Writing the Rake - Ellie St. Clair Page 0,1

she reasoned. He had that way about him, a presence that overtook every room he entered. It was certainly not unique to her, she was sure, for she was one of many women — too many women — who had experienced much the same life-changing kiss.

Life-changing because he had ruined every other kiss that would ever come again in her future.

Damn the man.

No, she told herself decidedly as she held her head as high as her short stature allowed her to. Benjamin Luxington was not for her. He was a rake, a rascal, and she wished she had never laid on eyes on him.

But she had learned her lesson. And she would never be taken in again.

“That was lovely,” Benjamin’s sister-in-law, Fredericka Luxington, Lady Dorrington, said as they entered their carriage following the ceremony. Instead of the traditional small wedding breakfast, Madeline’s father, Ezra Castleton, was holding a grand affair to celebrate the marriage of his beloved only daughter to the newly discovered and decreed Earl of Donning.

“I think Donning did well for himself,” Benjamin opined as he sat across from Freddie, as all knew her, and his brother Miles. “The earldom was floundering when he gained the title, and Miss Castleton brings with her a vast dowry.”

“Not only the dowry,” Freddie added, holding up a slim, pointed finger, “but she is a businesswoman in her own right.”

Benjamin nodded. Freddie was right. From what he knew, Madeline Castleton spent as much time at her family’s business as her own father did, if not more.

“I’m surprised Donning is fine with it,” he mused.

“How did you become acquainted with him?” Miles asked, his brows furrowed with his question as he studied Benjamin.

“Through Chesterpeak,” Benjamin responded with a wince. Chesterpeak was one of his deceased father’s favored friends. He was owner of The Nomad, and his home was a site of much gambling and other vices, with which Miles would be displeased.

Miles’ disapproval of the connection made sense, as their father had attempted to have Miles considered a lunatic due to his deafness, and then had him nearly killed in the process.

Benjamin should have prevented it. But he had been blind to it all, and he had never forgiven himself for it.

“Was Donning acquainted with Father?” Miles asked after reading Benjamin’s lips and crossing his arms over his chest, the leather of the seat squeaking as he leaned back against the squabs.

Benjamin nodded. “Somewhat. He was better friends with Thomas Chesterpeak. Then Chesterpeak was the one who introduced me to Donning.”

“I see,” Miles said, but from the tight press of his lips against one another, Benjamin was rather concerned with just what he saw. Miles was likely already judging Donning before he had even met him.

“He’s not a bad sort,” Benjamin defended him. “Nor is Chesterpeak. He has all of the connections, it seems. I’ll tell you, the people I’ve met through him—”

“People?” Miles interrupted. “Or women?”

Benjamin decided he was done with this conversation. Yes, Miles was right. But the way he said it, with such judgement in his tone, caused Benjamin to only want to defend himself — and for what? He had done nothing wrong, and he didn’t see why he needed to argue with Miles over simply enjoying himself with women from society — women who welcomed his company.

He shrugged. “There is nothing to be concerned about, Miles.”

Miles snorted. “You’re too trusting, Benjamin,” he said. “You have to learn to see the truth in people, and not only what you like to see in them.”

“I—” Benjamin was saved from the conversation, however, as they approached the entrance of the Castleton household.

“Behave yourself, Benjamin?” Miles said with a raised eyebrow, but Benjamin said nothing in response. Once they had all departed the carriage, he allowed his brother and his wife to go ahead, while he stayed a step behind.

He would enter alone — which was always for the best.

“Oh, look!” Alice said from where they stood at the outskirts of the elaborate gilded drawing room. “There are Lord and Lady Lovelace. I heard there was some scandal involved in their marriage, but I have not determined just exactly what it is yet. And oh, there is Lord Ingersoll. He is ever so handsome, and I heard, Celeste, that he was actually interested in your friend Jemima, but of course, she married the valet. Her story has been on the tongues of many, and I think it is utterly romantic. I do hope to speak to her about it one day.”

She looked