As Rich as a Rogue Read Free Page B

of the Season,” Mr. Camden said. “Betting on a bird. I thought you had more sense.”
    â€œSo did I, truth be told,” she said wearily.
    At which point, Mr. Camden returned to his seat. His expression was doleful, his attitude one of great sadness. “I thought we were coming to an understanding, you and I. I had hoped to make our connection stronger in due course.”
    â€œYes,” she said, doing her best to keep her tone modestly sweet. “That was my hope as well.”
    â€œBut this kind of behavior makes a man wonder if he will be the butt of gossip for the rest of his life.”
    Mari felt her hands clench, and since she couldn’t very well grab her skirts and make telltale wrinkles, she untangled her fingers and allowed her hands to fall to her sides, where she clutched the seat of her chair. The hard wood cut painfully into her palms, but that was all to the better. And as she took a deep breath to control herself, she repeated the mantra she’d begun six years ago. All Whitly’s fault. All Whitly’s fault.
    Which is when Lady Eleanor came to her rescue. Thank God, because Mari wasn’t sure what the proper response was to a situation like this. Did she collapse into vapors? Start crying like an imbecile? Or simply sit there and allow everyone to chastise her? She could live through it if only she knew what the proper reaction was supposed to be. Trust Lady Eleanor to show her what one was to do.
    â€œWell, Mr. Camden, I certainly see that you are in a difficult position.”
    â€œToo right—”
    â€œBut it’s not irredeemable. Any attention can be turned to the good. It just takes a skillful hand.”
    By which she meant hers. And frankly, Mari was grateful for any assistance. “You know how to turn it to advantage then?” she asked Lady Eleanor.
    â€œOf course. But that is not something to discuss in mixed company.” Lady Eleanor rose to her feet, forcing Mr. Camden to stand as well. “Pray give it some time, Mr. Camden. You’d be surprised what a little notoriety can do for a woman.”
    Mari feared that he would argue the point. It was clear he wanted to. But eventually his intelligence won out. He exhaled in resignation and then nodded.
    â€œPeople say the Exchange is difficult to understand, and yet it follows understandable rules. I find Society much more confusing.”
    â€œAs do we all, Mr. Camden,” Lady Eleanor said. Then she waited with her hands folded and a polite smile fastened to her face as he took his leave.
    Mari waited until the front door closed behind him before turning to Lady Eleanor with a grateful smile. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say at times like these. He’s furious, and rightly so.”
    Eleanor settled back onto her seat, her skirt perfectly smooth, her expression serene. “That is what your father paid me to do. I am here to smooth the way for you this Season—”
    â€œI know, but—”
    â€œTut. Don’t interrupt, because we have a great deal to discuss, you and I.”
    Mari nodded. “Your plan to turn this to my favor.” She waited, her breath held. Lady Eleanor was a precise woman who would not begin until the perfect moment. But after two minutes of waiting, Mari ran out of patience.
    â€œLady Eleanor—”
    â€œMy plan is simply to listen. To you.”
    Mari stilled. Listen to her? No one ever listened to her, and it was rather annoying. The novelty of the experience had her at a loss. “Well?” prompted Lady Eleanor. “Tell me everything.”
    â€œOh. Of course. Well, I was carrying that stupid bird, when he said—”
    â€œNot that! I already know all about that.”
    Mari huffed out a breath. “It only just happened.”
    â€œNevertheless.” Eleanor scooted forward on her seat. “I want to know—exactly—what Lord Whitly said to you six years ago.”
    * *