Ruby's Gamble~De Wolfe Pack Connected World

by Lana Williams

  Gideon chuckled. “Perhaps I should request him to order another.”

  “Heavens, no.” They had truly feasted the previous evening and still had enough food to see them through several days. “You have been too generous already.”

  Gideon’s smile faded as his gaze swept over her face, making her wonder what he saw. “I confess that I wanted the chance to spend a few minutes alone with you.”

  Heat filled Ruby’s cheeks at his bold statement. “Why?”

  He glanced out the window only to look back at her. “You intrigue me.”

  Once again, he’d managed to surprise her. “I am the most ordinary person you might ever meet,” she said as she shook her head. “I’m no one special.”

  “I disagree.” He reached out and grazed a gloved finger along her cheek. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, fiercely loyal to your family, and went out of your way to help a stranger. There are very few in this world like you.”

  Ruby’s heart stuttered at his heartfelt words. “Why were you there that night?”

  He appeared taken aback at the change of subject. But she had to know the answer before she could respond to his comments or acknowledge the attraction she felt.

  “Several of our workers have lost funds in the lottery and what little I learned of its rules seemed unfair. I don’t want any de Wolfe employees taken advantage of, and I’d hoped to discover more.”

  “Then perhaps we have something in common, after all. I don’t like others to be treated unfairly either.” A warm feeling spread deep inside her at the thought of them having something meaningful in common. “Most people consider it none of their business if a stranger is hurt.”

  Such things bothered Ruby, perhaps because of the way her grandfather had treated her mother and father. His actions had been unjust despite their relationship. She often thought of what she might say to him if given the chance. He would never know Douglas or her or the depth of love her mother and father had shared. He’d tossed away all of them.

  Gideon reached for her hand and held it. “I’m pleased we share that.” The way he looked at her made it impossible to look away.

  “I am, too.” She squeezed his hand then released it, needing a little distance, wishing she could move her heart away as easily.

  “Do you know any details about the lottery?”

  She paused, not wanting to say anything to incriminate Douglas. He’d been friends with Will for many years, and Will was fully involved in the scheme. She still worried Will would manage to convince Douglas to either join him or buy more tickets. If the odds for winning were so favorable, Will would be the one buying the tickets, but he wasn’t.

  How much did she dare tell Gideon?

  “I know one of the men who sold tickets that night but not well enough to talk to him about it.” She didn’t like Will and certainly didn’t trust him. Nor had he appreciated the few questions she’d asked. His behavior the night of the drawing had frightened her, as did the idea of drawing his wrath.

  “Several of the workers appear to be obsessed with it. I worry they’re spending their entire paychecks on a chance to win.”

  “I fear you may be right from some of the rumors I’ve heard.”

  Gideon shook his head. “If people choose to gamble, they at least need to better understand how the prizes are determined.”

  “I fear some people’s desperation drives them to do things they wouldn’t normally do.”

  He studied her. “Has that ever happened to you?”

  “No, but I worry about my brother. What of you?”

  The silence grew long, and she wasn’t certain he would answer. “Not in the same way, but yes, I believed in success and failed utterly. I will never take such a chance again.”

  His quiet words filled her with curiosity, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask what happened. Despite his kindness, he was still a stranger. He would soon be gone from their lives. Forming a connection, or worse—affection—for him seemed like a terrible idea. She glanced around the fine carriage, remembering they truly were from two different worlds. Those two worlds might collide briefly but nothing more. She sighed.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  She smiled ruefully. “I must thank you for the ride in your carriage. I’ve never had the chance to sit in one quite this nice.” Though she hated saying the words, she forced them out to remind them both of the distance that separated them.

  He belonged at balls and she, well, she didn’t know quite where she belonged. She hoped it wasn’t always on the rough streets of the East End. But assuming anything else would only cause her pain. Dreams were not for her. Nor was this man.

  No matter how much she wished otherwise, he’d offered her a ride home out of gratitude. He was only intrigued by her because she was different than most women he met.

  She glanced out the window to see how much longer they’d have before reaching her home only to realize they weren’t traveling in the right direction. “Where are we going?” she asked with concern.

  “I took the liberty of asking the coachman to take the long way to your home,” Gideon said. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  She bit back a protest. Her association with him wasn’t going anywhere, but was it so wrong to enjoy this? Riding in a carriage with a handsome man on a fine day down a pretty street was a moment to remember. What harm could come of it? “I need to return home to check on my father soon, but it is a lovely afternoon.”

  She hadn’t been in this part of the city in a long while. Before long, they drove along the street that ran beside Victoria Park. The wide expanse was lined with canals on two sides. She turned with a smile to Gideon. “My mother brought me here once. She said she used to come here as a girl when they stayed in London. How lovely to look upon an area with no structures in sight.”

  “If you like this area, you’d like the rugged beauty of Northumberland. There are stretches of land that contain nothing but sheep for miles.”

  “I’ve never left London,” she said softly, regret filling her. Or perhaps it was fear that she wouldn’t have the chance. But there had never been enough money for a frivolous train ride into the country.

  “I hope you have an opportunity.”

  “Do you prefer traveling by ship or train?” From what she understood, the de Wolfes invested in both.

  “Ship by far.”

  Ruby chuckled. “Douglas suffers from seasickness. Father isn’t fond of trains. He says riding in a crowded car that rattles you for hours on end is unpleasant.”

  “I agree with your father,” Gideon said. “There’s nothing like the endless horizon when one is out at sea to put life in perspective.”

  Their conversation continued, and Ruby enjoyed the visit more than she would’ve guessed. Before long, they pulled up in front of her lodging house, bringing back reality.

  “Thank you for the company as well as the ride,” she said, bracing herself for another goodbye that would surely be the final one. “I enjoyed it.”

  “I must ask you one more thing.” He placed a hand on her arm as if to keep her from leaving. “Did we kiss or was that merely wishful thinking on my part?”

  If it weren’t for his hand on her, she might’ve bolted. The butterflies inside her certainly did. “How do you expect me to answer that?” She hadn’t meant to ask the question, but out it came.

  His heated gaze swept over her features. Warmth spread through her at the memory of that kiss and not just from embarrassment. She looked away, certain she could never meet his eyes again. “I didn’t want you to wake Father, so when you insisted—” she began.

  “What if I insist again?”

  Her gaze flew back to him, shock holding her motionless. Her heart pounded in her throat, keeping her from breathing.

  He closed his eyes briefly as if regretting his words then those golden eyes opened to pin her in place. “What if I ask again? May I kiss you, Ruby?”

  The idea that he wanted to do so in the bri
ght light of day without his senses impaired—

  All thought halted when his attention dropped to her lips. He shifted closer. “Please?”

  Her head jerked up and down of its own accord. How brazen of it.

  He cupped her cheek and kissed her.

  One.

  Two.

  Three brief kisses.

  Just when she thought the moment over, he repeated the kiss. More firmly. His lips covering hers with a thoroughness that swirled through her to heat her center. Desire. She’d never experienced a sensation quite like this. The powerful feeling smothered any protests or concerns about inappropriate behavior.

  Gideon eased back and looked at her. “Perhaps I should apologize but, in all honesty, I’m not sorry.”

  Ruby couldn’t help but smile. “Nor am I. But I must go.” Quickly. Before she begged him for another.

  She opened the door to see Douglas standing nearby, staring at her through narrowed eyes.

  Gideon entered Brooks the following afternoon, hoping to see a familiar face. The gentlemen’s club was an excellent place to renew acquaintances. He found a table toward the back and ordered a drink. The news sheet on the table provided a distraction while he looked about.

  He’d spent most of the morning in the office then checked over the ships currently at anchor. James had remained home, having deemed Gideon recovered enough to go without him. Gideon knew his valet didn’t care for the docks as he’d remarked about the stench frequently.

  Though Gideon had encouraged the office staff to provide any information on the lottery, no one had come forward. His efforts to learn more had gone nowhere thus far. He needed a new method of inquiry, but what?

  Brooks was busy with the recent onset of the social Season. Debutantes had been presented to Queen Victoria and invitations for balls and parties abounded. He’d received a few from those who knew he’d arrived in town, but attending social engagements held little appeal. Though a year had passed since Thomas’ death, he had difficulty indulging in such frivolous activities.

  “De Wolfe, is that you?”

  Gideon looked up to see by Viscount Beaumont approach his table. He rose with a smile to shake the man’s hand. “Beaumont. Good to see you.”

  Gideon had attended university with the viscount. They renewed their friendship when Gideon came to London. Beaumont rarely left the city as his father’s health was poor.

  “What brings you to town?” Beaumont asked.

  “Business, of course.” Gideon gestured toward a chair. “Please join me.”

  Beaumont sat then signaled for a waiter and ordered a gin. “It’s always business with you, isn’t it?” he said, grinning. “I thought perhaps this time you’d come for the Season to find a wife.”

  “My cousin, Marcus, as well as my mother, badger me to do so, but I’ve no such inclination yet. Have you taken the plunge?”

  Beaumont shook his head. “No, though I’m now caring for my niece and nephew.”

  “Oh? Your sister’s children?” Gideon had met the man’s older sister during their university years.

  “Yes. She and her husband were killed in a carriage accident just over a year ago.” Grief tightened the viscount’s expression.

  “How terrible. I’m sorry to hear that. Caring for two young children must be a challenge.”

  “Indeed. Finding a reliable governess the children like has proven difficult.” Beaumont thanked the server who brought his drink. “As you may remember, my father is not always…well. Choosing someone who will put up with his odd behavior isn’t easy.”

  “Life often throws us difficult circumstances to wade through, doesn’t it?” Gideon turned his glass on the table, thinking of Thomas.

  Beaumont remained quiet for a long moment. “Are you staying long enough to attend the Royal Ascot?”

  The horse race was a highlight of the social Season. All of English nobility attended when possible.

  “I don’t believe so. I’ve taken an aversion to horse racing of late,” Gideon said.

  “Why is that?”

  “I’ve come upon a gambling scheme that has run rampant along the docks. A lottery of sorts with questionable practices that sells tickets on horse racing. Some of our workers are losing substantial amounts of money.”

  Beaumont leaned forward. “I’ve learned of a similar situation. In fact, I believe my brother-in-law was caught up in something of that ilk.”

  “I attended the drawing for the lottery last Saturday night at a pub, but after asking a few questions…” He hesitated to admit what happened. “I found myself on the losing end of a fight. Those running the drawing didn’t appreciate my curiosity.” He couldn’t help but wince at the memory.

  “Are you well?” Beaumont asked with concern.

  “Except for a few stitches in the back of my head, yes. But only thanks to one of my workers and his sister who convinced the men not to toss my unconscious body in the river.”

  Gideon had discovered those details from Nash who had overheard one of the dockers telling the tale. The realization of how close he’d come to death made him reconsider how he should make further inquiries.

  The full truth also made him more determined to repay Ruby and her family. He hoped the doctor who’d seen her father had been of some help. He intended to check with them, which would provide him with another opportunity to speak with Ruby. Thoughts of her followed him everywhere.

  “Is there nothing these men won’t stoop to in order to make money?” Beaumont asked with a shake of his head. “My brother-in-law lost everything to gambling. I believe the news he’d just received had upset him to the point where he made a terrible mistake and lost control of the carriage and horses.”

  “Have the authorities investigated?”

  Beaumont shook his head. “They insist it was an accident, nothing more. I’m interested in the reason for the accident. I have been attending races in the past few weeks to discover more about the scheme in which he was involved. He was a cautious soul, and to learn he gambled let alone put so much at risk was a shock.”

  “If you find out anything of interest, would you let me know?” Gideon asked. “Perhaps it’s somehow connected. I’m determined to put an end to this particular lottery before any more workers are taken advantage of.”

  Beaumont’s gaze held Gideon’s. “As you have already realized, these men mean business. I don’t know who is behind these schemes, but I know several are involved and they don’t care who dies if you’re in their way.”

  Chapter Five

  Ruby paused outside her employer’s office with a ledger book in hand the next afternoon. Voices coming from behind the closed door kept her from knocking. She’d found a discrepancy in a payment on a large order and wanted to ask Mr. Francis about it. She listened for a moment to determine if she should interrupt or return later.

  “I need the tickets by tomorrow,” a deep voice demanded.

  “We have other orders ahead of yours,” Mr. Francis said. “I can’t make promises that will delay others.”

  “If you’re going to do the printing for the lottery, you must deliver the items when we need them. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, of course, Mr. Pike.”

  Pike? That was the name on the invoice she had a question about. Several large invoices and payments had come through under his name in the past week. What sort of lottery did he run? Could it be the same one Will worked for?

  She heard the scrape of a chair and quickly moved behind one of the vertical racks where cases of metal letters were stored. As she watched, her boss and the mysterious Mr. Pike exited. The tall man with salt and pepper hair and matching muttonchops had rough features. Though dressed in a fine suit, he moved like a bull, as if the force of his presence was enough to get his way. By the look on her boss’ face, it worked.

  She remained out of sight while Mr. Francis walked Mr. Pike to the door. When he returned to his office, she stepped forward. “Mr. Francis, may I have a mom
ent?”

  “What is it?”

  “The payment for this invoice was much lower than the amount due.” She pointed to the item in the ledger but refrained from mentioning that it belonged to Mr. Pike.

  “We won’t be getting paid the balance.” He shook his head with a disgusted expression. “Mr. Pike and I have a difference of opinion as to what a timely order means.”

  “I’ll mark it accordingly. Will he be placing more orders with us?”

  Mr. Francis sighed. “They hold a lottery every week. We’ll be printing the spec sheet, the tickets, and the results sheet the following Monday morning, at least for the time being.”

  “How nice to have repeat business,” she said.

  “I thought so initially, but I’m starting to wonder if he’s worth the trouble.”

  “Oh?” She hoped not to sound overly curious for fear Mr. Francis might not share anything further.

  “I’m not certain he’s the type of customer we want. But now that we’ve started, quitting won’t be easy. No one crosses Mr. Pike.”

  Ruby watched as her employer entered his office and closed the door. She took her time returning to her desk in the back room, stopping to examine the stacks of printed papers on shelves ready for delivery.

  None of the printers paid her any mind as she glanced over the jobs, the clattering of the printing press ringing in her ears. Deptford Spec. That matched the name on the ticket stub Douglas had bought that he’d left on his bedside table. If this was Mr. Pike’s order, she now had a name behind the drawing.

  She glanced over the information, but no contact details were noted. A stack of tickets sat to one side with Deptford Spec printed at the top and the name of the printing shop at the bottom. Glancing about to make sure no one watched, she lifted the spec sheets and found a paper on the bottom that noted the job number. She put everything back in place, took one of the spec sheets, and returned to her desk to look up the job number.

  Charles Pike.

  Should she share this with Gideon? Or was she creating a reason to see him once more? Douglas certainly wouldn’t be pleased if she became further involved with Gideon or his efforts to discover more about the lottery.