The Dangerous Love of a Rogue by Jane Lark

with your brother, no more unaccompanied rides.”
    She held her father’s gaze for a moment, before looking back at John.
    He nodded.
    What had Lord Framlington done to be deemed such a villain? Many men needed to marry for money, Lord Framlington was right, that in itself was not a crime. He was a rogue too, but many men were that also, they lived recklessly then grew up – as John had done.
    But surely if he intended marrying her his rakishness did not matter, he was not planning to seduce and desert her. Her father’s and brother’s arguments were groundless.

    Mary focused on her breakfast. Perhaps John had some vendetta against Lord Framlington; he had not spoken against any other man so adamantly.
    Perhaps she would ask Lord Framlington why her brother disliked him tomorrow.
    The thought of meeting him made her appetite slip away and a dozen butterflies take flight in her stomach.

Chapter 5
    Drew strolled into White’s, his gentleman’s club, seeking masculine company, a game of cards and conversation.
    He found his friends in their usual place. Harry Webster, Mark Harper and Peter Brooke sat in the first salon.
    “Fram!” Harry called. “I thought you were hunting Miss Marlow…”
    Drew smiled. “She is attending a musical soiree, a place where it is impossible to pursue the chase.”
    His friends laughed. Drew signalled to a footman to bring him a glass of brandy.
    “How goes the seduction?” Mark asked when Drew sat beside him.
    “If it were simply seduction it would be done, but as I am seeking a wife the game is more complex. Despite allowing me certain favours, Miss Marlow has given not a single indication she will agree to become my wife.”
    “Favours?” Peter laughed.
    “Tell,” Harry added.
    Leaning back into the winged leather chair and letting his hands fall onto the arms Drew grinned at them all. “I am hardly likely to share. If all goes according to plan she will be my wife.”
    “I cannot see why that prevents you,” Harry pressed, his gaze darting across the room then back. “Your brother never keeps his triumphs in the dark.”

    Drew looked over his shoulder, sure enough his eldest brother sat a distance behind him, accompanied by their brother-in-law, Lord Ponsonby. Ponsonby had married Drew’s eldest sister. Neither man was an example Drew wished to emulate. A sneer touched his lips. Drew’s sister, Ponsonby’s wife, was no better.
    The only member of his family who had not broken their marriage vows was his younger sister, Caro, Lady Kilbride. However, her husband, the Earl, had. That man had a violent nature too which poor Caro constantly lived in fear of.
    Caro was the only member of his family Drew felt close to.
    Drew looked back at Harry, glowering.
    “I take it you will not then,” Peter quipped.
    Drew’s gaze spun to his best friend. “Definitely not!”
    The others laughed.
    A footman appeared with a tray bearing Drew’s brandy. Drew took his drink, then looked over his shoulder at his eldest brother, who was now looking at Drew.
    Drew lifted his glass, in mock salute, then turned back to his friends.
    * * *
    Raising the dress of her ivory satin gown, Mary hurried along the garden path.
    She’d left at the commencement of a set, hoping her family would not notice her absence. They were all busy dancing or talking.
    There were no lanterns to light the way, deterring couples from strolling into the garden but the night sky was clear and moonlight shone through the leaves of shrubs in places so she could see the route.
    Etched in the moonlight Lord Framlington’s figure formed a vivid silhouette in the darkness when she reached the glass house.

    “Miss Marlow,” he called, stepping forward when she drew near.
    Her heart skipped and her stomach spun like a top. She’d barely been able to eat since she’d last seen him, and she’d not slept last night; as her thoughts danced a reel.
    She had to end this. It was beyond foolish.
    But she wanted to be alone