Page 56 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“Nay, my lord. He is alone.”

Thank Christ.

“Good. Show him in,” Harrington said.

Moments later, Taylor entered the room. Although he wore an elegant Schweitzer & Davidson waistcoat, dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his shoes remained scuffed.

He removed his hat and bowed. “Please excuse my interruption. Lord Ethan, Lord Wellspring, Mr. Eaton, may I have a private word with you?”

This could not be good. Dread crawled up Evan’s spine as the four of them headed to Ethan’s study.

Once seated, Taylor scraped his fingers through his hair, leaving his curls unruly and disheveled. Then he cast his gaze about the room, studying the corners. He wrinkled his nose.Open, close, open, close—his lips didn’t seem to know what they wanted to do. Perhaps he was about to confess what nefarious secret Greyson held over him.

“After being knocked out the other day, Lord Greyson wishes to call a truce.”

Mayhap the feud truly had ended. Evan tried to school his smart-arse grin.

“Lord Wellspring, he does not plan to disclose what he knows about you and the gentleman servant.” He slid his gaze to Evan. “Or what he discovered about you and Lady Katrina.”

Harrington growled. “What did he discover about you and my sister, Eaton?”

Evan closed his eyes and exhaled what might be his last breath. Any second now, Harrington would grab him, wrap his hands around his neck, and squeeze.

Big ol’chicken-shite that he was when it came to his feelings for the lady, Evan ignored the question and posed one of his own. “What does he want from you, Taylor? Money? Caroline’s return so that he can mistreat her?”

“My loyalty,” Taylor said.

“I see,” Harrington said, his angry gaze still fixed on Evan.

Shoulders hanging, Taylor stood and plodded to the door.

Evan posed his question differently. “What does he have on you? Is it that he discovered you have feelings for Caroline?”

Taylor faced them, his movements so slow it was as if he was navigating his way through thick honey. “Caroline has been good to my father. She is a virtuous woman, but I harbor no romantic inclinations toward her. For now, Lord Greyson is under control.”

Interesting. Taylor had not denied he was being blackmailed.

“For the best,” Harrington said. “I have promised my aunt that this feud is behind us. I cannot continue to have him harass my family, friends, and servants. Besides, we are leaving for Trent in a few days’ time.”

Evan nodded his agreement.

“Hopefully, the worst is behind us. Good day, gentleman.” Taylor closed the door behind him.

Harrington cleared his throat. “What in the hell does Greyson have on you? And you better pray it isn’t what I am thinking.”

Well, if hewas thinkingthat Evan had done unseemly things to his sister in a public place where anyone could see, he’d be correct. Evan would soon be toothless, for he’d have to stand there and take the beating he deserved.

Damn. He liked his teeth. His smile was one of his best features. Especially when it came to charming the opposite sex, but it was time to unburden himself and tell the truth.

Evan blew out a long breath as he steadied himself. Standing, he met Harrington’s intense gaze and held up his hand. “Now, mate, please try to stay calm. You wouldn’t want to kill your nephew’s other uncle.”

Harrington leaped from his chair. Before Evan had time to brace himself, his best mate’s fist smashed his chin.

Chapter twenty-three

July 6th, 1818

Katrina had never been intimidated by Ethan. Two years her senior, he’d always been so easygoing—until this summer. During her entire visit, he scowled. Currently, he sat across from her, his chin propped on his steepled fingers, his jaw tense. Their conversation was going nowhere, but at least he wasn’t bellowing.