Adam watched Miss Hancock to gauge her reaction. Her spontaneous smile faded again when she noticed his scrutiny. “Very well, Mr. Ashford. It seems we are unwilling partners in this venture. However, we shall never be friends.”
He chuckled low. “On that, at least, we firmly agree.”
Chapter Three
Jane held her breath while Mr. Rutley lounged behind his desk, considering the offer. Upon his return, Mr. Ashford had wasted no time explaining it and had managed not to bumble it completely. Now, she could only wait as nothing less than her freedom hung in the balance. Aunt Hester fidgeted nervously at her side while Barlow frowned. Then, the man to whom she owed a fortune lifted his eyes and smiled.
“No.”
She flinched as if he’d struck her. “No? Why?”
“I find no benefit from your offer. Only a fool would accept it.”
Ashford stood from his chair, clearly agitated. “But the gold, sir. Nearly seven thousand pounds. What of that?”
Rutley choked a patronizing laugh. “Mr. Ashford. Your utter lack of business acumen is the very reason for your impending ruin.”
Ashford’s face grew stony and he folded his arms. “Explain.”
“Very well. I will explain in terms even you and Miss Hancock might understand. At this moment, I own your estate, which you so accurately appraised at twenty-five thousand pounds. If I agree to your plan and you succeed, I will lose my claim. A few thousand pounds in gold coin would serve as a very poor substitute, don’t you think?”
Rutley’s logic appeared to have the desired impact on Ashford. He blinked and his folded arms fell to his sides. He clenched his fists briefly before lifting determined eyes.
“Surely, sir, there is something you value as much as my estate. Something perhaps I might give you.”
Rutley’s smirk faded as he pondered the cryptic words. He stood to pace the room, deep in thought. When he stopped to face them, his face wore a different smile—one Jane found disturbing.
“In consideration of your offer, Mr. Ashford, allow me to counter.”
“We are listening.”
Rutley glanced at Jane, dismissed her quickly, and spoke to Ashford. “I offer this. I will allow you thirty days to find the gold.”
Jane inhaled a sharp breath as hope resurged. Rutley paused long enough to coddle that hope before crushing it anew.
“However. If you do manage to locate the gold, you must play a single contest of cross and pile for the entire sum.”
Jane stood slowly and glanced at Ashford. His frown threatened to fall through his chin.
“You wish us to toss a coin?” he said.
“Yes.”
“And the winner keeps all while the loser keeps none?”
“Exactly.” Rutley peered at Jane. “If Miss Hancock wins, then she must surrender the entire sum to me in exchange for the cancelling of her debt. I will, of course, retain the Ashford estate.”
“And if I win?” said Ashford.
“The same. You must surrender the entire sum in exchange for forgiveness of your debt. You keep your estate.”
“And Miss Hancock?”
“To debtor’s prison, I’m afraid.”
Alarm locked Jane’s tongue. Everything would hinge on the single toss of a coin? The prospect seemed heinous. She glared at Mr. Rutley, but he appeared intent on Ashford.
“There is one further caveat,” Rutley said.
