Yesterday, which had started so horribly, had already been relegated to the past. She and her family had navigated a moment of public humiliation, but thanks to one afternoon in Malum’s company, they’d come out unscathed. She ought to be feeling content.
And yet, as she pushed a solitary bite of venison across her plate, she conceded that she was not.
Her attention drifted to the far end of the table, where Northwoods sat beside her younger sister. Laughter bubbled between them, Josie’s lashes fluttering as she listened to the earl. He seemed almost charming, but there was something about the way he carried himself that set Melanie on edge. He’d barely acknowledged having met her yesterday, save a vaguepleasantry upon his arrival. Why was her brother allowing him to court their poor Josie?
And why wasn’t Malum here to answer a few of her questions? Dash it all!
Melanie’s hand tightened around her fork. Josie deserved the best sort of gentleman—one who delighted in her enthusiasm, appreciated her thoughtfulness and… loved her for who she was.
Not because he simply needed funds!
While watching the earl leaning into her sister’s space, as though it was necessary to hear her words, Malum’s warning echoed in Melanie’s mind.The man had pockets to let. He’d made trouble at theDomus.
She shouldn’t trust him.
If Reed and her family weren’t going to thoroughly vet the man, then perhaps she would. She had questions.
After all, temporary though it might be, Melanie was engaged to a man who knew more than most about the gaming circles in London. And as such, she just might have heard a few things…
“Lord Northwoods,” she began.
The earl’s head turned toward her, his polished smile dimming just slightly. Everyone at the table fell silent, because, of course, they weren’t accustomed to her speaking up yet. So when she talked, Melanie realized, they all just might listen.
It was another interesting effect to explore… later.
“Yes, my lady?”
Melanie steadied her nerves, channeling some of what she’d learned yesterday afternoon. “I understand you’ve had… an interesting run at the tables of late.”
The earl’s eyes narrowed, but only for a moment before he widened them politely. “Oh? I wasn’t aware my modest evenings at play were of note.”
“Well.” Melanie swallowed, hating that her voice might betray her at any time. She curved her lips up ever sofaintly. “Luck—or the lack thereof—always makes for interesting conversation. Wouldn’t you agree?” She was aware that Reed was watching her, and that he didn’t look disapproving, only curious.Perhaps he knew something after all.
“Ah, but luck is a fickle mistress.” His voice was strained, but he quickly masked it with a chuckle. “I suppose even the best of us have our less fortunate moments.”
How far could she push?
“Fortunate or not,” she said, tilting her head thoughtfully, “you are a regular at theDomus Emporium.” She swallowed. “Where the stakes are not for the faint of heart.” Her tone was vague enough to remain polite, but the air at the table shifted noticeably.
“Melanie.” Her mother’s voice cut through as she sent Melanie a meaningful scowl. “All gentlemen wager, don’t they, Standish? It isn’t our place to question what the earl does in pursuit of his… gentlemanly entertainment.”
“Isn’t it, Mother?” Reed countered, his tone mild but pointed.
“Fair enough,” Northwoods interjected, his tight jaw betraying just a hint of discomfort. “I’ll admit, I was a patron once. But as time has passed, I’ve found more… dignified pursuits.” His voice was careful—measured—as he glanced from Reed back to Melanie. “Your betrothed's establishment is, of course, unparalleled. But I am older and wiser now. Every gentleman worth his salt sows his fair share of wild oats, am I wrong?”
“Not at all.” But Sir Percival was the only gentleman to offer his agreement.
The exchange was venturing far away from polite conversation, but Melanie wasn’t sorry. Instead, remembering the power of silence, she waited, hoping the earl would go right on talking.
He leaned back slightly, his expression adopting a faint air of superiority. “There is a mystique to theDomus, certainly, but for those who’ve been inside, the shine wears off rather quickly.” His response was polished, as though he’d spoken the lie to others.
Melanie tilted her head, studying him. When had she met him before?
“Of course,” she murmured, lifting her wineglass. “Time has a way of revealing all, doesn’t it?”
Her words seemed to strike Northwoods with more sting than she’d intended, and for a moment, he failed to conceal his disquiet. The tension in the room crackled, her family glancing between them, looking unsure as to whether they ought to interject. Because although Melanie’s comments had been awkward, the earl had just insulted theDomus Emporium, which was owned by Melanie’s betrothed, who happened to be a duke.
Josie looked startled, flustered with embarrassment, as she glanced at the earl. But before Northwoods could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hall.
