The woman who spoke to him was hidden from view by a black veil. From what he could see, she had a fine figure and carried herself gracefully and confidently. Her only ornament, a golden cuff, initialedB.D.L.and set with sparkling diamonds, graced her wrist. “I’m afraid I have no inclination to partake in the sport of gambling.”
“Then why are you here?” she asked. Lex could hear no judgment one way or the other in her question. She was as cool as a cucumber sandwich on a tea cart.
“If I might have a word with you in private, I would be much obliged.” His stomach churned with irritation at having to reveal his true intention to her.
“I believe that can be arranged. Give me a few moments to check on things with Hippolyta, my gaming master. I have a meeting before you. When I’ve finished, I will send Titan, my floor manager, to escort you to my office, and we can share a brandy and discuss your reason for being at the Lyon’s Den.” In a swirl of black silk and a rustle of crinoline, Mrs. Dove-Lyon navigated the crowd, leaving Lex with nothing but the lingering scent of French perfume to prove she’d been there.
Basil joined him at the buffet and poured a glass of champagne. “Well, what did she say?”
“You don’t seriously think I would discuss this in the middle of the gaming parlor with all these rogues about salivating to catch a trifle of gossip.”
“I suppose not. So, what happens next?”
“In a few minutes, I will meet with her in her office and discuss with her my reasons for being here.”
“Good. Will you tell Mrs. Dove-Lyon about Annabelle?” he whispered.
Lex winced at the reminder of the pleasure-seeking muddle he had gotten himself into that had tarnished his reputation. Before his father’s death, he’d been carrying on an affair with Lady Winchester, a woman unhappily married to the much older Lord Winchester. Her cunning façade of “distressed damsel” had seduced him, and he’d fallen into her web. He’d eventually realized her ruse, but not soon enough to avoid discovery. Unfortunately, their liaison was found out and revealed to her husband.
Despite his mistake, Lex was first and foremost a gentleman, and he had shouldered the blame to save the lady’s reputation.
Fortunately, her husband hadn’t challenged him to a duel, because Lex would have hated to kill him in defense of his life over what was nothing more than a sordid affair, one that he deeply regretted.
The entire episode had resulted in Lex being shunned by many in theton, and nearly cost him his seat in the House of Lords. As with most social missteps by privileged men, the whole mess had soon been forgotten and Lex’s social standing restored.
“It has been four years, Basil. I was young and foolish. The lady has returned to her miserable marriage, and the matter is closed.”
“Bess is a very astute woman whose agents keep her abreast of the goings-on among thebeau monde. I would suggest that your honesty will further your cause.”
“I will consider your suggestion.” Lex slurped down an oyster, tossed the shell, and changed the subject. “How’s your luck holding up, Basil?” While Lex never gambled, Basil enjoyed the toss of the dice now and again, but unlike others who wasted their fortunes on the tables, he was quite a nimble player and only partook occasionally.
“Not bad,” Basil replied. “I’ve recovered most of what the annoying little chit robbed from my purse.”
“Are you as curious as I am to find out the identity of that fearless wench? As I recall, her speech was more suitable to that of a gentlewoman. I wonder why she would risk her life for a few sovereigns?”
“Whoever she is, there is a rope in her future.”
“I wish that were not so. She was unforgettable.”
“Ah, another damsel in distress, and you are smitten. Let it go, Lex, and focus on what you need to accomplish: to find a financially well-endowed wife who hopefully won’t make you miserable for the rest of your life. You might consider it an opportunity to save a damsel in distress if it satisfies your manly ego.”
Lex chuckled. Of course, Basil was right. Involving himself in the ill fate of a highwaywoman would only lead to trouble, and he’d had enough of that for any man. If only he could forget the excitement rampaging through his body when her gaze had met his. Alas, even though he’d professed otherwise, he was unlikely to ever see her again. He only hoped she would refrain from taking such great risks again, for he would hate to see her arrested, or worse—shot in the back while trying to get away, or that pretty neck of hers hanging from a noose.
Chapter Four
Winnie sat rigidlyupright and brought her teacup to her lips as her gaze swept the lavish, tastefully furnished office of Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon. Her grandmother had successfully coerced her to the Lyon’s Den for a meeting with the enterprising gaming proprietress. Winnie did not know how to maneuver through this unwanted interference with her independence. The entire idea of being forced into a loveless marriage was cringeworthy. Her instinct was to run from this palace of indulgence and escape from the repugnant gentlemen who had nothing better to do with their time than wager their fortunes in wasteful games of chance.
Winnie was uncomfortably aware of her predicament. Her grandmother and the disreputable matchmaker appeared as cozy as two peas in a pod. They chatted amiably whilst she sat, a silent and wary participant in a game she had no desire to play. She knew it was only a matter of time before she became the focus of their deliberations.
“My dear Bess, I must admit your establishment is a complete surprise. It is elegant and tastefully run, and my first impression completely contradicts what I imagined a gaming establishment wouldbe. Are the gentlemen always so well behaved?”
“Oh Lord, no. They’re often irascible, and confrontations happen at the least provocation. They will wager on anything and everything, and disgruntlement often ends in fisticuffs. I maintain a large staff of formidable enforcers to keep the peace. My matchmaking endeavors also often result in challenges among the gentlemen as they try to outwit and best whoever stands in their way. You have no idea how many duels of supposed honor I have had to intervene in. It is part of the male instinct to protect their sensitive natures regarding real or imagined insults. Gentlemen will be gentlemen, as they say.”
“And you encourage this behavior?”
“I consider it a whittling down of suitors for a lady. Let the best man win. As you know, thetonhas its share of scoundrels, rapscallions, fools, and men of poor character among its caste. The house must be cleaned of such vermin from time to time. Many of my lady customers dream of finding a good marriage, even though Society has branded them tainted, sometimes through no fault of their own. I pride myself on being the arbiter of many a successful match. Not just satisfactory—many have resulted in a true love match.”
I doubt that very much.Winnie sipped her tea to keep from laughing. She had no faith in arranged marriages. Especially one arranged by a gaming hell doyenne.
