Page 58 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Balfour stared for two heartbeats, then laughed. “Surely, you do not believe everything you hear?”

“I try to remain objective,” Sophie replied.

“Excellent.” Balfour sipped his drink. “Tell me, Miss Shaw, do you make a habit of following men at night?”

Color tingled her cheeks, and Adam suspected she was remembering the carriage ride with him and Emerson. Adam really did want to teach her a lesson.

“Tonight was my first time following a gentleman,” she said.

“Has anyone ever told you that you are a little mad?” Balfour asked.

Her eyes shifted to Adam. “So I was told tonight.”

Adam gave a slow nod. “You and I definitely need to come to an understanding.”

He’d never meant anything more in his life.

“When are you two to wed?” Balfour asked.

Adam looked at him. “Her father and I have not yet set a date, but I imagine three days hence.”

Balfour sipped his whisky. “Tonight would be even better.”

Sophie gasped in unison with Adam’s, “I beg your pardon?”

“A gentleman can depend upon a wife to stand by his side at all times,” Balfour said.

There was no mistaking his meaning. Balfour didn’t like the fact that Sophie was witness to their association. As Adam’s wife, she couldn’t be forced to make any statements against Adam.

“Balfour, I need a moment with my intended,” Adam said.

Hesitation flickered in his eyes. “I will have a minister fetched while you two discuss…your wedding.”

Sophie looked at Adam in confusion.

“You seem distressed, Miss Shaw,” Balfour said in a smooth voice.

“I-I simply planned to marry surrounded by family.”

Balfour laughed. “I imagine you should have thought of that before you followed a man at night.”

She thinned her lips, and Adam feared she would lose her temper.

“How can we marry tonight?” she asked in a calm voice. “We have no license.”

Balfour gave a slow nod. “Never fear. I can take care of that. You will excuse me.” He started toward the door.

When the door clicked shut, Sophie shot to her feet. “I knew it!”

Adam frowned. “Knew what?”

“That Lord Monthemer is involved in criminal activities.”

“Indeed?” he asked in a half-strangled voice. “Exactly what do you know?”

“I have heard that Mr. Balfour is also a pirate—just like Lord Monthemer. Perhaps I do not have to marry at all. Once I tell my father what I have learned, he will not force me to marry the marquess.”

“Have you any idea what just happened?” Adam asked.