What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(93)

Colin gritted his teeth. He had to be strong for Angeline, even though he might have to read disgusting and false rumors about her. Better him than her. But he also had to gather as many supporters as possible to attest to her good character. It was a daunting prospect, but he’d sworn to clear her name, if at all possible.

Dear Colin,

You will never believe the lies that Brentmoor is now spreading. I’ve kept silent at the club until I am able to consult further with you. Of course, I wish to abide by the lady’s wishes first and foremost. I also want to prevent fanning the flames higher, but Brentmoor’s return has added fresh fuel to the firestorm. He is spreading coin everywhere now that he has inherited property. In addition, he is drowning himself in strong drink and claiming that Lady Angeline has spread lies about him! He claims that she had already cried off when he and Lady Cunningham were discovered at that ball. Furthermore, he is reportedly telling everyone that it was Lady A’s idea to go out into the dark gardens. Can you believe it? The man is all but suggesting that she seduced him!

“Good Lord,” Colin muttered. “I’ll kill the bastard.” He took a deep breath and continued reading Harry’s letter.

It would be laughable, but he paints her as shameless and without moral restraint.

The two main problems aside from the fiend himself are that the stories are spreading like wildfire in the scandal sheets and clubs, because they are of a salacious nature and because other men saw Brentmoor with his hands on her in a poorly lit garden. Forgive me for being blunt, but I do not want it to come as a surprise at a bad time.

Colin had to pause a moment. He knew the fiend had tricked her and purposely exposed her, but it was still difficult to read. He gritted his teeth and continued on.

Doubtless he planned it that way and probably has a disgusting perversion for exposing himself with any unfortunate female he tricks. There are many who have taken a disgust of Brentmoor, but they hesitate to publicly denounce him because they do not wish to be involved.

However, as my mother said, anyone with a conscience will lend support to a cause when someone, particularly a mistreated lady, is maligned. In order to clear Lady A’s name, it will be necessary to gather as many gentlemen and ladies who are willing to support her and her family. I cannot assure you that the plan to restore her reputation will work, but I do believe it is worth the effort. Bellingham is standing at the ready. His influence will make an enormous difference. Send word when you intend to travel to London.

P.S. For what it is worth, my mother suggests marriage to a wealthy and titled gentleman would do the trick, but you know females always think marriage is the answer to all of life’s problems.

Colin blew out his breath. Now he knew it was worse than he’d expected, but he was determined to vindicate her honor and see Brentmoor brought to his knees.

He opened the next letter, which was considerably shorter and to the point. Colin would have recognized Bellingham’s style anywhere.

Colin,

To put it bluntly, Brentmoor is no better than a sewer rat. It infuriates me to know that an innocent lady has been vilified by those who ought to know better. For now, it is necessary to concentrate on turning the tide for Lady A.

I wish to be there the day you blacken Brentmoor’s eyes and break his nose. Harry has given me the particulars about how this happened. I am startled that Wycoff should fall for Brentmoor’s lies, but I understand the fiend is like a charismatic snake and has fleeced more than one man out of his money with tales of his underserved misfortune at the hands of his sire. He has also demanded money from the fathers of ladies he’s meddled with, and most have paid to keep him from ruining their daughter’s reputations. I’ve investigated the man’s activities and discovered he has more than a few victims. Clearly it is for the good of all society to expose this man for his evil schemes. You may count on my support. I assure you I have more than a few friends and acquaintances who will stand behind Lady A.

P.S. Laura suggests you marry the lady posthaste and says you will be much happier once you are a married man. Do forgive me for including her opinions, but she insisted. Laura is with child again and frankly not always rational. I have found it best just to agree.


Colin counted himself a lucky man to have loyal friends. He huffed remembering Angeline’s horrified reaction to the story of how he and Harry met Bellingham. They’d had some amusing times at White’s last spring.

A tap sounded at the door. Colin answered and was more than a little surprised to see his father. “Come in.”

“Thank you. I see you’ve been reading your letters.”

“Did you need something, Father?”

“No, but I’m fairly certain your friends wrote to you with news about Brentmoor and advice about Lady Angeline.”

He sighed. “Have a seat.”

“Your expression leads me to believe it’s even worse than you thought.”

“Read the letters. You’ll see the details. I warn you, it’s bad.”

His father removed his spectacles from his inner coat pocket and read both letters without comment. “It comes as no surprise that there have been other victims. Obviously, Brentmoor is adept at winning over the sympathies of others and then taking advantage at just the right moment.”

“He has to be stopped,” Colin said. “No lady should be treated in such a revolting manner.”