Free Between a Rake and a Hard Place by Connie Mason Page A

it.
    â€œThe lady will have to change her mind on that issue if the match with the Duke of Kent comes to pass,” Jonah said. “Royalty is never without company or protection.”
    â€œQuite, though convivial company is to be preferred over obvious security providers.” Lord Wyndleton’s expression turned thoughtful. “I pride myself on being a discerning judge of character, and it occurs to me that you have several useful qualities, Sir Jonah.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œYou know how to hold your tongue, even when not doing so might be personally beneficial for you. You seem to have a care for a lady’s safety as well as her reputation. And you are more than able to handle yourself in a tight spot.” He shook his head at the two guards who were stuffing their maws with delicacies from White’s menu. “Look at them. Totally oblivious to the fact that their time in my employ is fast drawing to a close.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be too hard on them, your lordship. Any man can be taken by surprise.”
    â€œBut you weren’t, were you? You think before you act, unlike those two, who can hardly take a trip to the privy without a ‘by your leave.’ Therein lies the difference between a gentleman and the man who by birth and inclination is more than half brute.” The marquis leaned forward. “Sir Jonah, I wonder if you would see your way clear to attending a house party and charity ball at my country estate.”
    â€œI shall have to consult my schedule. When will this event be held?”
    â€œActually, I was hoping you would leave with Lady Serena’s entourage on the morrow,” Lord Wyndleton said. “Since you are a gentleman, I won’t insult you by offering you pay, but I would consider it a great personal favor if you were to consent to become my daughter’s guard…without her knowledge, of course.”
    Steady on, lad , Jonah told himself. Don’t jump at the bait too quickly. “Lady Serena would not thank me for it.”
    â€œShe wouldn’t have to know, but I would and I would be…appreciative.” He tugged down his gleaming waistcoat. “I have many friends at court. New peers are created every day, but only if one has the connections required to see letters patent to fruition.”
    The marquis wanted his help very badly if he was ready to dangle the possibility of a peerage before him.
    â€œThat won’t be necessary.” Not to mention once Jonah fulfilled his commission to Alcock to seduce Serena, the marquis would no longer have reason to be grateful. “But I am willing to assume responsibility for your daughter’s safety.”
    Just not her purity.
    A niggling ache bloomed in his chest. He hadn’t felt it in years, but he recognized the sensation with a start.
    It was his conscience.
    He tamped it down. He had his own family to protect. His brother’s happiness shouldn’t be destroyed because Alcock threatened Jonah with the scandal of treason. He steeled himself to his task. The end justified the means.
    â€œVery good, Sharp. Present yourself at my town house before eight o’clock on the morrow. You’ll travel with my daughter to Wyndebourne.”
    â€œLady Serena is an intelligent young woman. She’ll wonder at my inclusion in her party.”
    The marquis tapped his temple for a moment. “Have you an interest in horseflesh?”
    â€œI keep a fair stable at my country home.”
    â€œIn that case, you may put out that you intend to inspect the stock at Wyndebourne with an eye to purchasing a new brood mare. After that, you may as well stay on since I’ll see to it that you’re invited to the house party and ball.”
    â€œThat’ll do.” Jonah rose. “Good-bye, milord. If I’m to leave town tomorrow, I have matters to attend today.”
    The marquis frowned. “Most people ask to be dismissed from my