How to Marry a Rogue Read Online Free

into her mischief. They would beg you to tell Mamma to come down from the branches of the highest tree.”
    Jonathan returned to his seat. “I always hated heights. I was so glad you volunteered to climb that great oak after her. What was she—about six or so?”
    “More like five. Her dress was tangled in the branches, and she’d lost her slippers. She saw me and pretended she hadn’t been crying.” Jack grinned at the memory. “I was a skinny lad and don’t know how I managed to bring her down. Her little arms were tight around my neck. I said to her, ‘Pudding Face! Let me breathe a moment, or else we’ll both fall!’”
    Jonathan laughed with him. “She was always getting into trouble, but I think it was so she would be rescued by one of us.” His smile faded. “She wasn’t even surprised to see me, when I came upon her and…and that blackguard. She never said a word on the ride home but held my hand the entire time. It was as if she’d known I would come.”
    “You’ve been brother and father to her for a long time, my friend. I don’t know how you do it.”
    Jonathan shrugged, and a trace of the carefree boy he once was appeared on his face.
    Not for the first time did Jack inwardly scold himself for not visiting more often, taking some of the responsibility from Jonathan’s shoulders. The Lockewoods had provided a loving home for him in those first, terrible years after his parents died and his grandfather had sent him away to school.
    “I had no choice. But I would not have it any other way. God knows what ruin she’d have come to if Aunt Adele had taken her under her wing. I’d have spent the rest of my days dueling one scoundrel after another. Aunt Adele caused my parents no end of headaches after my uncle died, for all that she’s so kindhearted. That’s another reason I want you to escort them. One impetuous woman in the family is one too many.”
    Jack raised his empty glass. “To heroes and rescuers of little girls, whether they be prizefighting rogues or landed gentlemen. Or both.”
    Jonathan imitated the gesture. “To you, Jack. And for what it’s worth, you like to play the rogue, but I know you. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with Georgiana’s safety, you know.”
    “Strange, I do not remember saying I would go.”
    “Strange, indeed. I thought you had.”
    Jack rose from his chair, and Jonathan did the same. “So I did.” They clasped hands firmly. Jack held his friend’s gaze. “I will guard her with my life.” He laughed shortly. “After all, what kind of mischief can she find in the quiet countryside?”

Chapter Three
    “I hope you do not sleep the entire way to Portsmouth.” Georgiana prodded Jack’s boot with the toe of her shoe. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him feign sleep.
    He’d been that way for the last half hour, and the monotony of Aunt Adele’s snores and the jostling of the coach had distracted her to irritability.
    He cracked open an eyelid. “As if anyone could sleep with your relentless chattering, Georgie.” He muffled a yawn with the back of his hand and stretched against the padded seat.
    “How many times must I remind you to refrain from using that dreadful nickname?”
    “You are still the pestering little girl I remember so well. It’s hard to remember you’re all grown up.” He arched his eyebrows. “ Georgiana .”
    “You’re grumbling because you’re tired. You should not have been carousing all night, but resting in anticipation of our journey.”
    “I’ll have you know, I was counting sheep well before midnight.” He regarded her suspiciously. “Since when did you become so bossy, miss? I recall a more respectful girl. You used to sit at my knee and beg me to tell you of my wild escapades.”
    “Perhaps when I was ten I admired you,” she said crisply. She purposely scanned his slouching figure, noting his rumpled linen and drooping neckcloth. “I hardly recognized you this morning. Do you not have a proper valet?