Stephanie Laurens Rogues' Reform Bundle by Stephanie Laurens

transgression.”
    Lenore could have wilted with relief.
    â€œHowever,” Jason continued, seizing the opportunity fate had so thoughtfully provided, “I suggest we quit this locality before your esteemed aunt is further stimulated by our presence.”
    Difficult to counter that argument, Lenore thought, giving conscious effort to maintaining her calm smile as she permitted Eversleigh to place her hand on his sleeve and lead her away from the fireplace. As she fell into step beside him, she saw her aunt’s maid Janet and her father’s valet Moreton slip into the room. As soon as her father and his sister had finished their tea, it was their invariable custom to retire. Mr. Pritchard would have already gone up. Given what she sensed of the mood of the guests, Lenore felt her own departure would not long be delayed. Catching sight of the Ladies Moffat and Harrison, still under the wing of Frederick Marshall, she decided to drop them a hint.
    She attempted to veer in their direction, but her escort prevented her, trapping her hand on his sleeve and raising his brows in mute question.
    â€œI should just like a word with Lady Harrison, Your Grace.” Lenore seasoned her request with a smile and was surprised to see her companion shake his head.
    â€œNot a good idea, I’m afraid.”
    When she stared blankly at him, Jason explained, “I fear I make Lady Harrison and Lady Moffat somewhat nervous.”
    Lenore decided she could hardly blame them. Waspishly, she replied, “If you were to suppress your tendency to flirt, my lord, I dare say they would manage.”
    â€œ Flirt ?” Jason turned his gaze full upon her. “My dear Miss Lester, you have that entirely wrong. Gentlemen such as I never flirt. The word suggests a frivolous intent. My intentions, I’ll have you know, are always deadly serious.”
    â€œThen you are at the wrong house, Your Grace. I have always considered the theme of my brothers’ parties to be entirely frivolous.” Lenore had had enough. If he was going to use her to sharpen his wit upon, then two could play at that game.
    â€œI see,” Jason replied, a smile hovering on his lips. He started to stroll again, Lenore perforce gliding beside him. “So you consider this week to have no purpose beyond the frivolous?”
    Lenore opened her eyes wide, gesturing at the throng about them. “My lord, you have visited here before.”
    Jason inclined his head. “Tell me, Miss Lester. Am I right in detecting a note of disdain, even censure, in your attitude to your brothers’ parties?”
    Catching the quizzical look in his eyes, Lenore chose her words carefully. “I see nothing wrong in my brothers’ pursuit of pleasure. They enjoy it and it causes no harm.”
    â€œBut such pleasures are not for you?”
    â€œThe frivolous is hardly my style, Your Grace.” Lenore delivered that statement with feeling.
    â€œHave you tried it?”
    Lenore blinked.
    â€œWith the right companion, even frivolous pastimes can be enjoyable.”
    Lenore kept her expression blank. “Really? But no doubt you are an expert on the topic, Your Grace?”
    Jason laughed lightly, a smile of genuine appreciation curving his lips. “ Touché , Miss Lester. Even I have my uses.”
    Oddly warmed by his smile, Lenore found herself smiling back. Before she could do more than register that fact, he was speaking again.
    â€œBut tell me, given your antipathy for the frivolous, do you enjoy organising such events as these, or do you suffer it as a duty?”
    Try as she might, Lenore could see no hidden trap in that question. Tilting her head, she considered the point. “I rather think I enjoy it,” she eventually admitted. “These parties are something of a contrast to the others we have from time to time.”
    â€œYet you take no part in your brothers’ entertainments?”
    â€œI fear my pursuits