Chapter 3

Sometimes Victoria wondered why she had decided a house party would be the perfect place to enact any sort of revenge. Not because it wasn't a suitable location to launch her schemes, but because she had to actually plan the bloody house party. Then there was the entertainment portion of the gathering. The guests truly expected she would provide them with something to ease their apparently constant state of ennui. As if one had time to ensure they all didn't suffer from something so mundane as boredom. She nearly rolled her eyes at that very thought.

But, as she needed these insufferable guests for her plan to work, she now sat in the library, going over the myriad of details for the upcoming fortnight. She'd planned outdoor activities, praying the English weather would be favorable. Victoria glanced out a nearby window and grimaced. Which thus far it was most assuredly not. The rain had been coming down for days now, confining the guests to the abbey. Which made everyone miserable. Her most of all… Because if she had to hear one more complaint, she might just make them all leave, and that would not do. Everything would be ruined.

"Why are you pouting?" a man asked.

She held back a grin. Victoria recognized that voice. She had wondered how long it would take for him to search for her. "I do not pout, my lord." She glanced up and met Lord Foxcroft's gaze. "I'm merely concentrating on my task."

He strolled farther into the library and sat in a chair near the desk. She was going over the meal plans for the next several days. Now that they were confined to the abbey, more structured dining would be more optimal, though she still would have a breakfast buffet set out for the mornings. Every single one of her tasks were pure tedium. Someone had to see to it, and she may not enjoy it, but it remained her responsibility.

"I had hoped we could have an honest conversation."

She glanced up from her menu. "Regarding?" Victoria arched a brow. This should be interesting.

"About this notion you have to become a rogue," he explained.

"Oh that," she said, and waved her hand dismissively. "We don't need to discuss that again."

"So, you've decided against it?" he said. "Thank God," he said in a relieved tone. "You had me concerned."

Victoria held back a grin. "You're a dear man," she said. "And a good friend. You need not be concerned about me at all." She settled back into her chair. "I've got it all in hand. I'll be perfectly fine."

"Fine with what?" He stared at her with an adorably befuddled expression on his gorgeous face. "Please tell me that you will not attempt to be a rogue wallflower."

"Oh," she said earnestly. "I most certainly am. I believe I already explained all of this to you in the game room." Victoria tilted her head to the side. "Did you misunderstand something?"

"I believe I did," he said. "Your inability to see reason."

"I can see reason with acuity, my lord," she told him in a haughty tone. "You don't like that I am taking control of my life." She folded her arms over her chest. "Just because you do not agree with what I want doesn't mean it is unreasonable."

"It is unreasonable," he insisted. "A woman cannot be a rogue."

"Of course, a woman can be a rogue," she grinned. Victoria leaned on the desk and bit her bottom lip. "A woman can be anything she wishes. Well, that is, if society would loosen its strictness a bit, anyway."

"You honestly do not care if you're ruined?" he asked.

"I do not," she said. "There's no reason to save my virtue. It isn't doing me any favors. It's holding me back from what I truly desire."

"And that is?" He lifted a mocking brow. "To be a rogue?"

No, she almost said. She desired him, the fool. Victoria blew out a breath. "It's more than merely adapting the behaviors of a rogue." How could she make him understand? "I want to live my life." She motioned to the surrounding room. "Right now, I'm going over menus." She stared at him. "Do you have any idea how dreadful it is to plan a menu for a plethora of guests that only complain about everything?"

"What does this have to be with your desire to be a rogue?" he asked.

"That is what is expected of me." She sighed. "I'm a lady. Therefore, I cannot do anything other than mundane tasks. Otherwise, I might tax my delicate mind and swoon or some other nonsense."

"And by becoming a rogue you will disabuse everyone of that silly notion." He nodded. "So, you want to ruin yourself, so your intelligence is more highly regarded." He tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. "You do realize that is the most ridiculous notion I've ever heard from you."

"That's a high standard, my lord." She tilted her lips upward into a coy smile. "How do you qualify it as the most ridiculous notion I've ever had? I'm certain I've had many over the years." Victoria should not find this so amusing, but her lips continued to twitch as she suppressed a giggle.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't play coy with me, love," he began. "Being a rogue wallflower will only lead you to heartache. I'm begging you to reconsider before you do something you'll forever regret."

"I understand," she said in a solemn tone. But she was still quite amused. Victoria wanted him to take this seriously and laughter wouldn't help her. "You don't think I'd make a good rogue?" She took a deep breath. "Be honest. Is it because I'm still a little plump?"

"What?" He stared at her as if she'd said something even more ridiculous than she wanted to be a rogue wallflower. "You're perfect. That has nothing to do with…" He sighed. "You're beautiful. Surely, you know that."

She would not blush. She. Would. Not. Blush. She would not blush… Victoria chanted that to herself in an attempt not to feel that burn on her cheeks. The pleasure of hearing him say she was beautiful—nothing had ever felt so good. "Then I shouldn't have any difficulty finding a lover." She set the menus aside. "If that is all…"

Bloody hell. This had not gone as he planned. David would have to attempt to convince her that his plan would work. It was the only way he could be by her side as she embarked on this foolish idea of hers. If he was with her, he could protect her. If she wanted to be a damned rogue, well, he'd help her with it. If she practiced all her wiles on him, she'd be safe. There was a very real possibility he wouldn't survive any of it, though.

"That's not all," he said as she stood. "If you're certain you wish to do this…"

"I'm quite certain," she interrupted him. "We've discussed this enough, don't you think? I understand your position, and I do hope you understand mine."

David took a deep, fortifying breath. "I do." He leaned forward. "I do have one question."

"Only one?" She quirked a brow. "I'd think you would have several. You've asked many already."

"Don't be cheeky," he said, but his lips twitched a little as he fought a smile. "I have one more. That might lead to another, depending on your answer."

She tilted her chin up. "Very well. Ask your question."

"Do you know how to be a rogue? How will you go about it?" He asked.

"I believe that is two questions, my lord. I knew it wouldn't be just the one at first." Victoria grinned. She met his gaze and replied, "I have a bit of an idea." She waved her hand dismissively. "I do have a brother."

"So you've gone to his club with him?" he prodded. "Seen him at a gaming hell? Witnessed him seducing a woman of ill repute." He gestured toward her with his hand. "Please tell me of these lessons your brother unwillingly bestowed upon you. I'm certain he will be grateful he's give you such a torrid education."

She sighed. "You're telling me I have much to learn before I can become a rogue?" Victoria stared at him pointedly. "How did you learn how to be a rogue?"

"I'm not…" He almost told her that he wasn't a rogue, but he had been. Once upon a time he'd rivaled even the Viscount of Harcrest for the most notorious rake in the ton. He'd spent all night at gaming hells and left so foxed he didn't remember his own name at times. Then his father had died and he'd had to dig his family out of debt. He couldn't tell her any of that, though. It wouldn't help his cause with her. He wanted her to turn to him. "Well, that is. I'm not that roguish."

"But you can be." She smiled encouragingly. "Tell me. What do I need to be a rogue? Give me your wisdom."

Now this was what he needed. Her attention was solely on him. If she spent her time with him, she wouldn't be off trying to seduce another man. But he couldn't have her working her wiles on him, either—at least not yet. Ardmore would happily murder him if David bedded his little sister before he married her. Once she got this notion out of her mind, then David could court her. As he'd wanted to for some time. She thought they were only friends. He wanted to be much more than that. This was an opportunity for her to see him as a potential husband, too.

"You need lessons," he said. "If you're to do this properly."

She studied him for several moments. Then she nodded thoughtfully. "You may be right." She scrunched her eyes together as she considered it. "I would have much to learn. It's not as if my friends would be able to help me with this." Victoria frowned, then slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. "But you could. You're my friend."

He had never hated being called a friend so much in his entire life. But in this one instance, it would be useful. David had to tread carefully with her. He didn't want Victoria to dismiss the idea of him helping her. He had to play this just right. "I am your friend." He nodded at her. "As your friend, I've been trying to offer you logical advice. Do you honestly believe I will give you lessons? Wouldn't that be encouraging you when I've done my best to do the opposite?"

"Well," she began. "I am going to do this regardless. If you do not wish to help me that is your right." She smiled at him. "I think, knowing you as I do, that you'd rather it be you giving me those lessons than another gentleman—scoundrel or not. But if it's too much for you, I understand." Victoria shrugged. "If you prefer I will ask another gentleman if he's interested in tutoring me in all things wicked."

That would not work. The idea of another man touching her was enough to drive him mad. "That's not necessary," he finally said through gritted teeth. "If you insist on this."

"I do," she told him. "I really do."

"Then I will help you." She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand to stop her. "I do have conditions."

"Of course you do." Victoria smiled. The waved her hand in his direction."Please. Continue."

"You will do everything I tell you. This will not work if you argue with me on every point."

She nodded. "I want to learn. I'm willing to do that."

So far, so good. He only hoped the next thing on his agenda would not make her decide against this. "If I tell you to do something for your safety, you cannot argue about it. I understand that you wish to be a rogue and do not care if your reputation is ruined. However, as you're still learning, I'd ask that you refrain from using these lessons on anyone else until I say you're ready." If it was up to him, she'd never be ready. He'd keep giving her lessons for the rest of their lives if need be.

"All right," she agreed. "When shall we have our first lesson?"

So eager… He sighed. "Tomorrow. Meet me in here and we will discuss what comes next." He stood. "For now, I'm to meet your brother in his study." He bowed. "Enjoy your menu planning." David gestured toward her lists. "When we speak again, I'll have your first lesson."

David turned and left her alone. He could not wait until the next day. He shouldn't be so excited, but this opportunity could not be wasted. She would be his. In time, she'd love him as he loved her. He only hoped that it would all go as he hoped. Because if he lost her… Nothing would ever truly be right again.