The Rake's Rebellious Lady by Anne Herries Page A

he cheated. When I played with Tom I usually won.’
    ‘Ah, yes, your brothers,’ Freddie said. ‘Do you think either of them will join you in town?’
    ‘I do not think so,’ Caroline said wistfully. ‘Tom would if he could afford it, I think, but Nicolas is in France at the moment. He was sent as a liaison officer and I have not heard from him for almost a month now.’
    ‘Well, perhaps he will surprise you on his return,’ Freddie said. It would be interesting to observe her with her brothers, he imagined. ‘Ah, George, you see I have captured Miss Holbrook. I told you I should persuade her to join us.’
    ‘Oh, good,’ Julia said and then blushed shyly. ‘I should like that of all things, that is if Miss Holbrook chooses.’
    ‘I believe we are to oppose each other, Julia, and I must wish you good fortune, though I dare say you will not need it with Mr Bellingham as your partner.’
    ‘Julia is a demon card player,’ George said and laughed.‘Do not be deceived by her modesty, Miss Holbrook. I warn you, at the card table she is ruthless.’
    Caroline laughed. She felt fortunate to have been singled out as a fourth at their table, for some of the other company were not likely to be as much fun as her companions.
    Someone had begun to play the pianoforte as they settled at their table. As the room was so large they were able to hear the music without losing concentration on their game, or disturbing those who wished to listen to the music. It was a very comfortable, pleasant arrangement.
    ‘It is such a nice large room,’ Caroline remarked. ‘Of course, not all houses are built so obligingly.’
    ‘Deuced difficult to heat in the winter, I imagine,’ Freddie observed. ‘I prefer separate rooms if the play is serious, but for an evening like this it could not be bettered.’
    ‘Yes, though it is too warm for my liking. Not like your barn of a place, Freddie. That is cold even in summer,’ George remarked.
    ‘You are right, George,’ Freddie replied. ‘I am thinking of making some changes for the future.’
    ‘You will need to when you marry.’
    ‘If I marry…’
    ‘My dear chap,’ George said. ‘Your uncle would be damned annoyed if you do not produce an heir, I should imagine. You owe it to the family, you know they are relying on you.’ George coughed behind his hand. ‘I beg your pardon, ladies, I forgot myself for a moment. Remiss of me. Mixed company, you know.’
    ‘Oh, you need not fear,’ Caroline said and dimpled at him. ‘You must know that I have heard far worse from my grandfather. When his gout is playing him up the air is like to turnblue. Poor Mama almost fainted one day—the things he said to her!’
    ‘Grandmother is a little like that, though she lowers her voice so that I shouldn’t hear,’ Julia said. ‘But of course I do.’
    ‘I do not believe I know your grandfather,’ George said, wrinkling his brow. ‘No one has mentioned him in my hearing.’
    ‘Really, George,’ Freddie drawled. ‘Surely you’ve heard of the Marquis of Bollingbrook?’
    ‘Good lord!’ George looked astonished. ‘Everyone knows—or has heard—of the Marquis, of course. I hadn’t connected the two.’
    ‘I believe Grandfather was a rake,’ Caroline said. ‘At least when he was much younger. I know there are some mysteries, secrets in his past, but of course he has never told me anything.’
    ‘No?’ Freddie raised his brows. ‘You surprise me, Miss Holbrook. I would have imagined quite otherwise. However, perhaps I can unravel at least one of those mysteries for you. I know that your grandfather once took part in a bare-knuckle fight that lasted for twenty rounds. That is one of the few of his escapades that it is permissible to repeat in polite society.’
    ‘How did you know that?’ Caroline asked, her mouth quivering as she quizzed him with her eyes. ‘Tell me, sir—did he win?’
    ‘Yes, I believe he did.’
    ‘Oh, well done, Grandfather!’ Caroline said and