The Art of Taming a Rake (Legendary Lovers 4)

His genuine amusement was apparent. “You continue to surprise me, love.”

When he advanced yet another step, crowding her against the railing, she waved the muzzle at him. “I’ll thank you to keep your distance.”

“Or what? You will shoot me?”

“I might, if you push me far enough.”

He had the temerity to laugh. Venetia’s fingers reflexively tightened on the stock. While he stood there, relaxed as ever, she debated whether to cock the hammer.

Of course he was in no danger, since she had not bothered to prime the pistol with ball or powder. If he were to call her bluff, she would look like a fool. Indeed, she felt like a fool already.

Venetia exhaled a breath in self-disgust. She had let Traherne goad her into threatening to fire when she should have maintained control of her emotions. Normally she was calm and even-tempered, but this maddening man invariably brought out the very worst in her.

While she wavered and considered how to back down from her empty threat, his voice softened.

“I admire the courage of your convictions, Miss Stratham. I should have known better than to provoke you.”

Now he was trying to appease her? It wouldn’t work, Venetia pledged, even as he continued.

“I suppose it is time to come clean, sweeting. I am not paying court to your sister—”

“So you say.”

“You are entirely correct that we are not at all suited. Ophelia is too young and mild-mannered for me. Even so, I am showing her attention, although not for the reasons you imagine.”

“Then what are your reasons?”

“I am attempting to do a good deed and bring her into fashion with the ton.”

His admission made no sense. “What on earth do you mean?”

“With me lending her countenance, she can attract admirers who are suitable.”

Venetia eyed him narrowly. “Why would you trouble yourself?”

“To compensate in small measure for my actions during your betrothal.”

She stared at him in confusion. She could not fully comprehend Traherne’s motives, but his declaration took the wind out of her sails.

“You are playing matchmaker for Ophelia?” she asked uncertainly.

“Actually, my sister, Skye, and my cousin Kate are the matchmakers, and I am attempting to avoid their numerous matrimonial traps. But chiefly I am acting for your sake.”

“Mine? I don’t understand.”

“I feel somewhat responsible for what happened to you two years ago.”

“You actually feel responsible for my broken engagement?”

“For the scandal that resulted from your rift. Don’t look so astonished. Had I not brought Ackland to the church in such a dissipated state, you might have ended your betrothal in a less public forum.”

“I am astonished. Count me as shocked.”

“It is not so shocking that I would want to protect you. You have no man to fill the role since you jilted Ackland and your father disowned you, so I can honorably step in now. You are the weaker sex, after all.”

Venetia clenched her teeth at his bald claim, but then faltered. From the glimmer in his eyes, she understood his intent. He was deliberately riling her in that highly provocative way of his—and clearly enjoying it.

“I doubt you believe that women are weak,” Venetia finally retorted. “I am acquainted with your sister and cousin, and from everything I have observed, you think very highly of them both.”