As Rich as a Rogue by Jade Lee Read Free Book Online

man.”
    â€œHe told me exactly that. He hoped my wayward ways were behind me. And when I explained—quite vehemently, I might add—that it was all Lord Whitly’s fault, he was quite kind.”
    â€œReally?” Eleanor didn’t sound as though she believed it.
    â€œHe can be very sympathetic. He understands how Society works and admires my restraint all these years.”
    Eleanor’s expression brightened. “I certainly admire it. I thought it was your natural inclination.”
    â€œIt is, a little.” A very little. “And anyway, it doesn’t matter. I’ve done it. Mr. Camden admired it, and now Whitly’s ruined it.”
    Eleanor didn’t speak, just sat there smoothing an invisible ripple in her skirt and thinking. Mari could only pray she came up with something brilliant that would end the rumors altogether and make Whitly pay for his perfidy.
    Then finally the woman spoke, her voice tempered, as was her wont. “So you have your heart set on Mr. Camden?”
    â€œMy heart? Good God, no. He simply fits my requirements.”
    Eleanor’s eyebrows rose. “Requirements?”
    â€œI was afraid my father never showed them to you. He’s uncomfortable with what he calls a woman’s mercenary side, though truthfully, I’m only doing what he taught me.”
    â€œI am all agog. What did he teach you?”
    â€œTo outline clearly one’s desires, and then act to achieve them. I shall show you. I keep it with me and look at it every day.” She fished the well-worn paper out of her reticule. “It’s my requirements for a husband, and as you can see, Mr. Camden fits all of them.”
    The lady looked at the page, her expression blank. Eleanor was the very definition of feminine serenity, and it wasn’t until this very moment that Mari realized how completely irritating that was. She had no clue what the woman was thinking. Which meant Mari soon started babbling.
    â€œThe first is obvious. No fortune hunters. With my dowry, they’ve been thick about me, and I cannot stand a one of them.”
    â€œOf course not,” Eleanor said with a sniff.
    â€œThe second is relatively clear, too. He has to be a man of acceptable moral character. Note the word ‘acceptable.’ I’m not looking for a cleric. I’m not so naive as to think a man can’t enjoy gambling, drinking, or anything else in moderation.”
    Lady Eleanor arched a brow. “Are you aware of some of the vices you are allowing?”
    Mari frowned. “Well, Mother has told me that most men of influence have a mistress. It’s practically a requirement.”
    Her companion nodded slowly. “I think I understand. You want a man of moderate temperament.”
    â€œExactly. No showy displays, no shocking vices.” And a man who had made his fortune gambling or racing, as Lord Whitly claimed, was out of the question. “The third requirement is harder to define. You see, I don’t need any money. My dowry alone could keep a modest man comfortable for the rest of our lives, but I wish for more. I want a man who will be important in London Society. I want to help him become important.”
    â€œSo you want a title.”
    â€œNo,” Mari said with a smile. This was where she thought herself very forward thinking indeed. “I know Papa is mad for a title, but so many peers are ninnies. They want my dowry so they can continue to gamble and wench. I want a man who wants something beyond his next meal.”
    â€œSo that is why you haven’t wed so far.” Lady Eleanor set the list down, her expression vaguely troubled. “And that is why you look to Mr. Camden.”
    â€œHe has a bright financial future.”
    Eleanor nodded. “I see your problem, then. You are looking for the rarest creature of all: a man of influence who travels through the ton and who has no obvious vices. My dear, that is no one