Free When Only a Rake Will Do by Jennifer McNare

course,” Ashleigh Leighton responded with a cheerful expression, “it is our pleasure.” 
    “Yes, we’re delighted to have you,” Nicholas Leighton agreed graciously.
     
     
    From across the room, Brendon looked on as his brother and sister-in-law greeted the final guests to arrive, Thomas and Daphne Hewitt.  Earlier that afternoon, when he’d learned that Lady Daphne and her brother had been invited to such an intimate gathering, he’d immediately sensed that something was afoot.  With Ashleigh sure to have witnessed him dancing with Lady Daphne at the Chesterfield’s ball, his intuition suggested that his well-intentioned sister-in-law might be trying her hand at match-making. 
    Then, when she’d informed him just moments ago that he would be serving as Lady Daphne’s dinner companion, his suspicion had all but been confirmed.  Unfortunately for Ashleigh, however, he wasn’t prepared to surrender his carefree lifestyle just yet.  Not that he had anything against the state of matrimony, for he had only to look to his brother’s union to see the joy and happiness it had brought to his life.  Even so, marriage wasn’t for him, at least not yet anyhow.  Nonetheless, he had to give Ashleigh credit, for she knew him well, focusing her attention upon one of the few women he might have actually considered if he was in the market for a wife.
    Fixing his regard solely upon Daphne then, his discerning gaze sweeping from the top of her blonde curls to the tips of the green satin slippers peeking out from beneath the hem of her gown, he drank in every detail of the enchanting vision she presented.  Looking breathtakingly lovely, she was outfitted in a striking off the shoulder gown of ivory silk with emerald-colored rosettes affixed to the shoulders and matching green ribbons woven throughout the artfully designed bodice and along the hemline of the full skirt.  It was an elegant, sophisticated style that hugged her feminine curves in all of the right places and made her appear older than her years.
      As he watched Ashleigh begin to steer Daphne and her brother through the small assembly of guests, making introductions along the way, he gave himself a mental shake, mindful that despite the potent, undeniable attraction he felt toward the enticing beauty, the young lady was in fact an innocent and therefore regrettably off-limits.
     
     
    “Lord Huxley, I have partnered you with Lady Willowby this evening,” the duchess said to Thomas as they stood before the countess, an attractive, middle-aged widow who was said to have inherited a small fortune from her late husband.  “I’ve no doubt that the two of you will get along famously.”
    It appeared that the duchess’ assumption was correct as the two greeted one another, for both Thomas and Lady Willowby seemed quite pleased with the arrangement.  It wasn’t altogether surprising, Daphne mused, for Thomas was a handsome fellow, having inherited their father’s wavy, chestnut-colored locks and vivid blue eyes.  In addition, her brother could be quite charming when he chose to be.
    Watching him from the corner of her eye, Daphne could almost see the wheels begin to turn within his head as the two conversed.  Hmm, she thought.  If his pursuit of Miss Flemming proved unsuccessful, Lady Willowby might well find herself the new recipient of her brother’s iniquitous attentions, despite the difference in their ages.
    Moments later, as Thomas continued to chat amiably with Lady Willowby, the duchess led Daphne to where her brother-in-law stood alongside Alexander and Tiffany Warrene just a few feet away.
    “And you, Lady Daphne, will be escorted by His Grace’s brother, Lord Leighton,” she continued, motioning to Brendon.  “I believe the two of you are already acquainted, are you not?” the duchess asked, regarding Daphne expectantly.
    “Yes, Your Grace,” she said, smiling politely to Brendon.  “Lord Leighton and I were introduced at Lord and