Page 68 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

Forever was such a terrifying notion. Or was it a comforting thought? He was overanalyzing things again. First, he needed permission to court her. Perhaps he should seek Georgie and Anna’s assistance. The Harrington brothers were quite docileand malleable around their wives. Not to mention, Grandmother Louisa was the best weapon in his arsenal. She’d adore Katrina and insist her grandson-in-law agree to the courtship. Just let the Duke of Astleyshire tell Grandmother Louisa that a third son was not good enough for his sister. And if Ethan mentioned Evan was too much of a rake after his own hedonistic days, the duke’s brother would receive a scathing rebuke from Lady Trent. Evan smiled. Why hadn’t he thought of this sooner? Yes, indeed, siccing the Eaton women on the Harrington men was a bloody brilliant plan.

And if it failed, he’d commandeer a carriage so he and Katrina could sneak off to Gretna Green.

Gretna Green? What the bloody hell?

The truth hit him in the chest with the force of a cannonball, knocking the last of his reticence from him. More than anything in the world, he wanted to marry the little girl who’d stolen his heart years ago.

It took all of his discipline to get them dressed and escort her back to the inn. So much that by the time he stood behind the old oak by the servants’ entrance, his exhausted body again trembled with need. If he was this randy after a few minutes walk with Kat, how in bloody hell was he to last days in a carriage sitting across from her? He’d have to clench his fists and talk down his cock as his best mate scowled at him.

“Until tomorrow, my darling princess,” he whispered as he passionately kissed her goodnight.

Chapter twenty-seven

July 8th, 1818

Kat’s last morning at the inn was bittersweet as her emotions vacillated between elation and trepidation. Overall, her stay in Brighton had been delightful. There was the time spent with family, the healing powers of the sea, and her magical rendezvous with Evan.

There was no reason to be sad. Even though she was leaving the coast, the joyous times would continue. She was about to meet her new nephew and see Evan’s home.

However, she could have done without the drama brought on by Lord Greyson’s maliciousness.Hopefully, with time, memories of the despicable marquess would fade. Evan Eaton would forever be her hero for standing up to the odious beast.

Kat teared up when saying her goodbyes, even though Aunt Justine had issued an open invitation.

“Remember, you are welcome with us any time,” she’d said as she handed Kat a package wrapped in brown paper and string to take to the baby.

Since Kat could not make the five-minute walk to Yardley Manor carrying her belongings, two of Justine’s footmen loaded her trunk into a horse-drawn coach, and her beloved aunt and cousin waved goodbye.

Once she arrived at Ethan’s home, she would join the party traveling to the East Midlands. However, three days in a carriage with Ethan growling every time she glanced at Evan left much to be desired.

Kat sighed. Instead of fixating ongoodbyes, she should embracehellos. There were so many things to look forward to—especially her visit to Trent Castle.

The last time she’d seen William, he’d laughed when Georgiana had called the Eaton’s family seat a castle.

“Castles have moats and balustrades,” he’d said.

Georgiana had pummeled his shoulder. “We have a turret. Just because it wasn’t built during the Dark Ages and doesn’t have a dungeon doesn’t mean it isn’t a castle.”

“Of course, beautiful.” Kat’s besotted brother had pulled his wife to him for a sickeningly sloppy kiss.

Not that any of that mattered to Kat since from all accounts, the Eaton home was lovely. And despite being somewhat scandalous, the Eaton family had a reputation for being charming. Besides, she missed William so much that herheart hurt.

She was a daft cow. There was no reason to be so nervous about the long ride. Anna would be delightful company, and when Ethan witnessed her sincere feelings for Evan, he would cease the negativity about their relationship.

She and Evan had been through so much together. Their childish denial of their feelings, an artistic dupe, her short courtship with one of his best friends, and a vicious blackmail scheme. She must remain hopeful because once her brothers accepted that she loved Evan, they could finally be together. Mayhap she should enlist assistance from Anna and Georgiana. They would convince her brothers that she and Evan were star-crossed lovers. And what if she endeared herself to the Dowager Countess Trent? Surely, Kat could. She was a darling of thetonand a diamond of the season, after all.

She exhaled her anxiety and inhaled hope. Make-believe butterflies flitted in her chest. What an adventure she was in for.

A horse whinnied, and the carriage halted with a jerk, jolting her forward. Somethingthunked.

“Heavens, no.” She peered out the side window.

They’d abruptly stopped on the main street—probably to avoid hitting another carriage.

Within moments, her coach lunged forward, rolling past a park resplendent with colorful flowers. Steadying her breath, she chuckled at her nervousness. Although she wasn’t as carefree as her favorite cousin and the man she loved, she had improved at taking things in stride since coming to Brighton. Mere weeks ago, she’d probably suffer an apoplexy at almost having a carriage accident. And now, here she was, enjoying the scenery. Pink roses. Tall purple flowers waving in the breeze. A seagull swooping close to squawk beside her window.

Relaxing against the back of the seat, she closed her eyes and imagined how wonderful the next couple of weeks would be.

Kat awoke with a start. What in the dickens was she doing sleeping in a carriage? It took her a moment to remember that she was on her way to Ethan’s.