When Only a Rake Will Do by Jennifer McNare Read Free Book Online Page A

asked, surprised she hadn’t seen him there before.
    “Not nearly as often as I’d like,” he confessed, “though I endeavor to take this hulking brute out whenever time permits.”
    “He’s beautiful,” Daphne said, admiring the magnificent stallion he sat upon.  In addition to his immense size the stallion’s gleaming coat was a rich shade of black while his mane and tail were a snowy white.  It was a striking combination.
    “Samson was a gift from my brother,” Brendon replied, patting the stallion’s neck affectionately.  “An incentive to spend less time at sea no doubt,” he continued with a chuckle.
    “Do you spend a great deal of time away from home, my lord?”
    “Far too much time according to my family,” he professed with a wry smile.  “In fact, if they had their way I’d likely never leave port, though in truth I don’t spend nearly as much time abroad as I used to.”
    “I can only imagine all of the places you’ve been and the incredible things you’ve seen.”
    “It has been quite an adventure,” Brendon acknowledged.  “But even as rewarding as it’s been, life at sea, all the time spent so far from home, it’s grueling as well and certainly not for everyone.”
    Daphne nodded in understanding.  “Nonetheless, I can’t help but envy you,” she admitted with a wistful smile, “for you have explored the world while I have never traveled farther than Yorkshire.” 
    “You’re young,” Brendon said, his tone encouraging.  “You’ve still plenty of time to see the world.”
    She did her best to appear optimistic.  “Yes, I suppose that’s true.”  But would she really, she couldn’t help wondering, for she would soon be wed and to the best of her knowledge the Earl of Blackburn wasn’t known to be much of a world traveler.  Perhaps when the old reprobate succumbed to age and ultimately cocked up his toes, she thought morosely.  But even so, with his eldest son set to inherit his title as well as his fortune, who knew if her widow’s pension would even allow for such luxuries. 
    Oh good gracious , she thought guiltily, mentally scolding herself in the very next instant, for she had just been picturing herself in widow’s weeds when in actuality she had yet to walk down the aisle.  And in any event, despite her intense dislike of the earl she would never long for someone’s death, not even his, and certainly not so that she could derive any sort of benefit from it. 
    They continued to walk the horses for a while, chatting pleasantly until Brendon’s mount began to grow restless beneath him. 
    “Well, my lady,” he said with an apologetic smile, “much as I hate to cut our conversation short, I believe Samson is itching to stretch his legs.”
    “Of course, please don’t let me keep you,” she replied, hiding her disappointment behind a cheery expression.
    “Until we meet again then,” Brendon replied, tipping his hat gallantly.
    “Until we meet again,” she repeated.  And despite the utter foolhardiness of it she did hope that they would meet again, and not only within the confines of her dreams. 
    Watching as he rode away, Daphne knew that it was both silly and utterly pointless to become enamored with one of London’s most notable rakes, especially considering her present circumstance.  But like the scores of other women who had undoubtedly fallen under Brendon Leighton’s spell, she couldn’t seem to help herself. 
     
     
    Dismounting at the rear of the house a short time later, Daphne handed her reins to the young footman.  “See that the grooms give Titus a few extra sugar cubes this morning, will you Timothy,” she said, lovingly stroking her gloved hand along the horse’s long muzzle before stepping back.
    “Yes of course, my lady,” Timothy said, bobbing his head as he tugged gently on the reins, leading Titus toward the stable.
    Making her way into the house a few moments later, Daphne glanced toward the side table that