How to Seduce a Duke by Kathryn Caskie Page B

you?”
    A vein throbbed along the young man’s wide forehead, and his red face almost seemed to pulse. “To the garden, now. ” He grabbed Rogan’s sleeve and turned him toward the passage.
    “You are making a dangerous mistake, sir,” Rogan said, shaking the man’s hand loose.
    “The mistake was yours, Your Grace, the moment you touched my wife.”
    “But I didn’t. I am sure I would remember.”
    “Outside.”
    Rogan lifted the edges of his lips and set Lady Upperton’s glass of wine on the tray of a passing footman. “Then let us continue our discussion in the garden, as you suggested, sir. It is rather stifling in here, and I could use a bit of fresh air.”
    Rogan’s full lips twisted into a smirk as he followed the irate fool down the passage and through the French windows into the garden.
    He removed his gloves and shoved them between his waistcoat and lawn shirt for safekeeping.
    Yes, perhaps a little air would cool his new friend’s ire. But if not—Rogan flexed the fingers of his right hand, then curled them into a tight fist—he would take matters into his own hands.
     
    The moment Blackstone left the drawing room, what Mary took to be the second part of the elderly quartet’s scheme was put into place.
    Lotharian eyed Lady Upperton and tugged upon his earlobe.
    “Dear gel, the moment I distract Lady Tidwell—you will know the moment if you watch carefully—you must at once appear at your beau’s side. Your opportunity shall not be available to you for long, so the sooner you can convince him to quit the room, so much the better.”
    Mary reached out and took Lady Upperton’s chubby little hand. “Lady Upperton , I do appreciate your efforts, but truly—”
    Her round face glowed. “I know you appreciate my help, which is why it so gladdens me to assist you in all ways. It has been so very long since I felt so needed.”
    Oh, that wasn’t at all what she had been trying to say, but it was too late now. Mary winced. She had no choice but to play along.
    Lady Upperton patted the top of Mary’s hand, then slipped her own from her grasp. “ Lotharian beckons again. It is my moment. Watch for your opportunity!” With that, the tiny woman barreled like a hogshead through the throng, paying no heed to the perturbed guests she left scattered in her wake.
    Mary cupped her hands over her eyes momentarily. When would this evening end? Never before had she endured so many face-reddening moments in one night.
    “Darling.”
    Mary lowered her hand and looked up to see Lord Lotharian standing before her, with Lord Wetherly beside him.
    Lotharian grinned at her. “Miss Royle , I just made the acquaintance of Viscount Wetherly , the famous war hero. Of course, I wanted to introduce him to you, but I have just learned that you are already acquainted.”
    “Oh, yes, Lord Lotharian , we met only minutes ago.” Mary turned to Lord Wetherly and felt her cheeks redden with the embarrassment from this insane scheme.
    “Are you ill, Miss Royle ?” True concern etched the corners of the viscount’s vivid blue eyes.
    She opened her mouth to assure him she was not, but it was Lotharian who responded.
    “Miss Royle’s cheeks do appear somewhat heated.” Lotharian withdrew a handkerchief from inside his coat and dabbed his own high-set cheekbones. “I daresay, it is rather close in here. Perhaps a stroll in the fresh air would revive you, Miss Royle .”
    “I-I suppose it would.” Mary looked from Lotharian to the viscount. “Shall we all go together?”
    Lotharian flapped his handkerchief in the air. “Nothing would please me more, Miss Royle , though I promised Gallantine I would introduce him to Sir Corning.” He looked to the viscount. “I wonder if you, Lord Wetherly , would do me the favor of seeing to Miss Royle ?”
    A most attractive smile appeared on Wetherly’s lips. “I shall be honored, sir.” He straightened his back and excitedly offered his arm to Mary. “Shall we, Miss Royle