Page 104 of How to Ruin a Rake

“There’s an inn down the road where you can drink to your hearts’ content, but you will not continue to disturb my household and my wife with your drunken behavior.”

Mr. Courtland nudged Mr. Shelling and whispered very loudly, “Seems that Max has got a stick up his arse about something. Maybe we should go. He’s no fun anymore.”

Brice escorted the two men out, and Landon was left, still staring at Max.

“Perhaps you should join your friends.” Max said. “Goodbye, Landon.”

“You can’t do this to me,” Landon said. “I’m your best friend. We’ve shared everything together.”

“We used to share everything, but that is no longer the case. Your refusal to accept any responsibility for what happened to my wife and myself in Suffolk convinced me that you are incapable of growing up.”

“You look pretty damn pleased with yourself, Max. Marriage obviously agrees with you, so perhaps you should be thanking me,” Landon said.

“Thanking you because my husband is a man of honor who refused to walk away from a lady whose reputation you helped ruin?” Allegra spoke up. “He is a hundred times the man you are, my lord.”

Landon looked down at Allegra. “I see you’re as plain and opinionated as ever.” He smiled. “I suppose that’s why Max is stuck down here doing your bidding.”

“Get out,” Max said.

Landon bowed extravagantly. “I can’t wait to get back to London to tell them how the great Max Devereux is now being led around by the nose by a bossy bluestocking.”

Allegra tensed, but Max smiled. “Be my guest. I’ve never been happier.”

Landon turned on his heel and stalked out of the front door, leaving Allegra and Max staring at each other.

“Are you all right?” Max asked.

“Yes. They were rather drunk, but I had Brice with me the whole time.” Allegra shuddered. “What a very unpleasant man Landon is.”

“He’s spoiled and always expects everyone to forgive him.” Max came over and put his arms around her. “He cannot comprehend that some of us have standards.”

“Will he make trouble for you in London?”

“He’ll try, but I doubt anyone will listen to him except his friends, and I can assure you that none of those gentlemen count for much.” Max frowned. “You’re shaking.”

Allegra buried her face against Max’s chest and let him hold her.

“I’ll be fine in a moment,” Allegra said. “It’s just the shock.”

He smoothed her hair and gently rocked her until she raised her head and stared at him. The mingled concern and anger in his eyes was hard to look away from.

“All right?” he asked gently.

She nodded and eased out of his arms. “Did Mr. Lake get away safely?”

“I hope so. I didn’t wait to see him board the coach, but he assured me that it was on time.”

“He seemed very competent.”

Max studied her. “Yes. He’s the son of one of my father’s land agents and didn’t have enough to do on the northern estates. I must write to my father and thank him for sending Mr. Lake to me.”

“Oh, it wasn’t your idea?”

“No, it was one of my father’s little surprises.” Max made a face. “But I’m not going to complain. The complexity of the estate business has surprised me. I need someone more competent to understand it all. Mr. Lake didn’t make me feel as stupid as my father generally does, which I appreciate.”

For once, Allegra was heartily glad that she hadn’t voiced her doubts to Max. Carenza had been completely right about Max’s motivation.

He took her hand. “Let’s go into the kitchen and ask Mrs. Smith for a cup of tea. You still look rather pale.”