Except that is the life of a rogue, is it not?
That consideration gave him no relief from his current thoughts and, try as he might, he could not push the beautiful Miss Madeley away from his awareness. Sighing, Phillip closed his eyes and ran his fingers heavily over his forehead. Yes, he admitted silently, Miss Madeley was indeed beautiful. It was plain for everyone to see, himself included. The heart-shaped face, the fair curls which ran into twists and braids, tendrils brushing her temples, the rosebud lips, the piercing eyes… it was all most appealing. No, he had not been blind to her pleasing features, it was only her manner which had disturbed him.
“You look most despondent.”
Lord Anderton, a rather portly gentleman with thinning hair and a smile that Phillip did not like, sat down in a chair next to him, both uninvited and a little unwelcome.
“It is the end of the ball.” Phillip answered quickly, having no intention of sharing with Lord Anderton what he was really thinking. “Thus, I am a little glum.”
It was a foolish excuse, but one Lord Anderton seemed to accept, given his grin.
“A gentleman after my own heart.” He patted his chest as Phillip finished his brandy. “Perhaps I might take away some of your disappointment with a little wager?”
Tilting his head, Phillip looked back at Lord Anderton. He was not well acquainted with him but knew by reputation that Lord Anderton was forever placing bets and wagers, and usually having to pay out a great deal thereafter. He was not a man blessed with either good fortune or wit.
“A wager?”
Lord Anderton nodded, waving to the footman to bring them both another glass.
“Yes, a wager. I am always keeping myself amused with such things, and in this, it appears as though your reputation and my interest in betting might easily align themselves.” Not immediately willing to jump into this opportunity, Phillip waited for Lord Anderton to continue before expressing even an ounce of interest. “There is a lady,” Lord Anderton began, taking the glass from the footman and throwing back his brandy in only one gulp before continuing. “It is said that she cannot be lured by any gentleman. She has already been wed before but has not sought out the company of any other since her husband’s demise some five years ago. She attends balls, soirees, and the like but no, she will not be found in the arms of anyone.” Phillip lifted an eyebrow, already anticipating what was to come. “If you can pull her into your arms if you can place a kiss upon her lips, then you shall win the wager. If she refuses you, however, then you will lose.”
Considering this, Phillip cleared his throat.
“And how many attempts would I be given?”
Chuckling, Lord Anderton held up one hand, palm out.
“You only have the one opportunity, old boy. Perhaps choosing the right moment would help? A darkened room or catching her when she is taking the air after a dance at the ball? But no, you should only have one opportunity and I must be present to witness it, for I do not believe I should take your word for it.”
Grinning, Phillip spread out both hands, his brandy on the table.
“You mean to say that you do not trust me?”
“Certainly I do not, just as you should not trust me.” Lord Anderton grinned as Phillip chuckled. “What say you, then? Will you accept my challenge? Will you accept my wager?”
Taking a few steady breaths, Phillip allowed himself a few more moments to think. It would be a good distraction, he considered, and it might help him to forget about Miss Madeley.
“It depends on how much you are willing to wager.”
Quickly, Lord Anderton named a sum which made Phillip catch his breath. He did not display this outwardly, however, making sure that Lord Anderton did not see his startled expression by, instead, running a hand over his chin. Slowly, he thought to himself, allowing a few more moments to pass before finally, with a great sigh, he nodded.
“You mean to say, you accept?”
“Yes, I –” Frowning, Phillip sat up a little straighter in his chair. “Iwouldaccept, so long as I know the name of the lady first and so long as I find her acceptable.”
Lord Anderton chuckled darkly, his eyes a little narrowed despite his laughter.
“And I thought to you, all ladies were of equal worth!” He laughed again before Phillip could respond, then shrugged. “Very well. It is Lady Allanthorpe.”
Phillip considered the name but quickly realized that he did not know of whom Lord Anderton spoke. She might be well respected among society which, would make his attempt a little more difficult – but, then again, she might be barely known to anyone. His mouth tugged to one side. Surely all he needed to consider at the moment was whether or not he had enough confidence in himself to win the wager.
I am sure I can steal a kiss from this lady, whoever she may be.
His shoulders straightened and he found himself smiling. Lord Anderton was willing to wager a great deal and, if he was foolish enough to bet such a large sum against Phillip on a matter such as this, then it seemed almost wrong not to take advantage of that!
“Very well. I accept your wager. I shall seek out this particular lady and find a suitable opportunity to encourage her into my arms.” Grinning, he tilted his head. “However, If you are unwilling to take my word as truth, then you shall have to remain close to me at the next few social occasions, so that I might take advantage of the perfect moment when it offers itself to me.”
Lord Anderton laughed, but Phillip’s smile fell, for it was not a sound he appreciated. Rather, he inwardly recoiled from it, taking in the glint which had appeared in Lord Anderton’s eyes. Yes, he felt confident enough in his endeavor to win the wager but, all the same, Lord Anderton’s expression was not pleasing.
