Break some rules

carelessly, boots gleaming, in the direction of the room's great marble fireplace; cravat loosened, but not undone; hair artfully disheveled; eyes half-lidded, watching the flames flicker an

e should not marry. She's terrified of our mother's influence, Gabriel. And can you blame her? The woman has left her mark on each of us. And this is Juliana's cross to bear." "She is nothing like our mother. Her fear proves it." "Nevertheless. It is not we who must be convinced. It's she. And the rest of London." The brothers fell silent for several long moments before Nick added, "Do you think Juliana is the type to hold out for a love match?" Ralston gave a little grunt of irritation. "I certainly hope the girl has more sense than that." "Women do tend to believe that love is their due. Particularly younger women.""I cannot imagine Juliana would ascribe to such fairy tales. You forget, we were raised by the same woman...it simply isn't possible that Juliana yearns for love. Not after seeing the damage it can do." The twins were quiet for a long moment, before Nick said, "For all our sakes, I hope you are correct." When Ralston remained quiet, Nick added, "Lady Calpurnia was an excellent choice of shepherd." Ralston offered a noncommittal grunt. "How did you secure her participation?" "Is it relevant?" One of Nick's brows shot up. "Now, I sense that it is extremely relevant." When Ralston did not respond, Nick stood from his chair, straightening his cravat. "Marbury is hosting a card game in the next room. Care to join me?" Ralston shook his head, instead taking a long sip of scotch. Nick nodded and took his leave. Ralston watched under hooded lids, cursing his twin's uncanny ability to strike at the heart of any delicate situation. Lady Calpurnia. He had thought her a boon-a woman with an unparalleled reputation who had simply appeared. She was the perfect solution to the problem of preparing Juliana for her first season-or so he had thought. But then he had kissed her. And the kiss had been rather extraordinary. He scoffed at the thought. He had been frustrated and taken aback by the arrival of his sister. Any kiss would have been a welcome distraction. Especially one so freely given by such an enthusiastic, enjoyable partner. Ralston hardened almost instantly, remembering the way Callie felt in his arms, her soft sighs, the way she had so willingly given herself up to the kiss. He wondered if her excitement for kissing would translate into eagerness for other, more passionate, acts. For a moment, he allowed himself to imagine her in his bed, all enormous brown eyes and full, welcoming lips, wearing nothing but a willing smile. A burst of laughter came from across the room, yanking him from his reverie. He shifted in his chair to ease

thy enough to keep a stellar mistress and never bother with the wife. Except to get her with the heir and the spare. And I imagine that, at her age"-he paused for bawdy emphasis -"she'll be grateful for whatever I give her." Oxford's statement brought a round of cacophonous laughter. A visceral distaste coursed through Ralston. There was no way Calpurnia Hartwell would marry Oxford. No woman with that kind of passion would settle for such an ass. Ralston had never been so certain of anything in his life. "Who is willing to match a wager that she's mine by June?" Several of Oxford's friends entered the pool, with others wagering that the Earl of Allendale would step in and refuse the match, and at least one man betting that

rustle of surprise went through the crowd as Finney asked, "How much, my lord?" Ralston met Oxford's eyes as he spoke. "One thousand pounds will keep