To Silence a Rogue

Prologue

How to Silence a Rake

Prologue:

Miss Maria Garten had one more season till she was firmly on the shelf.

One. More.

It was her only chance, because while some ladies could pretend or sincerely be at peace with the life of spinster.

She was not among their ranks.

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself once more to think before she spoke.

It shouldn't be difficult.

Except that it was, for her at least.

"Good evening, Miss Maria." Mr. Sheppard's voice broke through her silent scolding.

"Ah, hello Mr. Sheppard." She turned and offered a smile to her friend.

"Lovely as always, so tell me again why some handsome gentleman hasn't swept you off to married bliss?" He asked as he bent and kissed her hand.

"Ah, charm. You should save it for someone who will appreciate it." Maria teased, though her heart pinched at his words.

"You wound me!" He shook his head though a grin teased his full lips.

Maria glanced away.

Because the only thing more certain than her potential future as a spinster was that Mr. Sheppard was a confirmed bachelor.

A rake of the first order.

Not the kind that would ruin an innocent, but the kind that would charm them, seduce her with his charming words, make her fall in love with the legendary smile and easy manner that was as easy as breathing.

And then he'd walk away to find a new distraction.

Utterly unaware that he had broken a few hearts in the process.

Maria refused to be counted among them.

She needed a husband, not a distraction.

After all, friendship was far less complicated.

Wasn't it?

"Have you a partner for the next dance?" He asked, all charisma and magic.

"Yes, I do believe he just volunteered." She teased and held out her hand as the first strains of a waltz began.

"Delightful! Have I mentioned how lovely you look tonight?" He asked as they walked onto the ballroom, his eyes scanning the crowd—likely looking for his next distraction.

Maria chuckled. "Yes, actually you have. You must be slipping if you have already forgotten, or perhaps my beauty is so astounding this evening that you felt the need to mention it twice."

"I most certainly felt the need to mention it twice."

"Indeed? How kind." She teased.

"Why do I get the distinct feeling that you are insincere?" He asked, his head tipping slightly to the side as he pulled her into the frame of a waltz. His movements were light, smooth and carefree; much like his personality.

"Because you are smarter than you look." Maria replied in a saucy manner, enjoying the freedom of speaking with a friend, not feeling the need to impress him.

"You know, that's what I've always said. A pity most don't ever realize it." He shook his head, smiling into her eyes and then glancing away, searching.

"So who is the lucky lady this week?" Maria asked, hitching a shoulder as they danced.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." He turned his gaze back to hers, his eyes slightly narrowing in a wry manner.

"And here I just complimented you on your intelligence."

"No, you said I was smarter than I looked, you didn't go into a description of the extent of that intelligence."

"I believe you just insulted yourself."

"Bloo—er, drat. I do believe I did. Minx. You always were a quick wit." His lips bent in a grin as he turned his attention back to her. "If you must know, I'm quite taken with the late Baron Whittle's widow, she seems quite depressed. I think that perhaps I am just the gentleman to cheer her up."

"You mean seduce her."

"An innocent should never—"

"While I may be an innocent, I am not ignorant." Maria replied, dryly.

"Such cheek! Very well, but you didn't ever hear me admit it."

"My lips are sealed." She sighed, amused.

"So who is your target this season? I assume you have one, most ladies do when the season begins." He asked, appearing sincerely interested.

"I'm not sure...I'm open to suggestions, if you have any." Maria replied, trying not to let the desperation leak through her tone.

"Hmm, I shall consider it. You'll need good gentleman, an actual gentleman, not those foxes and wolves pretending to be charming."

"Foxes and wolves? Is that what you call yourself?" She teased.

"Er..."

"So you think I need a true gentleman." She seared the conversation back to the type of man she needed.

"Exactly!"

"Someone with morals, with—"

"Foul! I have morals!" Curtis appeared offended.

"They simply go into hiding at the first glimpse of opportunity." Maria replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Be that as it may..." He replied after a moment, his eyes narrowing. "I still, that is, if you wish to enlist my aid given my soiled reputation and corrupt moral fiber..." He winked.

Maria resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but she smiled. "Yes, yes I'll take whatever help I can get."

So much for keeping the desperation out of her tone.

"Give me a few days and I'll be sure to call on you, giving you a few candidates."

"I appreciate your assistance." Maria accepted with grace.

"Do you appreciate it enough to end the waltz slightly early so that I may, by chance, walk by the Lady Whittle?" He raised his eyebrows in hope.

"It's the least I can do." Maria shook her head as she giggled.

The music was just coming to an end as they parted ways, Mr. Sheppard toward the Baron Whittle's widow and Maria standing alone.

Again.

But at least she had enlisted some help on her quest.

A friend that would come with a list of hopeful prospects.

Friends were indeed a blessing.

Friends, however, were not husbands.

And she didn't need a friend.

She needed a proposal.