Taming the Rake by Monica Mccarty Read Free Book Online Page B

though it was just the thing. But now what?”
    Gina had been giving the matter some thought. “I do have an idea.”
    “Go on.”
    “Tonight I had the advantage in part because he was alone—without the support of his rakish cohorts.”
    Cecelia’s gaze turned calculating. “Divide and conquer.”
    “Precisely,” Gina agreed, pleased that her friend had immediately grasped her point. “The enemy is stronger when they work together, we’ll have to do our best to separate them.”
    “And how shall we do that?”
    Gina shrugged. “I’m not sure. But in my case it shouldn’t prove that difficult.”
    Cecelia looked at her questioningly.
    “I don’t think I should have a problem finding him alone,” she said wryly. “Lady Augusta will see to that.”

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    A week later at Lady Jersey’s annual ball, Gina was proved correct—though it wasn’t just Lady Augusta whom she had to thank for the opportunity to converse further with Lord Coventry. Cecelia had brought in the reinforcements.
    True to her word, Cecelia had purchased a new journal and, mimicking what they might find at White’s, formally entered a purposefully cryptic wager—ambiguous enough to not cause a stir in case the journal fell into the wrong hands.
    By season’s end, three determined young ladies will successfully wield proposals from the notoriously reluctant B________, C _______, and R________.
     
    In addition, in further pursuit of their just endeavor, she had selectively enlisted the aid of a few of their friends. The choice of whom to confide in was limited to ladies who would be sure to share their interest in bringing these “gentlemen” to heel—particularly those with a personal ax to grind. Not surprisingly, there was a large group of ladies to choose from.
    But, despite their best efforts, and much to Claire’s and Gina’s consternation, rumors of their secret society were already being bandied about by some of the younger circles, tinged with not a small amount of admiration—and perhaps even envy. The challenge would be to make sure the terms of their wager did not reach the wrong ears. They were playing a dangerous game with propriety—their unmaidenly “game” was sure to cause a certain amount of censure—but Cecelia assured them the risk was minimal, even if they were discovered. It was a prank, nothing more. Gina shuddered to think of her father’s reaction should he ever find out. She doubted he’d find social justice an adequate excuse.
    In any event, when Coventry arrived (late) at Berkeley Square in the company of Beaufort, Mr. Ryder, Lord Ashley, and Lord Percy, the new recruits were ready. In a matter of minutes the pastel-gowned soldiers had ambushed the unsuspecting rakes, enlisting their services for a variety of false purposes. The tactical precision of their attack would have impressed the Duke of Wellington himself, Gina thought with not a small amount of pride.
    Claire feigned a magnificent swoon, practically falling at the feet of the Duke of Beaufort, after which he was unable to refuse her pitiful request for refreshment. If all else failed, Claire certainly had a future on Drury Lane. Cecelia, with the help of Lady Anne Spencer, immediately sought out the expertise of Mr. Ryder—a man known for his skills with the ribbons—in settling a dispute about the proper way to drive a high-perched phaeton. Lady Frances Villiers and Lady Charlotte Clive, with the innocent help of their eminent hostess, promptly dispatched of Lord Percy and Lord Ashley, insisting that they form the third and fourth for a thrilling game of whist.
    Gina watched it all with a huge smile on her face. Cecelia was right. This was fun. And the competitive streak in her had already sprung into action. Not only did she intend to win, but she had every intention of being the first to bring her quarry to his knees. Or in this case, knee.
    Her battle plan was simple. She would put order to Coventry’s degenerate world