My Darling Rogue
My Darling Rogue
A Wicked Rogues Romance
April Moran
Published by April Moran Books, 2022.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Acknowledgments
About the Author
MY DARLING ROGUE
APRIL MORAN
Falling in love with a rogue is risky…
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental, except where otherwise noted.
MY DARLING ROGUE
Copyright © 2022 by April Moran
All Rights Reserved
Editing by: Kendra’s Editing and Book Services
www.kendragaither.com
Cover Design by: Amanda Walker Designs
www.amandawalkerpa.com
For James, always.
For every person who supported me when I said I would write romance books.
And for every person who did not—you only made me more determined to follow that dream.
CHAPTER 1
1841
Beaumont
The country estate of the Earl and Countess of Ravenswood
Gabriel Rose cursed the sky. The earth. The moon and sun. God and gods. It did not matter. He cursed them all for the hand Fate just dealt him.
“Lady Celia Buchanan and her mother will soon arrive,” Sebastian Cain, the Earl of Ravenswood, said with a grin. “Can you control yourself with the object of your obsession in such close proximity?”
“What do you mean by that?” Gabriel’s response was almost a snarl.
Sebastian chuckled. “Do you think I’ve not noticed how you stare at her? How you have trailed in her wake around the edges of every social gathering this past year? I know full well your interest in her. What I don’t understand is why you’ve not acted upon it.”
As the earl’s man in all things requiring assistance, and as one of his closest friends, Gabriel knew it was useless hiding the truth. Sebastian was incredibly astute, which was to Gabriel’s detriment on this subject. But Sebastian was also discreet. Any knowledge regarding Gabriel Rose and his interest in a certain young lady would never become fodder for the gossip mills.
But Sebastian’s insistence on discussing the matter was problematic. Gabriel realized he’d failed in concealing the unfortunate attraction he carried for Lady Celia Buchanan.
“You may forget my humble origins, Seb, but I cannot. Any interest I have in Lady Celia, or any lady for that matter, must remain unspoken. Her father would never allow it, and I daresay her brother would muster an attempt on my life because of it.”
“Nonsense. Tristan Buchanan is far too enamored with his new wife to pay heed to his sister’s activities, or her admirers. This is your chance, my friend. Do something about your Lady Celia. Something other than lurking in the corners and admiring her from afar.”
Gabriel tamped down his rising irritation. This was a conversation he never envisioned having with Sebastian, but little dissuaded the earl when his mind was set on something he deemed important.
“I know women seek your company,” Sebastian pointed out. “From all social standings.”
“Perhaps. But this particular one would not welcome the attention of a bastard. You know this.” Gabriel crossed one leg over the other as he settled back in the leather-tufted chair. In one hand he held a glass containing a splash of Ravenswood’s finest brandy.
“Oh, stop acting as though you carry the plague. You know as well as I that the matter of your birth does not hold the same weight as it might have in the past. There are plenty of bastards in society. Some even wind up with pretty wives, if not wealthy ones.” Sebastian held his glass up and toasted Gabriel. “Catch Lady Celia and you’ll have secured two in one.”
“Those bastards are at least acknowledged by their fathers,” Gabriel shot back. “Mine provided an education and the most basic of care when I was a lad, but that was the extent of his willingness to claim me as his son.”
Sebastian regarded Gabriel with piercing scrutiny. “While true your father is unknown, the fact he was a nobleman counts for something. You’ve far more standing than you realize. And if you are indeed interested in Lady Celia, you should pursue her. Before she is wrangled into marriage with someone unworthy.”
“I am someone unworthy, Sebastian.” Gabriel took a sip of the brandy, savoring its rich flavor. “Your persistence in elevating me beyond my station is a noble endeavor. Useless, but noble. And you know I’ve no wish to wed. I can only hope you will not pursue the matter. Or, God forbid, set Lady Ravenswood to the task.”
Sebastian laughed at that somber declaration.
“Ivy will be heartbroken. After all, Her Ladyship is an excellent matchmaker. Gabriel, you will not lurk in the shadows during this event. I insist you join the festivities the same as my other guests. And instead of pining after Lady Celia with moonstruck eyes, you will press your suit as the other gentlemen most assuredly will. She’s certainly a challenge, but I’m confident you’ll capture her attention.”
Gabriel considered the earl. He was a most stubborn man. Annoyingly so. And also his closest friend. After Sebastian saved his life they’d become family. Gabriel was devoted both to him and Ivy, the Countess of Ravenswood. He’d sworn he would serve them for as long as he was needed.
It was the unique situation he’d been born into. As the bastard son of a nobleman and an actress of the opera, Gabriel straddled both worlds. He blended just as easily in a ballroom full of pompous lords and silk-clad ladies as he did in a whorehouse populated by murderers and thieves.
“Ah, Gabriel. From the moment I fought alongside you behind that French brothel, I’ve known you as a man of honor, honesty, and fortitude.” Sebastian smiled, his tone gentle but stern. “These characteristics are far more valuable than titles or land holdings. I challenge anyone to dispute your worth.” He sighed heavily. “I feel our friendship holds you hostage. The vow you made has held you here longer than I ever expected. You should not spend a lifetime tied to me. It’s time you sought a wife. Time you put aside your oath and find happiness within your own home. Find contentment with a family you may call yours. Everyone deserves that. I dare say bastards deserve such gifts far more than the average man. And if Lady Celia is not the woman you see spending a lifetime with, then you must find someone who does make you happy.”
Gabriel found it difficult admitting Celia Buchanan was precisely the woman he wished to claim for his own.
If only she wasn’t so far out of reach.
“You are quite mad, my friend.” Gabriel sighed. “Does Lady Ravenswood realize how mad her husband truly is?”
“Of course, she does. Who else would demand I speak with you on this subject?” Sebastian replied cheerfully. “She and I share the same affliction, apparently, because she first pointed out how your eyes never stray far from Lady Celia. And that the lady’s gaze seeks you out as well when she believes no one watches.”
“Now, that, I know is a lie.” Gabriel laughed heartily. “The lady in question has no interest in me. True, I’ve aided her a few times in past months, but we’ve hardly said two words to one another. She views me as little more than a servant. Perhaps even less.”
Although he laughed at the possibility of Celia Buchanan ever accepting him as a suitor, Gabriel admitted the idea filled him with a longing he could not ignore. He’d give his soul to have all obstacles of class and background erased between them. To be seen as an equal, one fit to pursue the lady he desired, accepted based on his character and deeds.
“Who knows what will occur?” Sebastian shrugged. “Give it a chance and see where it goes, my friend. I vow the lady will not resist if you exert even a tiny bit of the charm you possess.”
“You truly are mad as a hatter, Ravenswood.”
Sebastian only grinned. “You may be right, but I’m also rarely wrong. Now, drink up and gather your courage, for when the lady arrives, you will find yourself quite busy with the task of proving yourself worthy.”
Celia trailed behind her mother as they stepped into the grand, barrel-vaulted foyer of Beaumont, the Ravenswood ancestral home.
“Ah, there you are! At last!” The Countess of Ravenswood swept forward, embracing Lady Darby and Celia in turn. “I do hope your journey was a pleasant one?”
“Not a single raincloud marred the skies during our trip,” Lady Darby replied. “I wish Lord Darby could have accompanied us, but with his health, it just was not wise to venture so far from the estate.”
Celia remained silent as the conversation carried on without her. Glancing around, she recognized a few guests who’d come to greet them. She smiled at Lady Sara Bentley, then stiffened when she saw the huge form of the man she’d studiously avoided over the past few months.
Gabriel Rose shouldered his way through the small crowd and positioned himself in a doorway, leaning against the doorjamb as if he owned it and the world. His eyes caught hers, and although she blushed at the scrutiny of his gaze, Celia did not look away. Instead, her chin lifted, and she glared back, her cheeks heating to a faint pink.
The last time she’d seen this man, he’d non-too gently rescued her from a precarious situation, marching her to safety in silence. The scowl on his face that night had suggested he found her slightly distasteful.
It was a thoroughly humiliating experience. Made more so by the fact she had required his help and been grateful for it. Only to have that gratitude snubbed when he unceremoniously left her outside Lady Sutter’s ballroom. He stalked away without even so much as a glance over his shoulder.
Ivy’s turquoise eyes rounded with sympathy. “Oh, my dear Lady Darby. I hope the earl is not unwell.”
Lady Darby waved her hand. “No need to fret. He’s much better since our son’s marriage. Longleigh and Violet send their gratitude for your attendance at the wedding.”
“We are so happy for the couple. Violet is such a lovely girl. Celia? I heard you recently visited the new couple. How are they?”
“Disgustingly happy and content with one another.”
Lady Darby frowned at her daughter’s flippant reply while Ivy laughed with delight. “How wonderful for them! I know you are most relieved, seeing how close you and Violet are as friends.”
“Much like yourself and the earl, Lady Ravenswood, my dear brother and his new wife are perfect examples of a successful union.” Celia sighed as if troubled with the heaviest burdens. “I can only hope I am similarly blessed one day. But it appears one must wade through a veritable sea of frogs before finding a prince, and so far, my luck has proved abysmal.”
Celia could see Gabriel Rose’s reaction to her rash declaration. The man’s lips twitched with something that might have been the beginnings of a grin. Hard, golden-brown eyes assessed her, searching for a chink in her armor.
Celia’s jaw tilted higher. He could look, but he would not find one. She would not allow it.
“Celia,” Lady Darby warned under her breath. “It is most unseemly to refer to your suitors in such a manner.” She flashed a helpless smile as Ivy choked back her own giggle. “Excuse my daughter, Lady Ravenswood. You are friends, so I know you are accustomed to how she speaks her mind even when it is not proper.”
Ivy leaned in, breaking off the connection between Celia and the impossibly arrogant Gabriel Rose. She hugged Celia tighter this time, her voice low with sympathy and understanding for the trials all young ladies endured in their search for a suitable husband.
“Perhaps you should adjust your hunting techniques, sweet friend. And look for a frog among princes.”
CHAPTER 2
“Shall I tighten these ribbons, miss?”
Celia turned so her maid could lace the corset up a bit tighter. “Thank you, Katie. My dress is there on the bed when you are ready.”
“I’m glad you are wearing the blue silk,” Lady Darby said from her perch at a walnut wood vanity table. She attached a pair of teardrop-shaped diamond earrings to her earlobes. “It is lovely with your coloring. A gentleman shall find it difficult looking away once he sees you.”
Celia lifted her arms so the dress could be lowered over her head. She waited until the fabric was settled around her before addressing her mother. “I’ll have none of your matchmaking, Mother. Promise you will refrain from negotiations, deal makings, and comments regarding the size of a man’s estate. Or lack thereof.”
Lady Darby smiled. “There are no men in attendance lacking qualifications as husband material. But I shall refrain from remarking on any particular one. As with your brother, I hope you find your happiness in your own manner. But I would be remiss in my parental duties if I did not guide you.”
Celia bent and kissed her mother’s cheek. “You hide your schemes well, but I realize how you push us into making the correct decisions.” Her tone held a note of exasperated affection. “It worked with Tristan and Violet. You dangled her before him like a ripe apple until he could not help but notice her.”
Lady Darby’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I admit a tiny bit of matchmaking, but your brother’s decision was his own. And it was the correct one to make. I only endeavor to do the same for my dearest daughter.”
“Well, do not endeavor too hard,” Celia smiled.
Her mother reached up, patting Celia’s cheek in a show of affection. “Of course not, darling. We both know you will make your own choices. With or without my interference.”
Celia felt his presence before she saw him. Gabriel Rose had a way of filling a space without saying a word. Oh, the man carefully lurked in the shadows, but it was difficult ignoring how the air shifted and changed when he was in the vicinity.