Lord Stoneleigh returned the pressure, then stepped back.
“But of course. I only hope that such a thing will never happen again,andI hope that your interest in me has waned a good deal?”
She smiled, her heart beating a little more quickly as the lie came easily to her lips.
“Of course, Lord Stoneleigh. I am certain that I shall have no further questions for you.”
He chuckled, as though in the depths of his heart he knew he could not believe her words.
“I suppose we shall see in time, Lady Sara, shall we not? And I shall hold back my judgment until then.”
Chapter Six
Having eschewed the idea of spending the evening at Lord Franklin’s soiree, Gideon found himself traveling back to the same place he had visited earlier that afternoon.
At least this time it will be without Lady Sara.
A slight smile cut his mouth as he hailed a cab and climbed in, giving the address to the driver. Sitting back quietly, he drew in a long breath as a swell of unease ran through him.
He had received a rather unfriendly welcome that afternoon, at a time when the proprietor had been unwilling to receive visitors. Had that been because he had recognized Gideon? Or simply because it was not the time for him to open his premises? Perhaps he would treat everyone who arrived early in much the same way.
Or mayhap it was because I was a little too well dressed.
Smoothing down his shirt, he shook his head and dropped his hand back to his lap. This evening, he had worn his older breeches, a shirt, and a plain jacket. His cravat was entirely absent, and he had not taken great pains to ensure that everything was just as it ought to be. He had tidied his hair but had not made certain that every single hair was in place as he normally would have done. It would be best this evening for him not to appear to be a gentleman of the upper echelons of society. There was no way for him to make certain that other gentlemen of thetonwould, or would not, be present, and therefore, he had decided to make less of his appearance in the hope that he would not be considered someone out of the ordinary visiting this particular place.
The sight of the red door greeted him as the cab pulled to a stop. Even though it was not yet completely dark, there was a sense of foreboding that seemed to swirl into the gloom. He had not felt this when he had arrived the first time but, then again, that had been on Lord Gillespie’s instruction, back when he had trusted the man as his friend. Now he knew that Lord Gillespie had led them straight into the mouth of the lion, knowing precisely what would happen. It was an involvement that had, in the end, cost Lord Gillespie his life.
Scowling, Gideon tightened his jaw furiously. He had been battling with all that his friend had done to him, as well as to the other gentlemen also, but there had been no opportunity to discuss it with Lord Gillespie since he had lost his life due to his part in the scheme and the wickedness of the man who controlled it. How dearly Gideon would have liked to have been able to do so, todemandto know whether or not Lord Gillespie’s hand had been forced, or if he had betrayed Gideon out of choice.
“Shall I wait here, milord?”
“No.”
Climbing out, Gideon paid the driver, then stepped back and watched as the cab pulled away. He was now entirely alone. Neither his acquaintances nor his friends knew where he was, but he had deliberately chosen to behave that way. He could not have anyone come and join him. It would be difficult enough to keep his true identity hidden when he was attending alone. How much more so if there had been three of them?
A line of sweat ran down his back, but Gideon took a steadying breath and pushed away the lingering unease, before turning around to face the red door. This was the gambling house he had entered with such excitement, with Lord Gillespie and his other friends, only a few weeks ago. He had not known then what he knew at present - that he would lose a great deal of his wealth and be left with almost nothing of his own, as well as sustaining a serious injury. Had he had any inkling that there were any concerns whatsoever, then he would never have strayed here in the first place.
Resisting the urge to smooth his hair back, Gideon made his way forward, about to climb the three stone steps and push open the red door, only for two other men to barge past him. Reminding himself that he could not expect the same behavior as he would find in a better quality gentlemen’s club, Gideon stood back and did not say a word. Instead, he followed them, making it appear as though he was with their party. The noise was immediate, hitting him forcefully to the point that he almost stumbled back. Yes, there was often noise at the gambling houses that he frequented, but they were nothing compared to this. Had he truly forgotten such a scene?
The shock had him standing almost stock still, only to realize that he would be easily seen and noticed if he did so. Instead, he forced himself forward, making his way through the crowd until he stood in a corner of the room, hidden away in the shadows so that he might observe everything going on. The man he had spoken to previously, the man who had practically thrown him from the premises, was standing at one end of the room behind the counter, with his grubby cloth still over his shoulder.
What is it I am expecting to find here this evening?
The truth was, Gideon had very little idea. After all, had he not still thought about making his way back to his estate rather than staying in London? What was it that was keeping him here, that was urging him forward to find out whether or not he could regain his fortune as two of his friends had done? Was it because he had dared to allow himself to hope?
Although what there is to hope for, I cannot say.
He had very little idea of what he was going to see or hear that might be of any benefit to him whatsoever. After all, there were a great many men here and he recognized none of them. Surely those who had been involved in the scheme would not dare darken the door of this place again, now that they knew that two of the men involved had been discovered – but perhaps there were those present who would remember seeing them and what had happened that night.
“But if I ask too many questions, then I will certainly be noticed,” he muttered aloud, glancing again at the man behind the counter.
Choosing to avoid the proprietor for the time being – for no doubt the man would notice his change in appearance – Gideon made his way towards one of the tables. He had very little coin with which to play, but surely joining a game would be the best way to have some discussion that might, thereafter, throw a little light on his present circumstances.
Sitting down, he grunted at the other men, who each gave him quick glance before turning their attention back to the table. Relief swamped him as a gentle sweat broke out on his brow. Perhaps he would not garner a great deal of interest, just as he had hoped.
The game began. Again, it was thanks to Lord Wiltsham’s generosity that Gideon was able to play a single round. His friend did not know that he was here this evening, and certainly had not been told that Gideon was intending to play a game in the very place where he had lost his entire fortune, but then again, he did not need to know.
I shall play for only a short while. I will not allow myself to become distracted by the game.
