"He is not entirely wrong," James murmured.

  She arched a brow. "You founded it."

  "Yes," he said, "but I never claimed to be wise."

  Genny opened her mouth to reply and then snapped it shut. Following her gaze, Esme saw her brother approaching along the path.

  "Whatever you are thinking," Esme whispered, "do not."

  "I am thinking," Genny whispered back, eyes bright, "that it is a very fine day for a new member."

  "Absolutely not," Esme hissed.

  James, beside her, had gone very still.

  "Esme," Harrison said as he reached them, inclining his head. "Miss Moreland. Lord Redford."

  "Harrison," Esme said, making room on the far end of the bench. "I was under the impression you had barricaded yourself in your study with the estate accounts."

  "I finished them," he said.

  Genny clapped a hand to her heart. "You astonish me, my lord. I did not know such a thing was possible. Will the sun set twice this evening?"

  His mouth twitched.

  "I wished to walk," he said shortly, "and to ensure you were not... overexerting yourself."

  Esme stared. "By sitting on a bench?"

  "By," his gaze flicked to James, "becoming entangled in schemes."

  "Schemes?" James repeated, all wounded innocence. "We are merely admiring the view."

  "The view," Harrison said, "appears to involve Miss Moreland holding contraband illustrations."

  Genny folded the paper at once. "You are very suspicious, my lord."

  "I am," he said. "Experience has taught me that when you are nearby, it is rarely without cause."

  "See?" Genny turned to Esme, triumphant. "He notices me."

  "I notice impending disaster," Harrison said dryly. "You simply tend to be in the vicinity."

  Esme pressed her lips together against a smile.

  "Lord Woodmere," James said diplomatically, "I assure you, your sister is perfectly safe. I have not led her into a single pond in weeks."

  "Your standards for safety are peculiar," Woodmere said.

  "True," James nodded, "but I am endeavoring to raise them. Esme has set certain conditions."

  Harrison's gaze shifted to his sister.

  "You seem... happier," he said, "even when you are being impossible."

  She held his gaze. "That is because I am allowed to be impossible and happy at the same time."

  His jaw worked. "If Redford fails to keep you so, I shall have words with him. Long ones."

  "I look forward to it." James smirked. "I adore being scolded."

  "You will not," Harrison said.

  Genny, who had been watching this exchange as if the theater were free at last, suddenly sprang to her feet. "Well," she said brightly, "as you are both determined to pretend that nothing interesting is happening, perhaps Lord Woodmere would be so kind as to rescue me from the horror of walking alone."

  Harrison blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

  "There is a goose," Genny said solemnly, pointing toward the water. "It has been eyeing me with an air of deep personal insult. I require a champion."

  Esme choked. James coughed into his glove.

  "Miss Moreland," Harrison said, "you cannot possibly be serious."

  "I am always serious about geese," she said. "They bite, hiss, and judge. Come along, my lord. You may lecture it on the importance of order. Perhaps it will fall into line."

  Without waiting for his agreement, she caught his sleeve and tugged.

  To Esme's astonishment, Harrison allowed himself to be tugged.

  They moved off along the path, Genny talking with extravagant animation, Harrison listening.

  Esme watched them until the dappled shade swallowed them both.

  "Do you suppose," she said, "that we are terrible people?"

  "Undoubtedly," James said. "But in this instance, I am innocent. I did not draw a single goose into matters."

  She smiled. "Still, it feels rather like handing someone a matchbook and pointing out a dry field."

  He slid his hand over hers where it lay on the bench, his thumb tracing a small circle against her glove. "If Woodmere wishes to stand in a thunderstorm with a lightning rod, that is his affair. Our charter is very clear. No reputations harmed, no true cruelty, and absolutely no more drowning."

  "And no wagers," she reminded him. "Not about people's lives."

  He sobered, and she saw the man he had become.

  "No wagers," he said. "Only observations. For example, I observe that your brother has not looked that awake in months."

  Esme followed his line of sight. Far ahead, Genny had indeed found a goose and was engaged in a heated discussion with it. Harrison stood between them. When the goose hissed, Genny hissed back. Harrison laughed. A short, startled sound.

  Esme's throat went tight.

  "Very well," she said. "Perhaps a small observation is permitted. But if they topple into the Serpentine, I am blaming you."

  "I shall add it to my list of sins," James took her hand in his.

  She turned back to him.

  "This is what I wanted. Not this bench, or the goose, but knowing that I chose this. I chose you, myself."

  He angled his body toward hers, his expression losing its habitual mockery. "And if you ever wish to choose something else, you have only to say. I would rather be dismissed than become another suffocating force in your life."

  She searched his face. Once, he had been all smirks and shrugs and scandals. Now she knew the weight behind the jokes, the care beneath the carelessness.

  "I am afraid you are stuck with me, Lord Redford," she said, squeezing his hand.

  "Excellent," he said. "I never wanted peace, only a co-conspirator."

  He lifted her gloved hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her wrist. The sensation sent her heart into a skip.

  "Very well," she said, reclaiming her composure. "Since we are speaking of co-conspirators, we must address Society business. The Mutual Mischief Society cannot remain a mere rumor. We require structure, minutes, a membership list."

  "And rankings," he said, "of our finest accomplishments. I suggest placing the Serpentine incident near the top."

  "That goes on your personal list," she said firmly. "On the Society's, I suggest one, successfully diverting Lord Watford without breaking his heart, two, preventing my mother from arranging a sensible marriage without starting an actual war, and three⁠—"

  "Three," he said quietly, "convincing one Lady Esme that her life need not be written in someone else's hand."

  Her throat tightened again. "That was rather my accomplishment."

  He shook his head. "No, that was a joint effort. I will be insufferable about it for years."

  She laughed, which helped. "And four," she added, "unwittingly launching an entire campaign upon my brother."

  James followed her gaze to where Genny and Harrison now stood side by side, watching the goose glide away. Genny said something. Harrison replied. And this time, when he smiled, it reached his eyes.

  "Oh, that one," James said. "That will occupy several volumes."

  Esme leaned back against the bench. "Very well," she said. "Let us call this the close of one chapter of the Mutual Mischief Society and the beginning of another." She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "When a rogue is in vogue, it seems, a few other lives tend to go amiss."

  He winced. "If that is an attempt at a title, I fear for your taste."

  "Wait until you see what happens when a miss goes amiss," she said serenely. "I suspect Harrison will not know what hit him."

  Genny, as if aware that she was being discussed, turned and waved both arms. Harrison, after a hesitation, lifted his hand in a return salute.

  Esme smiled.

  "Yes," she said. "I think the Society's work is only just beginning."

  Also by Amanda Mariel

  Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Scandalous Liaison

  Dancing with Serendipity

  * * *

  Fabled Love Series

  Enchanted by the Earl

  Captivated by the Captain

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Delighted by the Duke

  * * *

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  **Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight**

  Theodora

  Georgina

  Adeline

  Josephine

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love series

  Love Only Me

  Find Me Love

  If it’s Love

  Odd’s of Love

  Believe in Love

  Chance of Love

  Love and Holly

  Love and Mistletoe

  * * *

  A Rogue’s Kiss Series

  Her Perfect Rogue

  His Perfect Hellion

  This Rogue of Mine

  Her Perfect Scoundrel

  * * *

  Wicked Earls’ Club

  **Titles by Amanda Mariel**

  Earl of Grayson

  Earl of Edgemore

  Earl of Persuasion

  Earl of Stone (Fated for a Rogue)

  * * *

  Fated for a Rogue

  A Wallflower’s Folly

  One Fateful May Day

  Fate Gave Me a Duke

  Earl of Stone (Wicked Earls’ Club)

  Who Needs a Duke

  Rogue for the Taking

  Wish Upon a Christmas Duke

  Scandalously Mine

  * * *

  A Castle Romance

  Whispers of Desire

  Passion’s Lasting Promise

  One Wanton Wager

  Forever in Your Arms

  * * *

  Regency Heart’s Aflame

  So Long, My Scoundrel

  Rogue Under the Mistletoe

  All I Want for Christmas is a Rogue

  Au Revoir, My Duke

  Farewell, My Rogue

  Duke of No Return

  One Duke of a Time

  Kiss a Rogue at Midnight

  * * *

  Regency Surrender

  A Lyon in Her Bed

  The Scandal of Us (Found in A Duke by Any Other name)

  A Season to Surrender (Found in Dukes All Summer Long)

  * * *

  Courting Ruin

  A Midsummer Night’s Rendezvous

  A Masquerade with the Devil

  A Fortnight for Temptation

  A Reckless Arrangment

  A Waltz into Wickedness

  * * *

  Courting Kisses and Chaos

  How the Girl got the Earl

  A Revel with the Devil

  When a Rogue is in Vogue

  * * *

  Silk, Shadows, & Seduction

  Lady and the Spy

  Let it be Love

  * * *

  Connected by a Kiss

  **These are designed so they can standalone**

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss (Amanda Mariel)

  Scandalized by a Rogue’s Kiss (Amanda Mariel)

  A Gypsy’s Christmas kiss (Dawn Brower)

  A Vixen’s Christmas kiss (Dawn Brower)

  * * *

  Standalone titles

  One Moonlit Tryst

  One Enchanting Kiss

  Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace

  One Wicked Christmas

  Courting Temptation (House of Devon connected world)

  Forever My Rogue (Love Be a Lady’s Charm Connected World)

  * * *

  Box sets and anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings.

  About Amanda Mariel

  Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.

  * * *

  A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.

  * * *

  To delve deeper into Amanda's captivating world visit www.amandamariel.com. While there, an invitation to join her newsletter promises a gateway to the latest from Amanda Mariel's literary treasury, and an opportunity to claim a complimentary eBook.

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  Amanda's passion extends to her readers, welcoming their voices and stories into her narrative realm. Engage with her through email at amanda@amandamariel.com, or connect via her social Media channels.

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  Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAmandaMarie1

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  Amidst the prose and parchment, Amanda Mariel etches a profound connection, bridging eras, hearts, and minds, creating a legacy that resonates through the corridors of time.

  Afterword

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read When a Rogue is in Vogue.

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  Please take a moment to review this book on your favorite review site and share your opinion with fellow readers.

  USA Today bestselling author

  ~Where Wit Meets Passion, Romance Reigns~

  The One With the Forever Duke

  ELIANA PIERS

  One

  ETTA

  1817 England

  “What are you doing here?” Etta’s hands flew to her bodice at the intrusion.

  “I’m here for you.” The unmistakably deep and familiarly reckless voice answered. It sent a thrill of pure frenzy through her body. As it always did.

  “F-for me?” Her fingers fidgeted with some white lace she found hanging down her bodice between her breasts.

  His eyes dropped to where her fingers were, stilling them. “Yes. Are you coming?”

  “W-what?”

  “Are you coming with me or do I need to throw you over my shoulder and haul you out of here?” Of course he would be direct like that. Just showing up here and demanding that she make an impossible decision. As if she hadn’t been faced with the same decision her whole life, only to make up her mind and then be forced to reconsider everything.

  Etta’s eyes darted around the small chamber that Wilhem had snuck into. Flowers rested on the table. White lace. Pearls. They were all flashes in her mind. “I c-couldn’t possibly—” She stopped herself. He didn’t even need to interrupt her. Her own invalid thoughts couldn’t be spoken aloud.

  “Couldn’t what? Abscond with me?” he scoffed before prying the door open to peer out a small gap. The muscles in his back rippled with his every move, and her eyes tracked every flex. “The way I see it, we’ve only got a few minutes, Etta. What’s your choice? Me? Or him?”

  Oh God. Putting it that way, her heart fluttered inside of her chest. It would always be me. Me being Wilhem. But it wasn’t that easy. It just wasn’t done. She simply could not alter the entirety of her future on a whim. It was⁠—

  “This was a mistake,” Wilhem said, shaking his head. “I should never have listened to Tilly.”

  “Tilly told you to come?”

  “You know my sister wanted to be here herself, but she couldn’t leave in the middle of her art program.”

  “I wouldn’t have asked her to do that,” Etta reassured him, though she wasn’t really sure why. He didn’t care what other people thought. Especially not her. Or her brother. Well, particularly especially not her brother.

  “No.” He rolled his lips. “I don’t think you would have.”

  They stood staring at each other. The space growing smaller. It always did when she was in Wilhem’s presence. Being a duke, he had an essence about him. Domineering. Vacuous. But then again, that didn’t quite explain why she never felt this way around other men of equal or greater status. And she didn’t even need his presence for her to grow short of breath, but imagining his presence was enough. She knew that from experience because whenever she perused her pink leatherbound book, The One With the Wanton Woman, she imagined him as the man in the picture doing things to her. His presence, or even the idea of his presence was enough to affect her in ways she didn’t understand.