Free Rake's Progress by MC Beaton

unusual and estimable butler suggested perhaps I should look to the future – the children’s future – and make some friends in the ton . I am not of the aristocracy.’
    â€˜You are obviously of the gentry. You will not find any doors closed to you – if you go about it the right way.’
    â€˜And what is the right way?’
    â€˜I suggest you hold an entertainment and ask my butler how to go about it. It appears one must have a theme, decorate the rooms, and provide an entertainment which will intrigue society.’
    â€˜But I do not know anyone!’
    â€˜Send out richly embossed invitations. London is thin of amusements. Rainbird will know whom you should invite.’
    â€˜You are most kind.’ Esther rose to her feet as a signal that the call was at an end.
    â€˜May I call on you, ma’am?’ asked Lord Guy.
    â€˜I cannot allow that,’ said Esther gravely. ‘I have the children’s morals to consider. I fear you are a rake.’
    â€˜Rakes can reform.’
    Esther shook her head, unconsciously echoing Rainbird. ‘That only happens in books, my lord,’ she said sadly. ‘Only in books.’
    Lord Guy dismissed the carriage and walked slowly back to Clarges Street. Damn that supperparty! Was he never to be free of the scandal that had caused?
    Rainbird was waiting for him in the hall.
    â€˜Good evening, my lord,’ he said, taking Lord Guy’s cloak and seemingly oblivious to Manuel, who stood scowling in the shadows.
    â€˜Good evening, Rainbird. Mr Roger at home?’
    â€˜He is not yet returned.’
    â€˜Good. Come with me, Rainbird. You must return to Berkeley Square as soon as possible.’

FIVE

    â€˜Come, come,’ said Tom’s father, ‘at your time of life,
‘There’s no longer excuse for thus playing the rake –
‘It is time you should think, boy, of taking a wife’ –
‘Why, so it is, father – whose wife shall I take?’
    THOMAS MOORE

    Once more Rainbird sat facing Miss Esther Jones. He politely asked if she had enjoyed Astley’s and was surprised to see that his innocent question had brought a blush to her cheeks.
    He quickly changed the subject and asked how he could be of service to her.
    â€˜I do not know what your master has told you,’ said Esther, ‘but the fact is I am desirous of taking your advice and introducing myself to the ton .’
    â€˜I have given the matter careful thought,’ said Rainbird, ‘for my lord did mention the matter to me. I think a children’s party would be a good idea. There are many tonnish children in Berkeley Square.’
    â€˜What a wonderful idea!’ cried Esther. Then her face fell. ‘But how do I go about inviting them? Iregret to say I have not allowed Peter or Amy to play with any children.’
    â€˜It will be necessary for me to prepare the ground first,’ said Rainbird. ‘To that end, I must ask you two seemingly impertinent questions.’
    â€˜Go ahead.’
    â€˜Are you engaged to be married?’
    â€˜No, Mr Rainbird.’
    Rainbird smiled with pleasure at the flattering use of that little word ‘Mr’ in front of his name. The small courtesy meant more to him than any lavish tip.
    â€˜And,’ he pursued, ‘are you in comfortable circumstances?’
    â€˜Very. I regret to confess to one sin. I gamble on ’Change. It is said in the City that my wealth rivals that of Rothschild.’
    â€˜May I say, then, Miss Jones, you will have no trouble at all in attracting the attention of the ton when such facts are made known.’
    â€˜Are they all so mercenary?’
    â€˜In the main, yes. Of course, my master has a mind above such worldly things,’ said Rainbird, tilting his head on one side and looking at her searchingly.
    But Esther did not rise to the bait. ‘And how do you go about broadcasting such tempting facts? You can hardly