“Don’t listen to his nonsense, my lord.” Remmy flicked dismissive fingers toward Kenneth. “He’s just jealoushe’snever been featured.”
“Ye’re right, I am!” Kenneth toasted his friend. “Ye ken how hard I work for that title? It would be nice to get some recognition?—”
“For all yourhardwork, yes,” drawled Merevale, as Remmy chuckled. “Longhours?”
“He getsdeepinto it,” Remmy agreed mockingly.
Kenneth sipped his brandy placidly, then quipped, “What can I say? I like to be in thethickof things. Wouldnae do to go off half-cocked.”
“You are a blessing to the women of London,” Merevale deadpanned, his eyes sparkling with humor. “Youthrustinto their ranks, neverdickingabout.”
“In and out, in and out, all night long,” Remmy sighed. “Alwayscoming…then going.”
Kenneth nodded solemnly. “Penis.”
Remmy hid his snort by gulping his drink.
“Sir Kenneth’s jealousy aside, Ives, the point stands.” Merevale plastered on hispreparing to educate the younger agentsexpression which Kenneth knew so well, and planted his forearms on the table. “Being featured in an article like that ghastlyRake Reviewwould have its benefits. I personally did not appreciate the notoriety, but I suppose someone in your position could use it to promote your theater.”
“Andimpress the ladies,” Kenneth smirked.
“And impress the ladies,” Merevale smoothly agreed. “Were that your goal?—”
“It should always be yer goal.”
Remmy rolled his eyes at Kenneth’s unhelpful interruption. “I don’t need help when it comes to impressing ladies,buta bit of notoriety would be ideal. What would I have to do?”
The answer was immediate, was it not? “Become a rake. A famous rake. I could offer ye lessons, if ye wanted.”
Kenneth was ignored, to no surprise.
When Merevale grinned, it seemed calculating. His suggestion proved it. “A wager. You each are given a sufficiently rakish task, and whomever wins claims the title of rake.”
As Remmy exclaimed his approval, Kenneth sat back in his chair, his eyes narrowed as he considered Merevale.Whywould the man make such a suggestion? Why would he be, even now, giving Kenneth a look, urging him to accept the wager?
Well, it wouldn’t be the first time Kenneth had jumped into the unknown, trusting another agent’s judgment. And if that’s what his superior wanted…
“A wager!” He slammed his palm down on the table and grinned enthusiastically. “A fine idea. That will get ye noticed bythe Brazen Belle and herRake Review, Remmy! And if ye are, I promise to be pleased for ye and not mope about in despair because Istillhave no’ received the recognitionIdeserve!”
Remmy opened his mouth but Merevale interrupted. “Since you consider yourself the wronged party, Fraser, you may choose Ives’ task.”
Hmmm. Kenneth sipped his brandy. “Something outrageous. Something public.” He watched Merevale from the corner of his eye, hoping for some hint at the direction he was supposed to go, but received nothing. Perhaps Remmy’s task wasn’t the new Earl’s purpose. So Kenneth shrugged. “Strip naked and go for a swim in the Serpentine. In the middle of The Fashionable Hour.”
Remmy’s gape turned into astonished laughter.
Even Merevale smiled approvingly. “That will most certainly get you notoriety, Mr. Ives. And for you, Fraser, since you pride yourself on your ability to seduce any female…” Merevale turned to Remmy. “What shouldhistask be?”
Well, the Earl had all but stated it, hadn’t he? And Remmy took the hint. “Well, that’s easy. Kenneth has to seduce the least seducible of theTon’sladies. Seductible?”
“A true wallflower!” Merevale interrupted. “Excellent. I know just the one.”
Kenneth watched the Earl, trying to figure out the man’s angle. Why had he suggested such a wager? Why had he manipulated Kenneth’s focus in such a way? Why was he now brimming with enthusiasm for the seduction of one of those least interesting of ladies: a wallflower?
It was Remmy who prompted eagerly, “Who? Who?”
“Ye sound like an owl,” muttered Kenneth, but then he forced his expression into bland interest. “But aye, who is the meek flower of London Society I am to instruct in the art of pleasure?”
Merevale held his gaze for a long moment before nodding over his shoulder. “Miss Barbara Fokette.”
