Chapter 163

BOOK FIVE: His Wicked Embrace

League Rule Number 11:

A man should remember from time to time to be a gentleman, even if he thinks he may have forgotten how.

Excerpt from the Quizzing Glass Gazette, April 28, 1821, the Lady Society column:

Lady Society is quite curious about a certain gentleman named Mr. Lawrence Russell. His elder brother, the Marquess of Rochester, is quite infamous indeed as a member of the League of Rogues, but as for Mr. Russell himselfthe rumors abound.

Lady Society would like very much to know if he wishes to be married, or will he continue as his brother had and resist matrimony at all odds? If it is the former, Lady Society will endeavor to find him a suitable bride; if it is the latter, Lady Society sees his determined bachelordom as a challenge. A rogue you may be, Mr. Russell, but Lady Society believes you might yet make a good husband. Now who to marry you to?

"You belong to me now."