“Arthur!”
“I expect to hear from one party or the other shortly, perhaps so early as next week, but wished to know your view of their establishment.”
“It is highly respectable, and their books are beautiful. My father and uncle often admire the skill of their tradesmen.”
“Good. I have mentioned the possibility of your idea and have not been rebuffed, but it would be helpful, I believe, if you were present to argue the merit of your plan.”
Patience caught her breath and Arthur smiled at her.
“Our investment will be contingent upon you gaining your desire from the partnership,” he said with welcome conviction. “And you will make a good case, I am certain. You can be a compelling advocate when you believe in a matter.”
She glowed at his praise.
“There is the question of an investment, which my solicitor calls substantial and which I call staggering.”
She watched him closely, waiting for the disappointment she feared..
The carriage rocked as it made its way through the street and he leaned closer to her, lowering his voice. “I did not return home last night because I heard of a game with high stakes. The Earl of Queenston had arrived in town and meant to play, and he is inclined to lose.”
“You played cards all night?”
“And rather well.”
“Does that mean you won?”
“Nine thousand pounds,” he admitted easily and watched her eyes widen.
“But you could have lost it all instead.”
“No, Patience, that is not how it words.”
“Gambling is an unpredictable venture…”
“It is mathematics,” he said crisply, interrupting her. “Each game is a calculation. Even given that, sometimes the cards favor a person and sometimes they do not. The trick is to walk away once the tide is against you.”
“Do you not lose?”
“It is not common, and when I lose, I lose only a little. My luck has been remarkably good since you accepted me, perhaps a sign of divine favor.”
“How so?”
“I play to earn the funds needed for your venture, Patience, no more and no less.”
She frowned. “But you are wealthy. You have an income, I understand, and a hope of inheritance…”
“And Lady Beckham does not approve of those in trade. There will be hell to pay if I use any increment of funds that originate from her in such a venture.”
“Is this why she does not approve of me?”
Arthur winced. “I fear so. I had hoped your charm would undermine her objections.” She watched his lips tighten. “I heard that she declined to dine with you last evening. I am sorry, Patience. I never imagined she would be so rude. By the time I left Mr. Sommerset, I believed dinner would have been served, and she has always insisted that it is better not to arrive at all than to be late.”
“I did not mind as much as I should have,” she admitted and he cast her a sparkling glance.
“I don’t suppose you would mind if we dined in your chamber alone tonight. We have a great deal of research to do, after all.”
“Arthur! Will she not be vexed with us?”
“Perhaps. I am vexed with her.” He smiled down at her. “And having botched our wedding night, I fear I must labor long and hard to redeem myself in your view.”
