Page 23 of Gone with the Rake

Releasing a breath, she scanned the ballroom with her gaze. In order to complete her mission, she needed to find—

Ah! There she is. Lady Stanhope—the dark-haired countess with the eyes of a huntress, well-known for her untamable spirit when it came to passionate liaisons. Lady Stanhope was entangled in many a scandal because of said spirit, shamelessly and openly making her husband a cuckold.

Lydia made her way toward the lady through the crush of bodies. She kept Art in the periphery of her vision to make certain that he hadn’t spotted her.

If he had, would he even recognize her?

Unlikely. Not in her fashionable wig, shiny, expensive gown, or how she’d changed in over a decade.

She reached the countess, who was in deep conversation with another scandalous lady. A gorgeous blonde with striking blue eyes. Miss Edith? Miss Alice? Lydia didn’t remember, not that it mattered.

She casually strode up to them and flipped open her fan. “Lady Stanhope.”

The countess, who was mid-sentence, looked Lydia up and down, then smiled. “Mrs. Lawless. I did not think I would see you here. You are not exactly one to frequent boring events such as a celebration of the return of a recluse earl. Unless you’re interested in said earl. Now that, I would understand.” She flipped open her fan and started vigorously shaking it. “He is quite a catch, isn’t he? Although he seems uninterested in female attention except to get his ward preemptive approval before her come-out, which means that, unfortunately, you and I are not of interest to him. Frankly, I am surprised we were invited.”

It’s because Honoria forged our invitations. Lydia smiled. “You are right. I find these kinds of functions quite boring. I suppose so do you. It is not the earl I have my eye on, however.”

“Ah, so a gentleman did catch your eye?” Lady Stanhope narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. She was known to be quite competitive with her liaisons. If a woman pointed out a man she fancied, Lady Stanhope would have to get him first.

Lydia sniffed and looked out into the crowd. “Indeed. Alas, he is currently looking quite uninterested.” She pointed her fan discreetly at Art. Who was now dancing with Mr. Prescott’s daughter. How odd. First, a conversation with the man, then a dance with his daughter… What was that about?

Lady Stanhope raised her brow. “Thorn? Oh, please. One does not even have to try.”

“Oh, but I did. And he didn’t so much as look my way.” Lydia feigned a pout.

“That man isn’t even worth a challenge. He is a known rake.” Lady Stanhope laughed merrily.

“He is not worth the trouble,” the blonde woman chimed in. “All the rumors about his prowess are grossly exaggerated.”

Lydia raised her brow. “Have you already had him in your bed then?”

The woman lifted a shoulder in a delicate shrug. “I have. But he didn’t… ahem… rise to the challenge.”

Something burned deep inside Lydia’s chest, and it took her a lot of effort to maintain her composure. “How about you, Lady Stanhope?”

The countess shifted uncomfortably before raising her chin. “Not yet. But the rumors of his conquests are legendary. Perhaps the problem does not lie with him.” She threw a pointed glance toward the blonde.

“Pardon me.” Lady Wakefield suddenly appeared by their side. She looped her arm through the blonde’s as if they were the best of friends. “Would you mind if I steal you away for a brief chat?”

The two women shortly departed, and Lydia leaned closer to Lady Stanhope. “Would you care to test that theory? A shilling says you can’t lure him into the garden and keep him occupied for the next thirty minutes.”

“Thirty minutes?” Lady Stanhope let out a musical laugh. “That is too easy.”

“Then it will be an easy wager to win, won’t it?”

Lady Stanhope shrugged, but her calculating gaze was on Art. “That challenge is hardly worth an effort.”

“And you need to keep him occupied through any distractions.”

“Pshaw! Get ready to part with your silver.” Lady Stanhope flipped her hair back and squared her shoulders. “As soon as this dance is over, I am getting my prize.”

The bait was set. Now it was time to wait. “Good luck.” Lydia smiled at the woman and walked away. She picked up a glass of wine from the footman’s tray and moved to stand by the column at the edge of the ballroom.

“Is the plan in motion?” Honoria whispered from behind her.

Lydia jerked in surprise but quickly composed herself. As a servant, Honoria had mastered the art of staying hidden in plain sight. “Yes,” she answered without turning around. “Just as this dance is over, Lady Stanhope is going to lure him for a tryst in the garden. I just need to wait for a few minutes for them to get engrossed in a liaison before approaching them.”

“Are you certain Lady Stanhope will take the chain off him?”