“He is aknownrake.”
“As were half the men at Almack’s last week,” Evan shrugged.
“He is known to gamble away his fortunes and has accrued considerable debts!”
“Who among us does not enjoy a bit of sport?”
With each passing retort, her patience seemed to grow thinner. The Duke was having fun pushing her like this.
If for nothing other than payback for requesting his presence at such an odd hour.
“He has no sense of propriety, Your Grace. You do not understand; he is abadman. And he is much older than her.”
“Some prefer that. They believe that with age comes a certain kind of wisdom.”
“I cannot believe that you are not yet seeing the error in his ways.” Her tone tinged with frustration. “He has ruined reputations and left women in scandal.”
Evan leaned forward slightly. “Then, Lady Isadora, I must ask—are you concerned for your sister’s welfare… or simply disappointed that he has not yet turned his sights on you?”
Isadora shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor. He had finally pushed her to the limit. Evan was surprised it took that long—usually people snapped a lot quicker when he tested them like this.
“I have made a grave mistake in coming here. This is a colossal waste of my time,” she fumed.
“Now, now. I am merely offering you a counter argument. You need not get so worked up over it.”
She turned toward the door, her breath tight in her chest. “Worked up over it? Forgive me, Your Grace, if I am not too interested in debate when my sister’s fate hangs in the balance. You are clearly more interested in jesting than actually helping.”
Evan exhaled then stood. She was no fun. “No need to bedramatic,Lady Isadora. You seem to take everything to heart. “
She spun to face him, her eyes blazing. “You mock me and then chide me for having a reaction.”
“Oh, no. You are much mistaken.” His lips curled into a smirk. “I do not mock, ever. I only observe.”
She exhaled through her nose, turning back toward the door and reaching out to turn the handle. Evan watched her carefully.
But just before she could leave, he spoke again.
“Tell me, Lady Isadora… just how far are you willing to go to stop this wedding?”
She froze and turned back to him, slowly.
“I care about my sister more than anyone else in this world. I need your cooperation at any price.”
Ah.There was a sincerity in her voice.
“Careful.”
“Careful of what?” There was a slight edge to her voice—one born out of true desperation though she did not let it show in her expression.
“Of offering anything without considering the cost.” He pursed his lips. It was not every day that a situation like this presented itself to him.
“I know exactly what I am saying,” she said firmly.
“Do you?”
“I do,” she insisted. “If it takes bargaining, if it takes persuasion, if it takes—” She hesitated just a second too long..
“If it takes what, Lady Isadora?” Evan smirked.
