Page 71 of A Rogue to Forget

Grant could not keep from chuckling. “Quite a conundrum.”

“I would have clarified things, except that it was impossible to do so without embarrassing the hostess, and in turn, her daughter.”

“Not a good week for us. I’ve probably lost the money by fighting with that idiot Tom Roberts.”

Miles had plans to one-up him and it was curious that he seemed to have forgotten it at the moment. Something about the evening had affected him in an unexpected way. Either he’d fallen in love with the widow Louisa, or the young daughter of the hostess had made an impression.

“What happened?” Grant asked as he stood to prepare for bed. “Perhaps you can woo the widow away from the man she came with.”

When Miles did not reply, Grant turned. “What happened?” he repeated.

“I am to escort the young woman to a social party at Louisa Kent’s home.”

At this, Grant could not help but laugh. “Ah. Just out of curiosity, who is the young chit you have to parade with?”

“Freya Sinclair.”

Grant stopped at the bottom step and gawked at his friend. “She is astonishingly beautiful. Every gentleman of suitable age has tried to court her. Why would her mother ask you to?”

It was comical when Miles gave him a droll look.

“Ah yes, that’s right,” Grant said. “You are titled, wealthy, and from what I hear, quite handsome. You are what is considered the perfect catch.”

Miles paced to the window to peer out into the darkness. “I do not plan to marry anytime soon, and therefore, must find a way to ensure not to hurt her opportunity to find a husband. To be rejected by me would ruin her.”

“Then ensure she rejects you.”

His friend turned to look at him, his lips curving. “Perfect idea.”