Rules for Reforming a Rake(14)

Ian threw his head back and laughed. “You’ll find her most accommodating.”





CHAPTER 4




A rake’s weapon of choice may be a blade or dueling pistols, but a young lady’s weapon is her fashionable gown.


“DAISY, DO STOP FUSSING,” Eloise gently chided as she and Daisy rode in Eloise’s carriage one week later on their way to Lord Hornby’s ball.

“I can’t help it.” Daisy wished she’d never been invited to the ball, though the night was perfect, another in a string of unusually warm evenings. The scent of lilac wafted in the air as they drove through the park, filling the compartment with a magical hint of early spring. “I feel like an enormous snowball in this hideous white satin and lace confection. I can’t seem to get comfortable.”

Eloise leaned forward and patted her hand. “You look perfect and I’m certain there’ll be a dozen young men who’ll declare that very thing to you before the night is through.”

Daisy seriously doubted it. “Will your grandson be there?”

“Yes, Gabriel will—”

“No, not him.” Ugh! “I mean Alexander.” After all, he was the war hero and heir to the earldom. Gabriel, although handsome enough to send any woman into raptures, was an irritating bounder and she hoped never to see him again.

“Oh, I see. Unfortunately, Alexander is delayed at Trent Hall on important business. But Gabriel–”

“When will he return to London?”

“Alexander?” Eloise shrugged. “In about a month, I expect.”

“That long?” How was she to meet her future husband if he refused to come to London? She hadn’t considered the possibility when she’d first formed her plan. This was a major setback, she had to admit. What was she to do now? Wait for Alexander? But he could be delayed longer than a month, perhaps not make it to London at all this season.

Well, she could wait out the month, but she would have to form another plan on the chance that her first didn’t work out. It was only prudent, after all. And how hard could it be to keep her eye out for other potential prospects? There were plenty of eligible bachelors around. Just not Gabriel Dayne.

Eloise let out a soft chuckle. “Gabriel will keep us company until then.”

“What? Why him?” Daisy sank back in her seat and sighed. Ugh, again! Never him! “Must he? Forgive me, Eloise. I don’t mean to be rude. I know you love your grandson and enjoy his company... that is, when he behaves himself. But he so rarely does. I wish I could help you to reform his rakehell ways, but he can’t abide me. In truth, I don’t like him very much either.”

Eloise’s eyes were suddenly agleam. “Hmm, help me to reform him? Now that’s an intriguing thought, actually quite a wonderful idea. Thank you, Daisy. I’m so glad you offered.”

At first, Daisy laughed. Then she realized Eloise was serious. Her heart shot into her throat and she grabbed the carriage door to steady herself. “No, that isn’t what I meant at all.”

Eloise was too busy grinning from ear to ear to pay attention to her protests. “We shall begin tonight. Why waste a moment?”

“Because it’s a terrible idea,” Daisy insisted, shaking her head in dismay. “I’ve never had any suitors. None. Not a one. How am I to deal with any man, much less a rake as dangerous as your grandson? I wouldn’t know where to start. Or how to defend myself.” Or how to protect my heart.

“Oh, dear. You’re right.” Eloise emitted a long, slightly disheartened sigh. “No, that won’t do. You’re much too innocent to understand the wicked workings of a rake’s mind.”

Daisy nodded in agreement. “I’m completely inept.”

However, Eloise’s eyes were still agleam. “But I have the perfect solution to our little dilemma. You—”

“There is no solution,” she insisted, her frustration mounting.

“Nonsense, child. I know exactly what must be done to turn you into a worthy adversary for my grandson. I’m going to lend you a book.”

“A... what?”

“Not just any book, but a brilliant exposition of warfare between the sexes. It’s called Rules for Reforming a Rake and was written several decades ago by Lady Forsythia Haversham, one of the most respected strategists of her day. Never doubt that these rules still apply.”

Daisy’s eyes rounded in horror as Eloise continued. “My dear girl, you must look upon each ball, musicale, or soiree as a battle to be engaged, the enemy being the unrepentant bachelor.” She leaned forward and patted Daisy’s hand. “Said bachelor is ever on the alert, his ears pricked and body defensively poised to repel any attack on his freedom.”