The sounds of running footsteps echoed off the marble vestibule and snapped Ian from his troubled musings. The parlor door opened and two girls ran inside with a swirl of skirts and laughter.
“Ian!” Ellie threw herself into his arms.
“We’re so glad you came to visit.” Olivia kissed his cheek.
Ian hugged and kissed both sisters’ cheeks, then set them aside and studied each of them. “Look at the two of you. Ellie, is that a new gown? And Olivia you’ve grown at least an entire inch in height.”
“I’ll be sixteen next month,” Olivia said. “You haven’t forgotten, have you?”
She had fair hair and green eyes that twinkled with mischief. “Never. But I admit to being flummoxed as to what present you’d like.”
“It’s simple. Take me to Vauxhall Gardens to see the fireworks.”
Ian grinned. “I’d be honored.”
Ellie tugged his hand and led him to the sofa. “Sit with us.” She had red hair, a porcelain complexion, and bright blue eyes. At seventeen, she was close to her debut, and Ian suspected all the young bucks and beaus would swarm around her.
He obliged, and his sisters swiftly occupied cushions beside him on the sofa.
“We haven’t seen you since…since Matthew’s funeral.” At the mention of the tragic day, Ellie’s voice wavered.
“I keep thinking he will walk through the door,” Olivia said.
Ian’s gut knotted.
“When we learned you were here, our spirits lifted. You must visit us more often,” Ellie said.
After the old earl died, Ian made an effort to visit his sisters, but not as often as he’d liked. The Raven Club demanded more and more of his attention of late.
“I find it hard to believe my visit is that pleasing. I know you two have many friends,” Ian said.
“There has been little time for friends,” Ellie said. “Since the funeral, Mother has been consumed with my debut—language, painting, and dance lessons take time. She even insists I take pianoforte lessons, and I despise pianoforte. My life has been busy with seeing one teacher after another. She’s focused all her energies on me rather than to think of Matthew.”
Already? Ellie’s debut wasn’t until next year. Was it necessary to begin the preparations so soon? “From what I’ve heard, most young ladies anticipate their coming out. You’ll be able to attend all the balls and events of the Season.”
A strange look crossed Ellie’s face, before she shook her head. “Mother retained the services of a chaperone, an influential widow, Lady Taddlesworth. She is acting as a tutor of sorts. Lady Taddlesworth said I’m too spirited for my own good, and that no man will want an opinionated lady as a wife.”
“She’s wrong,” Ian said.
“Lady Taddlesworth said I’m too talkative, and I must cease chattering,” Olivia said.
What kind of advice were they receiving? “Don’t listen,” he said, his tone sharp. “Only a man who admires you for your traits, deserves your affection. No one else.”
Ellie embraced him. “Oh, Ian. I’m so glad you’ll be there for me for my debut.”
He stiffened. “I’m not certain my presence will be for the best.”
Ellie pulled back, her blue eyes watching him. “Why? Because you own a gambling hall?”
His gaze snapped to her face. “Wherever did you hear that?”
“I’m not a child, Ian. I overhead you arguing with Father in the past. I also heard gossip at my friend Silvia’s birthday party.”
“They say you fight with your bare fists for money in the back of the club. Is it true?” Olivia asked, a look of fascination on her face.
Christ.
He didn’t want his sisters tainted with his reputation.
Ellie was to have her debut soon. As the Earl of Castleton, Matthew would have escorted his sisters and mother about town, his manners gracious. Elegant—as Grace would have observed. There would be no rumors or gossip. No torrid tales about the Raven Club or the prizefighting that took place there. His sister’s futures would be promising and bright. Wealthy, titled gentlemen would dance with them at Almack’s, enjoy riding with them in Rotten Row during the promenade hour, and court them with the intent of marriage.
Instead, they were saddled with him—the new Earl of Castleton. His actions not only affected them at social events but impacted their very future.
How large a dowry would it take for a suitor to offer marriage to the sister of a disreputable blackguard? In his experience, all men could be bought.
“We know what you’re thinking,” Olivia said.
He doubted it.
“We don’t care what others say. You are our beloved brother.”
His heart skipped a beat as he looked into Olivia’s innocent green eyes.
Could he change? Could he be worthy of their love, their trust?
Only one true obstacle stood in the way.
His selfishness.
He enjoyed his lifestyle. It was all he’d known or desired since he’d rejected his father’s demands that he wed a simple-minded heiress and walked out of his childhood home. He’d chosen his path, made his way on his own terms. He’d sworn he’d never be forced to do anything again. Yet here he was, sitting on a sofa between both sisters.
Hell.
He didn’t want to give up his casino or the freedom it offered him. He didn’t want to stop prizefighting. He liked the thrill, the strategy of outwitting a larger opponent, the win. He relished being lord of his own domain—to look down on the gaming floor from his office window and experience the thrill at the power he had over those who thought themselves his better. The avarice and desperation of some members of the aristocracy was their downfall, and Ian thrived on it. He was a scoundrel. A blackguard. He took from those with weaknesses they could not control.
He’d sworn long ago to bow to no man. And he had no desire to change.
An image of Grace rose to his mind. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes. When she’d first walked into the Raven Club, she’d looked at him with ill-concealed judgment, a haughty distain that he’d been on the receiving end of before, and it had provoked him. But her response when he’d pulled her into his arms and kissed her had told another story. Her pupils had dilated, and the pulse at her throat had throbbed in excitement. For those few moments, her body had molded to his, had yielded in sweet surrender.
Had surprised even him.
Disgust at his lack of control roiled inside him. The lessons she could provide were his best hope of helping his sisters, and all he could think about was that one kiss.
The door opened and his mother stepped inside. Ian rose.
“Ardmore informed me you were here.” She looked to her daughters. “Girls, your French tutor has arrived.”
Ellie rolled her eyes. Oliva made a face. “Mother, we’d rather stay with Ian.”
“Go.”
“Mother’s right. We have matters to discuss.” Ian kissed his sisters’ cheeks and they departed.
The countess glided into the room. “I was surprised to learn you were here.”
“I wanted to visit Olivia and Ellie. I’ll leave.”
“No. Please stay.”
Ian nodded.