Reckless by Anne Stuart Read Free Book Online Page B

Reginald Cowper, he of the obscenely large fortune, and the seven grandchildren, and the saintly reputation and avuncular charm. There was nothing avuncular about him now.
    Before she could move, his heavy hand clamped onto her arm. “Shy, are you?” The old man chuckled.
    â€œWell, I like a timid young lad in my bed. You’re new here…”
    A myriad of emotions assailed her. Astonishment that Sir Reginald, he of the numerous descendants, preferred…this. Annoyance at the grip on her arm. She shook her head vehemently, trying to pull away, but his thick fingers tightened. Lina had promised her that no one was ever forced, that her strip of white riband was a safe passage. But Sir Reginald didn’t seem to remember the rules. She tried to twist in his grasp to show him her badge, but it was gone.
    â€œNo need to be so shy, me lad,” Sir Reginald said, slurring slightly, and she realized he was very drunk. “I won’t hurt you. I’ll let you be the one to—”
    â€œNo poaching, Reggie.” A familiar, mocking voice broke through her struggles, and she froze.
    â€œI saw him first, Rohan,” Sir Reginald wheezed. “He came through the Portal of Venus—that makes him fair game. Besides, I know full well you’re only interested in cunt .”
    That was a new word for her, but Charlotte had little doubt that it was extremely crude. She glanced up at Rohan’s face from beneath her enveloping cowl. He looked the same as always, as if this were a formal ball and he was bored to tears. “Perhaps I’m growing broad-minded,” he said in a lazy voice. “I’m in search of novelty and this young monk is perfect. My sainted father has always insisted I treat my elders with exquisite respect, and I would regret having tofloor you, but I’m afraid you’ll simply have to take no for an answer.”
    Astonishment was assailing Charlotte from all directions as she listened to this interchange. But Sir Reginald hadn’t released her arm, and his lower lip stuck out in a sulky glower. “I’m not giving him up,” the old man said mutinously.
    Rohan lifted his hand, and there was a strand of white ribbon wrapped around his long, elegant fingers.
    Sir Reginald’s response was suitably profane, but the grip on her arm loosened, then released her. “Very well. I cede to your earlier interest, and to the sign of favor you hold. Gentlemen must follow the rules of order…” he muttered half to himself. “But listen to me, young man,” he added, leaning over and breathing alcoholic fumes on her shrouded face. “Next time, don’t come through the portal alone, or I might be tempted to ignore those rules.”
    She wasn’t sure what to do. Rohan was watching them, and she knew there was amusement in his eyes. She didn’t know whether she ought to nod or shake her head, all she knew was she had to make her way back to Hensley Court, back to the safety of her rooms, before some other gentleman decided he was interested in shy young men.
    Sir Reginald wandered off, mumbling to himself, and a moment later he disappeared back through the hedge, back the way she and Rohan had come. Sheheard a score of ragged cheers on the other side as he emerged, but she had more important things on her mind. Such as getting away from the too-beautiful Viscount Rohan.
    She knew of no universal gesture to signal thank-you, so she hoped a gracious nod of her head would be sufficient. His eyes glittered in the moonlight, but there was no sign of confusion or doubt on his face. Just the usual courteous cynicism.
    She started to turn, but he caught her hand. “I think not, young friar,” he said softly.
    She shook her head as she tried to pull her hand free, but he simply followed. “Didn’t Lady Whitmore warn you about the Portal of Venus? Yes, I know you were with her. One of her young lovers, I assume. Do you