“I can hardly even countenance the suggestion that Lord Anderton was responsible. To do such a thing to a gentleman would be terrible indeed!”
Lord Marchmont lifted both hands.
“And as I have said, I cannot tell you that it was he who did so. I have no proof, but my concerns about him remain the same. After all, what sort of gentleman would demand his winnings from a wager after his opponent was lying unconscious, bleeding, and broken?”
Phillip’s jaw dropped open, unable to hide his concern any longer.
“You mean to say-?”
“Yes.” Lord Marchmont scowled. “Lord Anderton demanded his winnings immediately thereafter from one of Lord Belfast’s men and, upon receiving no favorable response, waited in Belfast’s townhouse. I believe, the moment that Lord Belfast was conscious, Lord Anderton was there asking for his winnings to be given to him.Thatdoes not speak of a fine character. Not to me, at least.”
Nodding, Phillip coupled his hands and looked across to where Lord Anderton was now sitting with some other gentlemen. They were all talking and laughing together, making it appear as though Lord Anderton was nothing but a jovial sort, who appreciated a little bit of fun when it came to placing bets and the like. Could it be that he had another motivation in suggesting such a thing to Phillip?
“Will you tell me about this wager?” Lord Marchmont lifted an eyebrow as Phillip shot him a quick glance. “I swear I shall not make any judgment. I speak only as your friend and with concern.”
Taking a moment, Phillip considered, then nodded.
“It is foolishness,” he began, aware of a gentle heat creeping up his neck. “There is apparently a Lady Allanthorpe whom no gentleman has ever been able to pull into his arms. Her husband died some years ago and while she lingers in society, she shows no interest in cavorting with anyone.” He did not seem to need to say anything more, for Lord Marchmont closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh, clearly anticipating what the wager was to be. “It is to be nothing more than a kiss, however,” Phillip finished quickly. “I am only to have one opportunity and Lord Anderton will be nearby to make certain that he witnesses whatever occurs.”
“Lady Allanthorpe is one of the most well-respected widows in all of London.” Lord Marchmont ran one hand over his face. “She has more than enough wealth to keep her satisfied for the rest of her days, although she is most generous with all that she has. I believe one of the local orphanages has benefited from her patronage and to embroil her in scandal would be utterly diabolical… especially if she is to be unaware of it.” Another harsh breath rattled from him. “Did you not even consider this before accepting the wager?”
“I did not know who she was.”
Phillip’s excuse felt small and weak and as Lord Marchmont let out another exclamation, Phillip shrank low in his seat. Lord Marchmont had not said a single word to shame him, but Phillip felt the weight of it on his shoulders regardless. His excuse was a poor one. Yes, he ought to have been a good deal more considerate, a good deal more thoughtful over who it was he was expected to pull into his arms, rather than looking at this only as a wager between himself and Lord Anderton.
“You are a scoundrel indeed.” Lord Marchmont growled, threw back his brandy, and then rose from his chair. “Excuse me. I think I shall take my leave now.”
Phillip made to say something, but no words came. His eyes followed Lord Marchmont as his friend made his way across the room, noting that he did not go to leave White’s. Rather, he sat down with another group of gentlemen, as though he could not stomach Phillip’s company a moment longer.
Closing his eyes, Phillip accepted the heat of shame which began to flood through him. What had he done? The wager was made, and it was not as though he could pull away from it now. Yet, deep within him, the beginnings of regret began to grow… but it was all coming much too late.
Chapter Three
Deborah smiled as conversation turned to Lord Coppinger, who was a close friend of Lady Almeria’s. Her smile dimmed a little as Lady Almeria dropped her gaze, for it did not appear that her friend had any desire to speak of him. Lady Yardley was making the point that the gentleman ought to be introduced to those of Lady Almeria’s friends yet unmarried, which included Deborah herself. Pausing, Deborah considered Lord Coppinger for a moment. Yes, he was handsome and appeared to be quite the gentleman but, given Lady Almeria’s lack of enthusiasm, Deborah pushed away any eagerness within herself to become better acquainted with him. Perhaps, she considered, there was something more to the friendship between Lady Almeria and Lord Coppinger – something that, as yet, Lady Almeria had not considered.
“I have heard many people say that they are grateful to you for your warning about Lord Brookmire’s return to London, Lady Yardley.” It was Lady Elizabeth who spoke, but everyone else nodded their agreement. “He has done nothing as yet to declare himself a rogue, but I am certain that he will do so very soon.”
At this, Deborah let out a snort of agreement which garnered her the attention of the others. Laughing, she shook her head before quickly explaining her reaction.
“It is only that I did not know of this gentleman, nor of his reputation before my mother spoke to me of him, and thereafter Lady Elizabeth did also. I had the unfortunate moment of being introduced to him against my desire. The gentleman appeared quite determined to make himself known to me, and given propriety’s expectation, there was nothing Lady Elizabeth could do other than to introduce us.”
Lady Yardley lifted an eyebrow.
“And did you find him to beverycharming?”
Her ironic tone made everyone laugh and, as Lady Elizabeth giggled, Deborah shared a smile with her friend.
“I found him quite arrogant, to be truthful, though I will admit openly that he is very handsome. I can see why so many ladies might be drawn to him.”
This was said with a slight shrug of her shoulders and no blush warming her cheeks. It was not an embarrassment to state that Lord Brookmire was handsome, for every other young lady in London seemed to think so and she had no doubt that her friends were of a similar mind.
“I believe that Miss Madeley spoke to him in a manner which he was most unaccustomed to.” Again, Lady Elizabeth giggled and many of her friends smiled also. “He was most displeased with her. I am certain that he will not return to our company soon.”
Lady Yardley laughed as Deborah smiled at her.
“I have every confidence that you were more than able to state quite directly that you did not wish to enjoy his company, Miss Madeley.” Her smile faded a little. “Though I would urge you to be cautious. I do not know him particularly well, but gentlemen like Lord Brookmire are often inclined towards pride. If you have injured it, there is every chance that he will attempt to force his acquaintance upon you, even if you do not wish for it. He may try again, and may seek to encourage you to think well of him, despite your promise that you will not do so. He will see it as a victory.”
Deborah nodded, taking Lady Yardley’s warning with great seriousness.
