To Catch a Rake by Sally Orr

man destined to have the highest office in the Court of Common Pleas—not become shackled for life with a young lady who blushes every time someone speaks a sentence in her direction. No, to advance his calling, he needs a spouse with social skills, like myself, to further his ambitions.”
    “Mother, enough.”
    Meta turned to find James entering the cavernous library. A short, broad-shouldered gentleman of twenty-two, James wore a lovely velvet jacket the color of the strongest claret. He strolled over and greeted Meta warmly. “I’m sorry I was not here to greet you upon your arrival.”
    His mother interrupted. “I was just explaining to Mrs. Russell that the engagement between you and her sister is rightly called off. I mean—”
    “Thank you.” He moved to stand in front of her and held out his hand. “I know your intentions are good; however, I must insist upon speaking with Mrs. Russell in private.”
    Lady Codlington dropped her jaw before narrowing her eyes. “Now, son—”
    “Please, dear.” Beaming affably, James picked up his mother’s hand and exerted gentle pressure to pull her to her feet.
    She frowned, pulled her hand away, and rose without assistance. “Very well. Although I do not expect any change in the situation. I think—”
    “I really must insist this interview be private,” he said.
    Her ladyship shook her head and said her farewells. Her spirits remained benevolent enough to express her best wishes to Meta and her family.
    Meta curtsied, and the older woman left the library.
    James paused and watched his mother slowly leave the room, her gait revealing the effects of her age. “I apologize, Meta. She means well, truly.” He smiled, then held his hand out in a motion for her to sit. “It is difficult for any young man to convince his mother of his independence. I should’ve left this house and set up a residence of my own upon my coming of age. I am quite capable of independent living, but I reside here now solely to give her company and comfort, since she took to her sickbed for so many months after my father’s death. Unfortunately, there are consequences of remaining in your childhood home. And you just witnessed an example: the well-intentioned, but odorous interference in a grown man’s affairs.”
    Meta gave him a wistful smile. “Mothers believe their children are always in need of their advice and assistance. I’ll probably treat my siblings like children for as long as they live. Fitzy will be old and toothless, but I’ll still believe I might be able to help him. Oh, that sounds just terrible, doesn’t it?” Her cheeks warmed. “I really don’t mean to interfere, but I want to be present if they need me in any way. I would hate to see any one of them suffer or be unhappy.”
    “Don’t distress yourself. I have noticed you sacrifice your own comfort for the sake of your siblings. You left your husband’s lovely house in Sussex and moved back here to care for the entire household. As an only child, I truly believe the attention from a sister must be a wonderful thing, even if it might tire”—he winked—“on occasion.”
    “Oh, James, I do wish you will become my brother.” No gentleman had ever impressed her more by his kindness and amiability.
    He reddened slightly.
    “Please allow me to speak on the matter.”
    He shook his head. “Nothing can be gained by it. My aspirations to become a justice and hold higher office means my wife’s character must be beyond reproach. Later this year my name will be put forward in consideration for an important appointment at court. I think you fail to understand the scandalous tittle-tattle the rumor of a second edition has caused. The members of my club plan to spend endless hours trying to guess the identity of each new lady, under the assumption that the names differ by a letter or two. Even if the public did not immediately relate the initials in the book to Lily’s, they might someday, and a scandal would