It was a bloody horrific disaster.
And he was the only one who knew.Well, at least at the moment.He stood and drained the last of his brandy and turned to the gentlemen who had been speaking, recognizing them as Lord Hatwell and Lord Longburg, elderly and often bored earls.“Lord Hatwell, Longburg,” Gabriel addressed them.“I had the benefit of overhearing part of your conversation, and I’d like to add to this bet.I assume it’s in the book?”Gabriel asked with a lazy smile, keeping his gaze half bored.
“Of course!And yes, you assume correctly, Lord Hawthorne.Best of luck… to us all.”Hatwell raised his glass and clinked it with his friend’s before taking a sip.
Gabriel took his leave, and rather than walk directly to the betting book, he took a slow route around the room, just in case anyone had been paying attention to his movements.One could never be too cautious.
After he had examined both the faro and the hazard games, he walked over toward the table where the betting book was managed.Just to be cautious, he scanned the room for Ramsford.
As soon as he was certain he was not present, he approached the manager of the book.“I believe there is a specific bet I would like to consider.”Gabriel leaned against the table the perfect picture of insolent boredom.
The manager of the book nodded.“Of course, my lord, what do you fancy?”
Gabriel continued.“The Ramsford wager.I would like to put a thousand pounds wagering that Ramsford will not make the matrimonial match he is claiming.”The manager nodded and made the note.He gestured for Gabriel to sign, and Gabriel did quickly.“I thank you.”
The manager merely nodded, made a few other notes beside Gabriel’s signature and offered no other remarks.As was the common way for any bets to be placed.Finished with his business, Gabriel decided that White’s had become far too crowded for his liking.After a moment’s debate, he choose to leave so he’d get some sleep before the new day, because he had his work cut out for him.The sleepless night was already wearing on his already exhausted body.Come tomorrow, there would be no rest for the wicked.Meaning him.Although, these days, especially with tomorrow’s plans, he felt more like a guardian angel than the devil.
He twirled his cane once—silver head flashing like a warning—before stepping into the dawn.Somewhere across Mayfair, a certain ornithologically inclined debutante was probably cataloguing rakes like rare birds.Let her try to pin this one.
Chapter Seven
Lady Peregrine turnedthe page in her book, then set it down.A moment later, she picked it back up and thumbed through to find her wayward bookmark.
Footsteps sounded in the hall.“If you suggest needlepoint, I’m going to prick you with it,” Pere grumbled, not glancing up.
“Good morning to you as well.”
Pere’s gaze shot up and met the amused delight of Lord Hawthorne’s smile.His cravat was a fraction askew—scandalous for a man who prided himself on perfection.
“My threat still stands.”
Pere watched as Lord Hawthorne continued his lazy stroll into the parlor, his attention scanning the room and then landing on her.“I don’t doubt it.However, it looks like that story isn’t exactly holding your attention either.”He motioned to the book in her hands.
Pere glanced down, then set the book to the side.“And how would you know that?”
“It was upside down.And while you are undoubtedly remarkably talented, I doubt you practice reading in such a fashion.”His lips twitched as if hiding a grin.
Pere narrowed her eyes.“Is it a crime to be a little restless, my lord?Have I merely given you more material with which to lecture me?It’s a wonder so many women find you charming; I merely find you irritating.”Pere fired the words like arrows, watching his reaction to see if they hit their marks.
With a shrug Lord Hawthorne took a seat in the chair across from her.“No.No crime has been committed here, Lady Peregrine.I’m merely observant.As are you, apparently.”He stretched one leg out, the picture of indolent grace.
“I’ve been called worse.”
“I’ll not comment on that; I’m wiser than I look.”
“I doubt that.”
“Ah, so you think I look wise?”
“No—which should give you sufficient information.”
“I’d feel wounded, but I find I’m only entertained by your attempt to insult me.You’ll have to do better than that, I’m afraid.”
“Why are you here?”
“I could ask the same of you.”
“This is my brother’s house.”
