Devil's Desire by Laurie McBain Page A

planning on joining your friends in wedded bliss?"
    "That's not the point, and anyway, I have four brothers who are quite capable of keeping the nurseries full, and I'm too old now to set up housekeeping with one woman." He frowned as if the thought were too painful to contemplate. "But I have acted responsibly and discreetly with my liaisons, which I might add, you have not. In fact, I believe you purposely enjoy causing gossip. You aren't satisfied with one ladybird. No, you have to have half a dozen fighting for your favors; flaunting your presents in every gaming hall from London to Paris. But even that doesn't satisfy you, for then you entertain certain Ladies of Quality whom you treat as casually as your other paramours. There are rumors, after this last affair of yours with Lady Mariana, of kicking you out of Almack's, Now you can't allow that!" George expostulated heatedly.
    "I don't give a damn about those clucking hens at Almack's," Lord Trevegne spoke in disgust.
    "And how about Peter? What kind of an example are you setting for him?"
    "You know, George, if you weren't such an old friend I'd call you out for the liberties you have taken this morn. No one has ever dared to speak to me thusly." His voice had hardened with his meaning, the golden eyes darkened.
    "I'm only doing what I consider to be my duty."
    George said a trifle too heartily, then cast a look of speculation on the Marquis as he added, "And maybe it is about time that someone began to talk back to you. Do you a bit of good to be given a dressing down."
    The Marquis laughed in genuine amusement "You think so, George? I've yet to meet the man."
    "Maybe it won't be a man . . ." George hinted obliquely. "Maybe you'll meet your match in a feminine devil in skirts, who'll humble you with a look from provocative eyes that only have disdain in them for you. And if you aren't careful you'll lose her—the only time in your life when you'll desire something that you won't be able to buy   or win," George concluded, turning red as he gave Lord Trevegne an embarrassed look, surprised by his own vehemence.
    "Well, well, I had no idea that you had turned into a crystal-gazer, George. So, you believe I shall meet a paragon—no," Lord Trevegne paused, a sneer on his lips, "a she-devil if she's to be my mate—who will give me a royal setdown." He laughed again, his black head thrown back. “I hope I've not long to wait for this confrontation. If what you predict is true, then I shall look forward to it with anticipation. It promises to be a fiery affair—be sure to keep a safe distance, George, or the sparks that fly will no doubt set you alight."
    George guffawed loudly, unable to repress the smile that hovered upon his lips as he threw up his hands in defeat. "You're a devil, Alex. You mock everything—nothing is sacred to you. But listen, if you were married and settled down, then people would be appeased. A wife will add respectability to even the most roguish of blackguards."            -
    "If I ever get married, it certainly won't be to satisfy a bunch of snoopy busybodies, sticking their pointed noses into others' affairs," Lord Trevegne answered, a twisted smile on his lips as he continued in mock offense, "and to think you hold me in such low esteem—a roguish blackguard, indeed! Would you have me do penance in sackcloth and ashes, prostrating myself on a marriage bed in atonement for my plunge into dissipation?"
    "Certainly not!" George disclaimed, shaken. "I certainly do not hold you in low esteem, Alex. Why, you're a gentleman of the highest order. Your name is certainly not to be held in derision by anyone—in fact I have never heard a slur cast upon the name of Trevegne. There is no one more honorable than you, Alex, but—well, you have a damnable reputation for being a libertine; for seeking your amusements to the exclusion of all else. Not that there is anything wrong in that—but must you always succeed? It's the envy and jealousy