It was true, so Zane nodded. “He’s a young man thinking he wants to be skilled at cards, but still a greenhorn, impulsive and easily led. Apparently, now all the affection he used to have for women has turned to gaming.”
Harry shrugged amiably and took a drink from his glass before saying, “He’ll come back around to where he realizes he can handle both.”
Zane blew out a derisive laugh. “The problem is, he doesn’t want to take the time, as you and I did at his age, to study, learn, and get good at the games.”
“Young men today have no patience or discipline for the finer details of card playing.”
“Right,” Zane agreed. “I have reason to suspect he may be getting into debt with someone or a card club. Maybe more than one.”
“You think it’s possible that some of the men are duping him and using him to plump their pockets?”
“Precisely,” Zane said, and looked around the room again. “He’s a good fellow but maybe with more swaggerthan he can back up. As you well know, there are a few men who make their living off a younger man’s pockets. Until Robert learns to control his gaming limits, he’s at risk. He’s come to me twice for money since he’s been home. That causes me worry.”
“Is he giving you any details?”
“No, and I try to be careful. I appreciate his need for privacy. He wouldn’t like it if he knew I was checking on him. I hope you can make some discreet inquiries for me.”
“An easy enough request. Do you have names?”
“Not that I can confirm. Only suspicions right now.”
“Your instincts are always good.”
Zane hoped they didn’t fail him this time. “Robert’s spending a lot of time with a man his age who seems to have enough money to stay in the games, Harper Tabor. I haven’t been around him often. He seems innocent enough, but I feel something isn’t right. He doesn’t have the attitude or style of an accomplished gamester.”
“You think he might be a decoy to lure Robert into debt?”
For Brina’s sake, he hoped that wasn’t the case, but to Harry, he said, “Very possible.”
“I’ve not heard Tabor’s name mentioned in any of the clubs, nor a word about your cousin.”
“Tabor could be one of the greenhorns being duped himself. He’s young too. I don’t want Robert getting in deeper than he should. I need to know if he’s borrowing money to gamble from anyone else and who he might owe.”
“The amount can’t be huge. You know word like that gets around fast.”
“That’s why I’m asking now. If there are debts, I want to settle them before they get out of hand.”
“Do you have any other details?”
“Robert mentioned a man named Remick who was having a series of games, and he didn’t have the blunt to get in.”
Harry shook his head. “Never heard his name, but games and clubs come and go so frequently.”
Zane nodded. “I could be wrong, and both Tabor and Remick are square with Robert, and they are all having friendly games to improve his skills. I want to make sure before I leave him to stand on his own.”
“I’ll ask around and be in touch when there’s something to report.”
“The favor will be returned whenever you ask.”
Harry straightened in his chair and picked up his glass and sipped. “You can grant me that favor right now.”
“Tell me what you want.”
“I want to hear about the widow who convinced you to give up wine, cards, and women.”
Chapter 17
Passion was a peculiar thing, Brina decided, placing a large basket on the dining room table. She was certain she’d had as much of it for her husband as she now had for the earl. The problem was, she didn’t remember it. The past couple of nights she’d lain awake in her bed trying to recall the memories of Stewart’s touch.
