Page 91 of The Gambler Wagers Her Baron

“You were not there,” the duke retorted. “And it was a woman who lost, not a man. There are witnesses to the fact.”

“As I remember it, it is only Miss Payton that wasn’t present.” Garrett shrugged, filling Payton with a fondness for her brother. “I am certain any witnesses questioned will confirm the fact.”

“You expect the magistrate to believe the word of a mere baron and a disgraced second son over a duke?” Catherton’s hands balled at his sides as the vein in his forehead visibly throbbed.

“I can’t believe he would be foolish enough to think we would lie about you winning…” Damon’s voice trailed off, and Garrett clapped him on the back.

“I think it is time you leave,” Garrett said, nodding to Mr. Brown. “Please show the duke out. If he has any other…concerns, he is free to take an audience with my eldest sister and me at Craven House.”

Though Garrett and Damon had stepped shoulder-to-shoulder, blocking her view, Catherton could be heard breathing, practically seething with his rage. “This is not over.”

“I think it is,” Damon replied, gesturing to the door. “Mr. Brown, please show the duke out, if you would be so kind.”

“Of course.” The butler reached forward as if to grasp Catherton’s elbow, but the duke shook off the man’s attempt and departed, his footsteps ringing down the deserted corridor until the door slammed.

“Thank you for your assistance,” Damon offered.

Garrett trained his narrowed stare on Damon as he stood a bit taller. “It was for my sister, not you, Ashford.”

“Garrett,” Payton warned. Why had his demeanor turned so quickly? Only seconds before, the pair had worked together to oust the duke. “Thank you.”

“If that matter is settled, I think it is time we depart.”

“Of course.” Payton’s head dipped as she stepped around the desk. “If you’ll wait for me in the foyer, I would like a private word with the baron.”

Garrett hesitated for only a moment before nodding and leaving the room. It did not escape her notice that he left the door open.

Payton walked slowly across the room, gathering her thoughts, and pushed the portal closed.

“Payton, I—”

“Damon, I—”

She smiled as the both stumbled over their words.

“What were you doing here tonight?” he asked.

She’d been foolish to think she could—or should—keep the children’s excursion a secret from Damon. What if they attempted something similar again and it did not turn out well? She could never forgive herself.

“The children came to see me,” she confessed.

“Came to see you?” His green eyes clouded with confusion. “I don’t understand. How could they, I mean, even I was unaware of where you lived until a few moments ago.”

She shrugged. “Mr. Brown had me followed one evening—for my safety. Rigby accompanied the children to my home. They were worried because I hadn’t returned.”

Damon averted his eyes, and she took a step toward him.

“They thought me sick, and that we’d had a row.”

“I hadn’t decided how to tell them you weren’t returning,” he admitted.

“They suspected you were lying to them and decided to check on me themselves.” Payton willed him to look at her. “I would have made an excuse for my absence, as well. Besides, I was selfish leaving my position. The children need me far more than I ever suspected.”

“It is not only Joy and Abram who need you. I do, too.”

“But, I saw you…” She stumbled over the words. “You, the children, Lady Wittenbottom, and another woman…I saw you at Wexfector’s. I assumed you were meeting with another governess.”

He took her hands, stopping her from turning away. “I was, begrudgingly, having a meal with my sister and her companion. You said it would do the children well to spend more time outside the townhouse.”