That depended on the perspective. “I became her guardian the moment she placed her trust in me.”
“Shehas an opinionherself,” came Lady Rosilee’s dry reply. “And I don’t mind being a ward, since, strictly speaking, I suppose I am.”
“Aren’t wards distant cousins or the like?” Bishop questioned. “You are anything but that.”
“Of course, but since the duke has no interest in me and has decided to help me, we might as well be siblings.”
Siblings?
Blake stared at Lady Rosilee.
God. No.
Chapter Seven
Blake scowled. “Stoplaughing.”
“How can I when it’s just so funny? You and Lady Rosilee...siblings.”
His lip pulled up in a sneer. Around them, the low murmur of voices, clinking glasses, and the faint shuffling of cards filled the suffocating atmosphere of White’s. Gentlemen in finely tailored coats lounged about, discussing everything from politics to the latest gossip, but none caught his eye as a possible match for Lady Rosilee.
But that wasn’t why he was here.
“You’ve been cast in the dry category of siblingship,” Bishop jabbed on.
Blake felt an ache in his temples coming on. “Could you please shut your mouth?”
“And sit in silence? No, thank you.”
“What are you even doing here? Butlers don’t belong in gentlemen’s clubs.”
“Why not? We are all gentlemen after all.”
“Not titled ones.”
“Butler is a title, is it not? And I’m not arealreal one, you know.”
He did know, or else he wouldn’t have tolerated this man’s tongue for so long. Annoying as the fellow was, Blake was still slightly grateful—generally—for his company.
“Just what is your plan here?” Bishop asked.
His gaze swept the room again. “Secure an invitation to a ball.”
“How? By just sitting here?”
“Yes.”
Bishop leaned back in his chair, surveying the room with detached interest. Blake often wondered how he managed to blend into any situation. The man wore his confidence like a second skin.
“And let’s say you secure one, what then?”
What a ridiculous question. “We attend the ball.”
“And then?”
Was it not obvious? “Look for a suitable husband for Lady Rosilee.”
“And then?”
