The Rogue by Arpan B Read Free Book Online Page B

place would be most
useful."
    Ethan's
lips twisted without humor. "Reluctant to bring a young girl
into the house? Which is no reflection of your opinion of me, I'm
sure."
    Jeeves
did not respond, but only kept his gaze level.
    Ethan
gave up. "Very well. I assume you have one in mind?"
    "Yes,
sir. It happens I do. A very sturdy young man by the name of Uri."
    "Does
this mean I may drink in my study again, now that you have Uri to
roll me up the stairs?"
    Jeeves
went very still. "If the master insists, sir."
    Ethan
sighed. "Oh, never mind. I'll keep the brandy in my sitting
room."
    Nothing
actually resembling relief crossed Jeeves's face, yet Ethan had the
distinct impression the old fellow had dodged a near bullet. Why were
Ethan's drinking habits of such importance to him?
    "I'm
off, then." He took his hat and gloves from Jeeves's ready hands
and donned them in front of the mirror. At the very last, he flicked
his hat with one finger to add just the right jaunty slant to the
brim.
    "Have
a very enjoyable evening, sir," Jeeves said. "Oh, sir…"
    Ethan
paused. "Yes, Jeeves?"
    "I
always find the best path to take when someone is trying to force my
hand is to do precisely what I would have done had they not attempted
it."
    Ethan
was startled. "Good God, Jeeves, did you just offer me an actual
personal opinion?"
    Jeeves
only gazed at him serenely. "Why would I do that, sir?"
    Ethan
shook his head. "Right. Sorry. My mad imagination at work, I
suppose. Besides, I cannot go to Lord Maywell's. I did not accept the
invitation."
    "Have
no fear, sir. I took the liberty of accepting it for you."
    Ethan
closed his eyes briefly. "That doesn't mean I'm going, Jeeves."
    "Of
course not, sir. Have an enjoyable evening, sir," Jeeves said
calmly.
    The
hired carriage stood outside, as ready as if it were his own. Truly,
Ethan had never commanded such service before he'd hired Jeeves. The
man was, indeed, a treasure, just as advertised by his previous
employer, Miss Lillian Something-or-other.
    Ethan
wasn't one to look a treasure in the mouth.
    Settling
into the seat, he gave his gloves a final tug and pondered his
evening. He'd half-decided to try his luck at the Liar's Club tables
tonight, just to show that lot that he couldn't be railroaded into
anything—but Jeeves's words kept floating through his mind. "
Do
precisely what I would have done had they not attempted it
."
    And
the fact was, if Etheridge had kept his annoying gob shut, Ethan
would have at this moment been on his way to answer Maywell's
challenge and take some more of his lordship's lovely money.
    With
swift decision, Ethan rapped on the ceiling of the carriage. The
small trap flipped open. "Maywell's, in Barkley Square!"
    The
carriage paused, then the driver began to turn. Ethan slouched back
onto the emerald velvet seat. He would go to Maywell's and do his
best to get thrown out. That would show those manipulative bastards
what!
     
    Jane
took a bit more care than usual with her hair tonight. When she was
done, despite the fact that she'd been dodging Serena's elbows for
brief glances in the looking glass over the vanity, even she had to
admit that she looked especially fine.
    Every
hair was in place, bound by strings of tiny pearls and ribbons so
sheer one could see right through them. The length was twisted
elegantly into a knot high on her head, which showed off her neck to
great advantage.
    "Ooh,
Jane! You do look nice!" Serena blinked innocently at her. "Have
you set your cap for someone who is coming tonight? Tell me, please
do!"
    Jane
paused in the act of applying finely ground rice powder to her face.
Set her cap? Is that what she was doing, setting her cap for Mr.
Ethan Damont?
    That
was ridiculous, of course. Why would she be dressing up for some
gambling, womanizing rake?
    If
not for him, then who?
    When
she couldn't answer that question, even to herself, Jane pulled every
pin from her elaborate hairstyle. While Serena looked on in horror,
Jane brushed out the