Free Her Impetuous Rakehell by Aileen Fish

them might escape Town. It was becoming quite apparent the was not the best place for Laurence to remain.
    As he sat at his dining table—another entirely new experience, breakfast in the morning, at a table—he read the morning paper, briefly skimming over the financial news to be certain his interests fared well. How odd to now be concerned about them. He had enough money to live comfortably through the longest of lifetimes and leave enough behind to see Louisa and her eventual family equally well off.
    His butler paused in the doorway. “Lord Knightwick is here to see you, sir.”
    “Show him into my study, Gilly.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Folding the paper and setting it on the table, Laurence drew in a deep breath. Knightwick knew about the kiss.
    Knightwick stood by the bookcase, studying the titles. When he saw Laurence, he said, “You’ve come by quite a collection in such a short time. I never knew you to be a reader.”
    “I’m not. Some came with the house, and your mother ordered several she felt would improve my mind.”
    Smiling, Knightwick nodded. “That sounds like Mother.”
    “Shall I call for some coffee?” Laurence motioned to a chair before he sat behind his desk.
    “No, I have errands to run. I must to speak to you on a certain matter of some urgency.”
    Here it came. Laurence waited for the dressing down. He was surprised at the calm demeanor Knightwick was able to maintain, when the situation gave him leave to come to blows with no one thinking ill of him.
    “Mother says you’ve been seen at more than a few assemblies of late.”
    “Yes. It would seem I’ll go to any means to appear respectable.” Laurence waited for the outburst.
    “I was surprised to hear it. Yet it serves me well.”
    Was it possible Knightwick didn’t know about the kiss? “How can I help you?”
    “I will be away for two weeks,” he said as he sat. “Mother has mentioned Lord Downham is making his attentions quite obvious, and she suspects he might not have the best of intentions.”
    “I’ve thought that very thing. In fact, I’ve said as much to Lady Hannah.”
    “You can’t be seen spending an excessive amount of time with my sister, of course, but it would ease my mind if you would keep an eye on her while I am not here.”
    Laurence gritted his teeth to keep from laughing aloud. Knightwick had no inkling he was asking the fox to watch over the henhouse. “I’m more than happy to do so. I’d half a mind to ask you why you weren’t attending the balls alongside her. Not that it’s my place to tell you your duty to your sister.”
    “Quite so. Mother says they are to attend a theatrical at Vauxhall tonight with Lord Downham. There are too many opportunities there for Downham to take advantage of Hannah. Will you go in my place? Is there someone you might ask to accompany you with so little notice?”
    “I will send a note ‘round to Mrs. Turner.”
    Knightwick’s gaze came up. “Do you think that a good choice? Given your past relationship with her? Mother might feel insulted, and will certainly think it casts a dim light on Hannah.”
    “No one thinks ill of Mrs. Turner when she appears at an assembly. I spoke to her recently at Lady Kettlemore’s ball.”
    “That’s quite a different situation. Regardless, I think Hannah would be suspicious of your presence if you brought Mrs. Turner among their party.”
    “I could escort Lady B.” Laurence gave him a wry grin.
    “She’d never have you.” Knightwick leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over his knee. “I am serious, Oakhurst. What have you been doing at all those balls if not meeting the young ladies?”
    He wasn’t going to answer that. “How can I improve my reputation if I’m seen flirting with half the ladies in the Marriage Mart and choose not to marry any of them?”
    Knightwick shook his head. “I imagine it was foolish of me to think you’d know any respectable single women. Never mind. I know of one who will