“Can I not play on the main floor?”
“The main gaming floor is for men only. We have a ladies’ gaming room for you to enjoy. I was not pleased to learn Mr. Blakewood is off my market. But after meeting you, I can see you’re a good match.”
Amelia didn’t know what to say to that. They were a terrible match, physical attraction notwithstanding. Utter opposites, destined to drive each other mad forever. Right now, all they had was a truce. Sam’s well-being overshadowed their conflict.
“Thank you,” was all Amelia replied.
Helena appeared. “Right this way, my lady.” She led Amelia back across the rooms she’d already seen, through the gallery, to the ladies’ gaming room on the opposite side. The afternoon was waning, but she could stay for a little while—for research, of course.
Amelia tried a few games and found herself having a grand time, but her mind continued to drift back to the main gaming floor where the gentlemen played. She wanted a challenge few women could provide.
Amelia made her way down the servants’ stairs connecting the ladies’ gaming room to the main gaming floor. She hesitated on the last step and took in the scene. There were enoughpatrons for the place to be active, but it wasn’t crowded, not like it would be later in the evening, she was sure. How much more exciting would it be then? Would she have the opportunity to come back at night? She could just imagine the revelry, the stakes, the crazed fever of winning. No wonder her brother spent so much time here.
“Lady Amelia, just my luck.”
Amelia tensed, but she painted on a smug smile as she turned to face Sir Daniel. “Sir Daniel, a pleasure to see you again.”
He moved closer to her, closer than was appropriate, and touched her arm. “I must say, I’ve been dreaming of this moment.”
She raised a brow. “Of standing here and talking to me in a gaming hall? How banal.”
His smile broadened. “Not exactly.” He took in her subdued attire. “The den offers many incredible... opportunities to test one’s mettle, to broaden their horizons.”
“It’s a gaming hall,” Amelia said dryly, ignoring his suggestive tone.
“It is not only a gaming hall. There are many things to—”
“Yes, you’re flirting and implying that there are illicit activities. What is your point?”
His gaze sharpened. “You never fail to intrigue me. It’s a wonder that you’ve tied yourself to such a boring ape as Blakewood.”
The mention of Graham gave her gooseflesh.
“Why is that? He’s an honorable and respected gentleman.”
Sir Daniel stepped even closer, and to Amelia’s chagrin she lost her route of escape as he put his hand on the railing, blocking her path back up the stairs.
“You’re a woman of action. You’re smart, stunning, and I’m willing to guess so much more that I’ve yet to discover. Marriage to him will fade your vibrant colors. He can’t make you happy.He won’t appreciate your skill like I do. Let me know when you grow tired of him.”
He tried to step closer still, leaning as if he intended to kiss her cheek but Amelia put a hand to his chest.
“Don’t think for one more second that you could play on my level.”
He chuckled and stepped back. “I’m a patient player, my lady. I can play the long game. I can play all night.” He bowed and slinked away.
Amelia wanted to gag but instead she quit the main level. Sir Daniel couldn’t approach her where he wasn’t allowed. She would play a few more games with the other ladies before she went home so her last taste of the Den wouldn’t be tainted by Sir Daniel.
But when she next noticed the time, Amelia gasped. She’d been here too long and not a single person knew where she was. Sam had been resting and Graham busy tending to his correspondence when she’d slipped out of the house.
Time had flown far faster than possible, and she hadn’t noticed. She would be in so much trouble if Graham or Sam knew. She gathered her winnings from an unknown servant and hurried down the corridor toward the ladies’ entrance to collect her cloak. Helena promised a hack would be waiting for her outside.
“Lady Amelia.”
She froze as she took her cloak from the waiting servant, that dark voice halting her in her steps. She didn’t know what to expect when she turned. She would not pretend she did not hear him. The time for reckoning would come one way or another. She schooled her face into something no one around her would read as surprise, and she smiled as she pivoted.
“Graham, I was just returning home now.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
