“No? She’s of age. I could walk out that door with her right now.”
“If she’d have you.”
“I think she will.”
“You know, you’re not as stealthy as you used to be. You’re getting reckless. There have been whispers about the closeness between the two of you.”
“Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.”
“She has a better option.”
Tristan gripped the back of the chair until the wood groaned.
“You have to agree Hugstead has more to offer a girl like Miss Brandon,” she said.
Tristan bit his tongue. She was baiting him.
“Hugstead has offered for her hand. I advised Miss Brandon to take the time to truly consider the offer. It’s what any sane woman would do.”
“Is that why she looked so happy? I didn’t know joy had a green pallor. I’m offering,” he said.
“You’ve nothing to offer her, or me. Never forget that I’m in thebusinessof matchmaking. I don’t do it for pleasure. Although—toying with men is always amusing.”
“I’mnot nothing. Make me a new deal. I’ll... I’ll let Meed buy Lark Hall.”
She whipped toward him. “Your great-grandfather died on the fields of Culloden for that house, and your grandfather had to turn his back on everything they stood for to save that house, to salvage what was left of Clan Cameron, is that not correct? It’s what you spouted to me when you came crawling on your knees to save it. Now you’re going to give it up for a woman?” She scoffed. “Men are so fickle. This is why women should rule everything. What of your siblings? What of the grave markers of your parents? The tenants who trust you with their wellbeing? I looked into Lark Hall. I know it’s now worth three times what we agreed upon.”
“They’re my concern, not yours. Everyone else who cares about that house is dead.”
“You care. Don’t pretend you don’t care.”
“I love her.”
She snorted. “Did you tell her that?”
“I did.”
She straightened and folded her arms. “Well, that muddies thewater a bit, doesn’t it? Her mind addled with proclamations of love, no wonder she wouldn’t agree to Hugstead right away.”
“Make me a deal, please,” he begged.
“No. You’re ready to throw away the Cameron legacy for love? Then throw aside some of your other scruples and do a little gambling. Put your happiness and fate in your own hands and play. Play to win everything you want. Your house, your lady love. I think it’s quite fitting.”
“You’re—”
“Careful what you say,” she snapped. “This is my club, and I decide who can play here.”
“I don’t know how to play cards. I’ll lose.”
“Learn quickly. This is your only way to achieve the things you want. I’ll arrange a special exhibition card game. Skill is needed to win. I’ll even sweeten the deal. If you win, I’ll wipe your debts clean. If you lose... you will still owe me a debt, and I will capitalize on Lark Hall’s new worth that Meed is willing to pay,”
Tristan had never fainted before, but he imagined the wooziness and black around his vision must be his consciousness slipping away. He shook his head and focused on her.
“I have your word?”
“Yes. Play Lord Hugstead and win, and the debt is erased. But she still has to agree to wed you. You are not playing for her hand. That would be despicable.”
“I understand.” He turned away.
