In her room, Pen dropped onto her chair, and gestured tiredly for him to sit. “I have nothing to offer in terms of refreshments.”
“No matter.” He studied her. She looked more dishevelled than usual, with one end of her shirt hanging out of her trousers, and her temples were matted with sweat.
“Did your trip to Wiltshire go well?” she asked awkwardly.
Only two weeks had passed since they’d last seen each other, and now they were conversing like strangers.
“Tolerably well, thank you. I have been seeking you for the past few days, in vain. You must be tremendously busy.”
“Yes.” She evaded his eyes.
“One hears all sorts of things,” he drawled. “Do you care to tell me what is going on?”
She hesitated. He could almost see how her mind worked. Should she tell him? Shouldn’t she? Could she trust him? Or better not?
His patience snapped.
“By Jove, Pen. This is no small matter, what has come to my ears. A gambling match at Perpignol’s? Really?”
He hadn’t intended for his anger to burst forth as it did. He was not a little surprised at himself. He never got angry. Why would he let this passion carry him away now?
Her eyes flew to his face. “You’ve heard of it?”
“It’s all they ever talk about! By Jupiter.” Alworth threw up his arms. “The entiretonwill attend.” Now it was Alworth’s turn to get up and pace the room. “Blackstone is a hard-core gamester. He plays hard and deep. How on earth do you imagine you will win this match?”
“I have been playing cards my entire life. Besides, I’ve been training with Fariq.”
“Fariq! I believe you have mentioned the name before, but I cannot recall who the blazes he is.”
She made a tired gesture. “He owns the Perpignol.”
Alworth stood thunderstruck. “The owner of the Perpignol!”
“Yes, yes. I know what you are going to say. A place of sin and vice. It’s not as bad as you say. Truly.”
“You’ve befriended the owner of the Perpignol. You actually went there. Alone.” Alworth realised he sounded like a pedant.
“What if I did? It’s none of your business. And, my lord, if you are quite done berating me, I would appreciate it if you stopped quizzing me on my motives. You are neither my father, nor my guardian, and I am not your ward.”
Alworth exploded. “Thank the heavens for that! I am starting to understand more and more why your guardian refuses to step into his role.”
“And you, my lord, are a controlling, moralising prig.”
Alworth took a big breath. He struggled with himself, shook his head, grabbed his hat and left the room without a word.
