Page 27 of The Gambler Wagers Her Baron

“My home—and my gaming tables—are open to many, Your Grace.” The woman was a fool and certainly should pay for her mistake, but never would he allow Catherton to know her identity. He opened the drawer near his elbow and retrieved the small box he kept his household funds in. Each week, he gave Mrs. Brown enough for the market and his servants’ wages. “If I am not mistaken, you received an invitation from Lady Wittenbottom, my sister.”

“That is of no consequence,” the duke retorted. “I will have the lady’s name and directions immediately. If you cannot be held responsible for those gaming in your home, then I am certain the magistrate will handle the matter swiftly.”

“My sister informed you of my rules. Identities always remain secret.” Damon opened the box and counted out the twenty pounds Catherton was owed. “Even I do not know all my guests. That is why many come to Ashford Hall. I afford them both privacy and safety. That being said, I do agree you should have your debt settled.”

The sum was not significant for Damon, nor would it affect his household accounts. However, such a debt for a mere governess would be impossible to repay.

“Here is your due.” Damon held the notes out to the man. “I will assume the debt marker and collect.”

“I don’t want your money, Ashford,” the duke hissed. “I want the name of the woman who dared flee before making good on her losses.”

“Even if I knew her name, I would not give it to you.” Damon straightened, sending his haughtiest glare across his desk. “If I were you, I’d take the money, consider the debt settled, and be gone.”

Catherton’s eyes narrowed, and his face reddened at Damon’s audacity.

His brow rose. “And what, may I ask, would you do if you found her name and directions?”

“That is my concern.” The duke snatched the notes and slipped them into his coat pocket, never removing his cold stare from Damon. “Ashford, do not expect me—or any of my friends—to attend Ashford Hall again.”

“I never presumed you would, Your Grace.” There could be no mistaking the intent behind Damon’s retort. “I will bid you good day.”

Behind them, Mr. Brown opened the study door as if he’d had his ear pressed to the wood and gestured for the duke to follow.

Catherton swung around and departed the room without so much as a farewell, not that Damon expected one.

He only hoped Miss Samuels had found her way back upstairs and out of sight.

Damon rubbed his face as he slumped into his chair. He’d settled Miss Samuels’ debt for a selfish reason. Damon needed a governess, particularly someone who understood what his children were going through, and she was that person. He couldn’t help Joy and Abram. Damon was as lost in his own grief as they were. However, if what he’d witnessed the previous night told him anything, Miss Samuels could help them. And in so doing, she might save Damon, as well.

If he hadn’t paid Catherton, there was little chance the man would forget the debt or allow Damon to continue his gambling parties without issue. If he could not maintain his gaming evenings, he would need something else to occupy his mind and his time.

He needed the brief reprieve from what his life had become. It was only when he donned his mask that the pain and anguish did not threaten to overtake him with each breath he took. He did not long for the woman he lost. He did not languish over the void that separated him from his children.

And he had no need to face his failures, at least for a brief few hours.

Payton didn’t halt until she was safely returned to the schoolroom, the door closed at her back. When Mrs. Brown had delivered their midday meal to them while they continued their studies, Payton had thought it a good time to speak privately with the baron.

About their time in his study, and also his children.

It was a matter she was ill-equipped to handle. The baron’s children were not unruly because they were naughty children. No, they were misbehaving because they were hurting. Payton was disappointed in herself that she hadn’t spotted it before. It had been her recourse when she lost her mother. Joy and Abram needed more than Payton could offer them.

They needed their father. Someone who’d experienced the same loss.

When she heard the voices coming from the study, she should have known better than to eavesdrop. In fact, she should’ve been wise enough to sense the danger that lurked ahead and return to the schoolroom immediately.

Yet, she’d ventured closer.

And closer still until she spied the man meeting with Lord Ashford.

The Duke of Catherton.

Had he come to discover Payton’s identity?

The baron had slammed the door in her face without a word, which was favorable. If Lord Ashford had known she was the mystery woman who’d lost to the duke, he likely would have called her into the room and demanded she settle her debt.

Payton would have had to admit that she did not possess the funds to repay the duke.

What would have happened next?