“I wish to be an Englishman,” Renee lied.
More drinks arrived then, and the dealer dealt the cards. Anthony watched Cavendish’s anger grow as Renee won more hands. Anthony, too, held his own.
He felt the Frenchman’s tension climb every time Cavendish thumped his fist on the table or swore loudly. Renee wore glasses perched on the end of his narrow nose and this close, Anthony could see the beard and wig were indeed fake.
Why would anyone want a fake beard and wig if you were not deliberately hiding your identity?
The more he observed the Frenchman, the more something felt off about him.But what?
“I said I wanted a whiskey!” Cavendish snapped, slamming the empty tumbler down on the edge of the table.
Anthony knew many things about Cavendish. Like the fact he drank too much and flew into fits of rage easily. That his mistress was called Jasmine, and she thought him a selfish lover, but put up with him as he showered her with gifts. He also knew the man mistreated his staff terribly.
Know thy enemy.
“Je quitte la table maintenant,” Renee said softly.
The Frenchman had just said he was leaving the table, and Anthony was sure that was due to Cavendish’s behavior. Odd, considering he was in a gambling hell, where men behaved badly constantly.
“What did he say?” Cavendish demanded. “English, man!”
“He is French, Cavendish. I’m sure when you visit his country, those within its borders do not demand you speak their language,” Anthony said.
“Can’t abide the French.”
“I’m sure there are plenty who feel the same about the English.”
“I doubt that, Hamilton. We are far superior in every way,” Cavendish boasted.
“Thank you,” Renee said, and Anthony had a feeling he was deliberately misunderstanding Cavendish.
“Idiot can’t even understand me,” Cavendish said loudly, which had others around them sniggering.
“Imbécile d’esprit petit.”
“Oui,” Anthony said, because Cavendish was a small-minded fool.
“Did you just insult me?” Cavendish demanded.
“French is a difficult language to grasp…for some,” Anthony drawled.
“It’s not an important language. English is all I need. Now I demand you tell me what he said, Hamilton. I heard him utter the word imbecile.”
Renee called him a strutting peacock this time, which made Anthony snort. The Frenchman clearly had a sense of humor.
“I never forget someone who offends me,” Cavendish snapped, now glaring at Renee.
“There must be an excessively long list by now,” Anthony added.
“Meaning what, Hamilton?”
“I’m quite sure you understood exactly what I said, Cavendish.”
The angry look on Cavendish’s face slid away suddenly, to be replaced by a smirk.
“I do hope dear Miss Spencer does not interest you, Hamilton? After all I did see you with her the other day, and you seemed quite chatty.”
He ignored the man and continued to play.
