Free The Devilish Mr. Danvers: The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series by Vivienne Lorret Page B

peace, he couldn’t let that happen. Just as he was about to remind her of that, a footman appeared in the doorway, holding a paper-wrapped parcel tied with string.
    “Thank you, John,” Rafe said, grateful for the distraction. Crossing the room once more, he took the hefty package in both hands. “That will be all.”
    Inside, there was new cornflower blue muslin dress, a worsted-weight petticoat, two chemises, a short corset, several pairs of wool stockings, kid gloves and silk gloves, and a pink paisley shawl. He’d purchased far more than he’d intended, yet each item was chosen for the specific purpose of luring Montwood. Lucky for Rafe, his friend had always been drawn to damsels in distress. That blue gown was sure to bring Montwood’s focus to those haunting eyes.
    Rafe set the bundle down on a round mahogany table on the opposite side of the room. He crinkled the thick brown paper with the quick press of his hand. “This is for you.”
    He’d intended to deliver it to her at Greyson Park, but he was beginning to suspect that being alone with her, far removed from either servants or societal rules, might not be the most prudent choice.
    Hedley turned from the window, her inquisitive gaze drawing together as tightly as the parcel strings. “For me?”
    He shrugged as if it was a matter of happenstance. In truth, he’d spent the better part of a week in shops searching for just the right items. The only thing he hadn’t found was a pair of red shoes. She seemed fond of the color.
    “It is just the gesture of a gentleman, wishing to make reparations for our previous encounter.” Yet while he told himself the purchase was solely part of his plan to draw Montwood closer to marriage and losing the wager, even Rafe knew it was somewhat odd to have gone to such lengths for the precise color of shawl. “Although I do not imagine you would care to open it in my presence. Something tells me that your carnation pink blush would return.”
    “Reparations for what?” she asked, genuinely baffled.
    “I noticed that my clumsiness ruined the clothes you wore,” he lied smoothly. “Not to mention what Boris did to your shawl.”
    Confusion knitted her wispy brows. Her mouth opened. Closed. Then opened again. “Is this common practice in society?”
    “Of course.” He fought the urge to cross his fingers behind his back as if he were a child. “Otherwise, I would not have given it a second thought.”
    “Oh.” She inched forward, wary and wide-eyed. “Then thank you. However, I must say that it is unexpected and unnecessary.”
    He pursed his lips and lowered his chin. “I do hope you will not insult my honor by refusing it.”
    She swallowed. “It would not be my intention to insult you.”
    “Then you must accept.”
    “Again, I thank you.” She drew in a breath, her expression weighted as if he’d told her to drink poison or else he’d stab her with a knife. “Will you aid me with Greyson Park as well?”
    He considered it for a moment. “As long as you understand that I will do everything within my power to severe its link to the Sinclair family in the end.”
    His declaration must have snapped her out of her shock because that dimpled chin flashed up at him.
    It was clear by her huff of indignation that asking for his assistance had taken a great deal of effort. “Let us fight one battle at a time, shall we?”
    He nodded in agreement but couldn’t resist teasing her once more. “Then all that is left is to see you to your temporary home. I’ll order a carriage.”
    Instantly, Hedley went deathly pale. “I’ll walk.”
    “It is raining. The distance is nearly two miles,” he argued. “Therefore, I must insist.”
    “I would rather risk death than enter a carriage again. One would be akin to the other,” she said, her voice hollow, as if she truly feared death by carriage. There was no accounting for it. And her reaction both puzzled and concerned him.
    Without another word, she rushed