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n with the intent to rob the rich mill owners—no innocent there … and yet, there was something in her eyes and face that told him otherwise.
One way or another, he was going to find out soon! He was going to call in his debt and see just what she did about it. If she were innocent, she would renege before she climbed into his bed…
The notion of getting her into his bed immediately gave him a hard-on, and he was barely able to respond when a group of his friends hailed him as he entered the club’s main room.
A quick survey of the room found Taffeta’s brother at the card table. Tarrant casually walked into the elegant green card room furnished for a man’s comfort and came near the young duke. In his unhurried fashion, he watched him as he laughed and pushed his cards away.
“Well then, lads, I own myself fairly fleeced.” He began to rise, though his young friends entreated him to stay, and one called out merrily. “Come on, green ‘un, if you leave, where is the use? There ain’t another who will lose his blunt as readily.”
Seth gave the lad an amiable slap across his shoulder setting up a chorus of laughter, and the duke turned to find himself looking at Lord Tarrant.
Tarrant smiled to himself for he saw that Seth eyed him uncomfortably for a moment, and he could guess the boy was remembering the last circumstances when they had eyed one another.
“My lord,” said Seth sounding uneasy.
“Duke,” said Tarrant amiably—damn if the lad wasn’t blushing. “I have been hearing things about you in the House of Lords. Mean to have a go at them, do you?”
“Well … someone must. Nigel and I are staunch believers in change.” He waited a brief moment and added,” Our system is addle-brained if it will not accept change with the modern world. We are overwhelmed with the injustices dished out to English subjects…” he grinned looking sheepish. “Do stop me … I know I go on and on, ‘tis a pet peeve of mine.”
“Not at all. I agree with you, but it won’t be an easy or quick thing, you know.”
“What won’t be an easy thing?” cried a large casually dressed man. He walked up and put a friendly hand on Tarrant’s shoulder and gave him an affectionate shake. “Easy? That isn’t a word to describe anything you do, you old devil you!”
“Jimmy!” Tarrant’s said boyishly as he greeted his friend. “When did you get back from Leeds?”
“Last night, and I head about you and Bruton. Beat him again, eh?” He shook his head. “Don’t know why you let him egg you into these things, Thurston. Dangerous man…”
“Oh, and I suppose you think I am a puppy at his mercy?” His brow lifted.
James Fenmore laughed easily. “Take a damper. You know I meant no such thing, but that one doesn’t play by the rules…” He immediately changed the subject by turning to Seth and asking, “Now who is this young pup?”
Tarrant made the introductions, and soon the three fell into easy camaraderie. It was not long before they went off together to Jackson’s saloon for a bit of ‘sparring’ with the champion.
All the while, and in his own fashion, the he was taking the young duke’s measure and liking what he found. It didn’t fit with the game they had been playing in Nottingham. He still could not understand how or why they had allowed Taffeta to join in their prank.
He could see the lad was full of fire and brimstone and plans to change the world for the better. It was all so very intriguing.
Chapter Four
Thurston Tarrant watched the entrance Lady Taffeta made with Nigel on one arm and her brother on the other. She was a diamond of the first water, and he heard the remarks of both men and women all around him. Her aunt, the Lady Sissy Marble had launched three daughters in years past and knew the knack of throwing a ‘coming-out’ ball.
Lord Tarrant bent to Sarah Jersey, the regent’s favorite and present mistress, and whispered in her ear. “A favor…”
She turned and her words sounded hopeful to Tarrant. “Rogue … but do quickly, ask away, for Tarrant, you are the very specimen of a man … and I like you in your black velvets…”
He laughed, “Ah Sarah, I can always count on you.”
Surprise lit in her eyes as she asked, “What is the devil Hotspur planning? For I swear you are, and it has naught to do with getting me alone and in your arms!”
He smiled sweetly at her. He liked Sarah, but had to walk a delicate line. He had to appear to want her but stay far enough from the edge. “Lady Marble has it in mind to strike up a waltz for the first dance. I thought you might sanction it for Lady Taffeta?” He purposely caressed her with his gaze.
“You lecherous thing … she is too naive for you. Just look at her, a famous beauty yes, but those eyes … pure innocence.”
He looked at Taffy in her white satin gown which scooped low over her full breasts. She had chosen to offset the white with aqua threading throughout, and it was most charming. Her long, copper-tinged gold curls cascaded from the top of her head to the middle of her back, and wispy curls ornamented her forehead and ears. She was completely stunning. “Yes, I am, as ever a cad, but it is only a dance after all…”
“It would ensure her season, and Sissy and I are good friends…” She then rapped his knuckles with her fan. “Go on then … lead her out for the first waltz.”
~*~
