge an inch. In the meantime, there was sport to be had. Punishment to be inflicted.
“Kitty, I mean Lady Steele, didn’t make mention of you playing a role. Don’t feel obliged,” he stammered.
It took all her strength not to clap her hands with glee. Watching the mighty Monsale squirm was particularly enjoyable.
“It is my pleasure. I only wish to see you happily settled with a good woman. And your lands and titles kept intact.”
Monsale met her gaze for a long moment. The sly grin which slowly crept across his lips, all but shouted challenge accepted.
“Well, shall we begin? The first lady on your list is Miss Constance Harforde. Her family, while not in possession of a title can trace their lineage all the way back to William the Conqueror. They are very old money. And well aware of their status in society.”
He screwed up his face. Over the years, Monsale had made no secret of his dislike of snobs. There had been people, who unwisely looked down their noses at him. According to her brother Harry, Monsale had made certain that every single one of them was made to pay dearly for their arrogance.
“What can you tell me about Constance?” he replied.
“Well, they don’t call her constantly delightful Constance for nothing. She has been raised on a steady diet of self-importance. The two of you should suit.”
Naomi casually glanced at the silver bangle on her wrist, all the while silently congratulating herself for having made such a smart quip.
From what she could recall, Constance was spoiled and with a reputation for running to her well-heeled papa whenever things didn’t go exactly according to her dictate.
With any luck Miss Harforde, would be off Monsale’s list by the end of the night.
She pointed out a middle-aged couple who were slowly making their way across the floor. They were headed directly toward Monsale. Behind them trailed a tall, thin young woman, dressed in a high-necked white gown.
“Well here comes your first potential bride. Though you may need to get past her father before you are permitted to actually speak to her. I wish you a good evening, your grace.”
After a quick curtsy, Naomi went to walk away. Monsale hurried after her, taking a hold of her arm.
“Naomi, wait. I want to ask you something. Why isn’t your name on the list?”
She gave a disinterested wave of her hand. “That’s not a question you should be posing to me, your grace. I would say that the only person who can truly answer that particular conundrum, is your good self. Whatever your reasons for creating that list, they must be sound. Because otherwise, only a simpering buffoon would throw away the best chance he had.”
Monsale muttered something under his breath and let go of her arm. He was still grumbling as Naomi walked away. She wasn’t going to spare him another moment of her precious time.
While she didn’t exactly consider herself to be a bird in the hand, if he felt the need to go chasing after wildlife in the bushes, as far as she was concerned Monsale was more than welcome. Hopefully, a few nights of dealing with other women would cure him of his stubborn stupidity.
