I looked over at the duke, straddling the bread basket, winning another hazard roll. “I think I have a way back.”
At least I hoped I had.
The duke’s posture was a little bent, but that was probably from hovering over the table.
He looked very smart in black trousers and an ebony-striped waistcoat. His cravat was still crisp, but he wasn’t lugging a cow in his shirt.
Sullivan came to the other side of me. “Mighty young for the duke to bring his page with him. I thought a good page was a Blackamoor child that could walk or at least be able to follow a lady around with a satin pillow. Right, Thackery? You know how it’s done. Weren’t you one for your father?”
The barrister put his fork down. “It’s time to leave.”
The awful man chuckled. “Just a little jest, Thackery. The little thing is quiet and must be bringing His Grace luck. The duke’s on quite a streak.”
“The Duke of Repington is eccentric and does as he pleases.” My voice held steady, but I was ready to hit Sullivan. I didn’t slap like a girl. My mother taught me how to deliver a blow.
“Now, LaCroy, your friend Mr. Thackery knows I’m joking. In fact, I should be nice to him. I hear he’s set to inherit a title when his uncle finally dies.”
The barrister stood. His countenance hadn’t changed from blank. “LaCroy, finish your business with Sullivan, I’ll go watch the duke and see if his luck doubles.”
When Thackery left, Sullivan stepped closer.
“LaCroy, you do have better people to vouch for you than those deadbeats, Markham and Jordan. Let me know when you need credit extended. I’m sure I could work out an offering, even one without management’s extra fees. Jordan mentioned this?”
“He did. I’ll keep this is mind.”
“Yes, come to me alone. I can give you better terms than the house.”
I nodded. “I’ll contact you once I figure out how much I’d like to gamble.”
When Sullivan moved back into the crowd, I sat back down.
After a few minutes, Thackery returned, slipping into a seat. “Well, LaCroy?”
“My husband was involved in a conspiracy to defraud this club with Sullivan. Colin was guilty.”
“Did the man mention Markham being involved?”
“Just as a deadbeat. He hinted at Colin knowing about Sullivan’s lending money at better terms than the house.”
“Well, Jordan’s diary must be a record of these deals. That must be the tool Colin used to get his IOUs canceled. His extortion worked.”
That was no comfort. How could my husband run a criminal pursuit?
The sight of my sleeping angel beginning to punch at his blanket was too much. I hungered to be with honest souls. My head had mapped out the quickest route to my babe and the duke. I’d cede to the lessons the clear-eyed commander wanted to teach.
“Mr. Thackery, good evening to you.”
“I’ll sit here for a moment and ensure you do have transport. You’re under my protection. I won’t chance leaving you, not here, not disguised as you are.”
Again, the fussy man surprised me, but I knew Repington. I could count on him. “I’ll be fine.”
Slowly walking, like it was my last mile, I went to the hazard table and brushed his coat. “Duke, I think it’s time to go. You have appointments and schedules.”
“No, relax, LaCroy. Go sit back with the barrister. Lionel will tell me when it’s time to go. Unless you know of a reason, a good reason for me to stop.”
A few gentlemen looked my way with frowning lips, almost menacing. “Continue, Your Grace. Win at all costs.”
He offered me a wicked smile. A cross betweentwo can play this gameandwait until I get you home. Neither would be well for me or my traitorous racing pulse.
