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gambling as well, but only when the stakes are high. His favorite activity is ruining young lords who don’t have better sense. He easily talks them into a game of losing their estates.”
    “I believe I have heard of him,” Jonathan chimed in. “His holdings are quite vast, and another of his past times is ruining young ladies.”
    “Hmm, I would not mind pitting my talents up against his,” Greyson said. A devilish gleam shone in his eyes as he shuffled his ever-present deck of cards.
    Richard imagined it would be quite an entertaining match. As skilled as Greyson was, however, he did hate to lose, and Richard would worry at the outcome.
    “Anyway, the rejection will not sit well with him, and I do suspect retaliation.” Richard hoped the idea would distract Greyson from his current train of thought.
    “Regardless, we must reject his membership, so can we adjourn this meeting?” Jonathan stood. “Due to Richard’s little love scene, I’m already late for a very important meeting with my current mistress.”
    “Go. We are done here,” Greyson acknowledged, not raising an eyebrow at Jonathan’s ‘important’ meeting.
    “Please forgive me for detaining you,” Richard added with a mock bow.
    Jonathan inclined his head and left, no doubt anxious to begin his evening. Jonathan’s plans actually worked out better for Richard, as he had hoped for an opportunity to speak with Greyson alone.
    “Are you in a hurry to leave as well?”
    “No, there are no claims on my time.” Bitterness rang from Greyson’s words.
    “I wondered if I could recruit your help with something,” Richard began, unsure of how to proceed with his newly developed plan.
    “I would be happy to. Is there a problem?”
    “Not a problem. I’m currently working on something, and I’m not quite ready to tip my hand.”

Chapter 5
    Brianna hesitated as long as she could in the ladies’ withdrawing room. She could not understand why the Marquis of Stonemede had to show up again. Throughout the evening, her mother had unfortunately kept a close watch on her and was never far from her side. In spite of that, luck remained with her once again as her mother was unable to secure an introduction with the marquis. If her luck continued, she imagined she would be able to make it through one more ball without procuring the dreaded presentation.
    Another negative aspect of the evening was Mr. Richard had yet to surface. Several times she caught sight of someone with similar features on the dance floor, but was never awarded enough of an opportunity to confirm or deny his presence. After the incredible experience they had shared in the carriage, she imagined he would have made his way over to her already if he was in attendance. His kiss had been more passionate and fiery than the last, and the difference fascinated her. Then when he’d touched her . . . Her body burned simply thinking about it.
    When she had arrived home the previous night, James had yet to return, so she was able to tell Ashley how Mr. Richard offered her a ride home before James burst in, frantic with worry. Once he laid eyes on her, he calmed down. However, after Ashley heard his accounting of the events, she said she would no longer help in the future with anything she deemed reckless. Brianna sincerely hoped Mr. Richard would show up so she would have no reason to seek him out again.
    Reluctantly exiting the withdrawing room, she immediately spotted her disapproving mother, who, sadly, made eye contact. Her mother’s displeasure caused Brianna’s mind to conjure up possibilities and raised questions. Had Mr. Richard arrived? Had he approached her mother? She certainly would not condone a relationship with him, being untitled. Would Mr. Richard be willing to see her secretly? Should she want him to? Luckily her disturbing questions were interrupted by the sight of a gentleman approaching her mother.
    Brianna held back, watching as her mother turned her nose up at the man.