As Rich as a Rogue Read Free Page A

returns.” She would have to tell him that his daughter had become the center of gossip again, and she was not relishing the conversation. He was desperate to fit into the elite, for all the money and power it would bring to his business ventures. But he couldn’t do that if his daughter was constantly getting into scrapes.
    Meanwhile, Horace sniffed twice before speaking. “Lady Eleanor and Mr. Niles Camden await you at your earliest convenience.”
    She froze, her foot halfway suspended and definitely aimed toward her bedroom. “They’re here?” she asked needlessly.
    â€œIn the front parlor.” He spoke with such hauteur that she felt stupid she hadn’t deduced her guests’ location.
    â€œOh. Very well. Have you sent in tea already?”
    â€œNaturally.” The word was so disdainful, it was obvious she’d insulted him by asking.
    She bit her lip. “I’ll go in.” She took a moment to smooth her hair. “Do ask Mama to join us when she returns.”
    She hurried forward as fast as she could manage without running, took a breath to steady herself, and was just starting her exhale when Horace threw open the door and announced her. Mr. Camden was on his feet quickly enough. Lady Eleanor rose as she always did: with grace and style.
    â€œI’m so sorry you had to wait,” she said, slipping into her best manners. “I trust Horace has seen to your comfort?”
    â€œMost definitely,” Mr. Camden answered. “Excellent man.” He beamed at the butler before executing his bow to her.
    â€œWe’ve been quite comfortable,” was Lady Eleanor’s response as the two women held hands and smiled at each other. Eleanor was a true lady, the daughter of a duke, and as perfect a woman as Mari could ever aspire to be. And yet, part of her longed for the wild starts of her sister, the overly enthusiastic embraces, the way Josephine used to grab her hands and twirl her around. When was the last time someone actually touched her, skin to skin?
    All those thoughts flashed through her mind in a moment of longing. But they were tucked neatly away by the time she sat down, her hands folded demurely in her lap. “Such a delight to see you this afternoon,” she said, praying it would be true.
    â€œYou’re looking lovely today,” Mr. Camden said, “if a bit windswept. The spring wind is terribly chafing. I do hope your bonnet didn’t suffer a mishap.”
    By which he meant she was flushed and untidy. Fortunately, she was saved from making an apology by Lady Eleanor.
    â€œWe heard about the wager.”
    â€œAlready?” The word was out before Mari could stop it. It had only just happened.
    â€œOf course,” Mr. Camden snapped. “Not even lightning runs faster than gossip.”
    Something not literally true, obviously, but she was feeling too guilty to quibble. “The Ladies Jersey and Castlereigh, and even Lady Cowper, have declared the wager to be proper.”
    â€œProper!” Mr. Camden said as he shoved to his feet. “I heard about it from Mama, who heard it from her maid. Apparently the servants are all aghast about it.”
    An hour and a half from Hyde Park to the servants. That must be some sort of record.
    â€œI tried to stop it,” she said. “I truly did.”
    â€œBut it got away from you,” Lady Eleanor said sympathetically. “These things take on a life of their own.”
    Mr. Camden’s voice was disapproving. “But these things don’t happen on their own. Something started it.”
    â€œLord Whitly started it,” Mari said grumpily, though inside she knew that wasn’t precisely correct. He’d started it nearly six years ago. Today’s event, however, was created by her own unruly tongue. “Surely it won’t be anything more than a two-day wonder.” It was a false hope, and everyone knew it.
    â€œIt will be the wonder