Lady and the Gamble: A Sweet Victorian Romance (The Colby Brothers Book 2)

by Peggy Ann Craig

  “Of course it is not. There are so few editions available.”

  “Well, that explains why I was unsuccessful in tracking one down in the retailer shops.”

  Her chin snapped up. “You were looking for this book?”

  He nodded. “Took me all day yesterday, which was why I was unable to pay you a visit.”

  She blinked as a foreign feeling stirred beneath her chest. The image of him going from shop to shop in pursuit of a book she was named after left her far more unsettled than she wanted to admit. Frowning deeply, she asked, “Why were you looking for it?”

  “Isn’t that obvious?” He reached over and took the book back. “It is your namesake. If I am ever to understand you, I must start at the beginning.”

  She shook her head. “But I haven’t even read it.”

  His brows shot up. “Is that so?”

  “As I said, finding a copy is next to impossible.”

  “Indeed, it’s been sitting at the library ready to be withdrawn.”

  “I’ve never been.”

  Again, he looked shocked. “You’ve never been to the library?”

  “No.” She answered flatly, not wishing for him to probe further.

  “I would have thought it was your favorite place. What with your love of books and all.”

  “I don’t leave home much.”

  He frowned. “Why’s that?”

  She shifted in her seat and turned slightly away from him, not wanting him to study her face so closely. “I don’t much like the outside.”

  “You were serious about that?”

  “Yes.”

  “How can that be?”

  “I just don’t.”

  “That’s the most foolish thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “I’m sorry you find me so ridiculous.”

  “Unbelievable is more like it. Who does not like the outdoors?”

  “Me!” She snapped and wished dearly that she had the grace to leap to her feet and march out of the room.

  He studied her flushed face and must have concluded she was serious for he sighed and seemed to back off. “All right. We shall read indoors today.”

  He lifted his book and proceeded to do just that. Evelina glanced over and couldn’t help but feel envy. What she wouldn’t do to get her hands on a copy of Fanny Burney’s Evelina.

  Instead, she picked up Moby Dick and tried to bury herself into the story once again. However, she had read the pages so many times she almost had them memorized.

  Minutes ticked into hours and Evelina yearned to ask him what he thought of the story thus far. She glanced over several times to see how far along he was. When he would raise his gaze to meet hers, she would swiftly look away.

  At tea break, he put down the book as her mother entered the room carrying a tray of snacks and tea.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Hepworth,” he greeted her.

  Evelina’s eyes strayed to the discarded book flipped upside down on the settee. It took all her willpower not to reach out and take it.

  “Good morning, Mr. Colby. I was afraid we wouldn’t see you again. Evelina was under the impression you were not returning.”

  “I’m afraid Evelina jumps to far too many conclusions. I enjoy my visits here and mingling with you fine ladies.”

  Evelina glanced at his back as he addressed her mother and sisters. No doubt, he did not include her amongst those he enjoyed “mingling” with.

  May Hepworth placed the platter of treats and drinks on a table then picked up a small plate of biscuits along with a tea cup and delivered them to Evelina on the settee.

  Evelina noticed Ryan watching her mother and knew he thought her lazy or pampered for not getting up. Well, he could think what he liked. Though it was true she was capable of collecting her own mid-morning tea, it had become habit for her mother to coddle her youngest. Moreover, Evelina simply never bothered to correct her.

  She thought about doing so now as she felt Ryan’s disapproving gaze, but knew any objections on her part and he would think they were for his benefit. So she remained seated and thanked her mother instead.

  Collecting his own tea, Ryan made his way back to Evelina. He pushed his book aside and sat next to her once more.

  “Do you not wish to stretch your legs?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Get up and exercise your legs? Perhaps take a turn about the room?”

  She frowned. “There’s no need.”

  “I should think there is after sitting all morning.”

  “My legs are quite fine, thank Mr. Colby.”

  He paused before saying, “If you say so.”

  Her spine stiffened. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  Taken aback, he exclaimed, “Nothing. I simply am conceding you know your own body better than I.”

  She relaxed. “Naturally. I certainly do.”

  “Tell me, Evelina, why do you detest the outdoors so?”

  She shifted uncomfortably. “I have all I need indoors.”

  “Except, perhaps, fresh air.”

  She made a scowl and gestured to a nearby open window. “There is a fine breeze coming from that window.”

  “What about the sun upon your face?” He glanced at her face more closely. “Your skin could do for a bit of vitamin D.”

  She knew he was referring to her rather pale complexion and though part of that was hereditary, she knew mostly it was from lack of sunshine.

  “If my face so displeases you, Mr. Colby, perhaps it best you do not sit so near as I hate to offend you.”

  He smiled softly. “Your face does not offend me. Nor do I find it displeasing.”

  She blinked, stunned.

  “But it is rather stunning when a bit of color stains your cheeks as it is doing so now.”

  Horrified, she lifted her hands and touched her flushed cheeks. His words had caused an uncomfortable warmth to spread across them.

  “Pale complexions are all the rage.” She told him.

  “And I hardly think you are influenced by the going trend.”

  He was right. She most definitely wasn’t. It caused a funny feeling in her gut to realize he already knew that much about her. There wasn’t anyone who tried to understand her. Not even her parents. They were more concerned about nurturing and babying her then willing to understand what it was she wanted. Or needed.

  As if sensing her unease, he said, “Shall we continue reading?”

  She nodded, and then abruptly thought to ask, “How are you enjoying your book?”

  He shrugged. “It is really not to my liking.”

  Evelina frowned. “What do you mean? You do not like it?”

  “It is all right, however, the goings on of a young romantic woman is not my usual flare for reading material.”

  “And what is your usual style?”

  “Adventure, crusades, what not.”

  Trying to sound nonchalant, she ventured to ask, “Perhaps you would be interested in trading books?”

  His brow arched, intrigued. “And what have you got there?”

  She held it up, certain a story of an angler out on the high seas would be of more interest to a sailor.

  “Ah, Moby Dick, a fantastic book.”

  Her heart sank. “You’ve already read it?”

  He shook his head. “No, actually, it was read to me. As a child. I have never picked it up as an adult.”

  Her spirits rose once again. “Then I highly recommend you reacquaint yourself with the story. I am certain you will enjoy it a great deal more as an adult.”

  He studied her face for an uncomfortable moment then shook his head. “No, I think I will finish this one.”

  Her face fell swiftly. “But you are taking so long.”

  He smirked. “That is true. I am certain I am not as fast a reader as say yourself.”

  “You may not finish it in time before you need to return it to the library.”

  “Oh, I am certain I shall finish it before then.” He grinne
d. Then a thought struck him. “Or are you worried there won’t be enough time for you to read it as well?”

  “Well, yes, I would dearly love to read it. It would be so kind of you to loan it to me before returning it to the library.”

  He appeared to think about it then told her, “If I don’t finish it in time, you may take it out of the library on loan after me.”

  “I don’t have a reading card.”

  Startled, he asked, “Why not?”

  She shifted and looked away uncomfortably.

  “Please do not say it’s because of a so-called fear of the outdoors.”

  “I’m not afraid!” she snapped, immediately insulted though she knew he was right. Her protest was because the thought of him discovering her phobia would cause him to think less of her.

  “Then let us retire to the gardens.”

  “There is no need for that,” she quickly disagreed. “The settee is a far more comfortable reading nook.”

  He stared at her for a long uncomfortable moment until he relented and said, “As you wish.”

  Evelina watched him as he opened his book beneath his nose. Biting her bottom lip, she prodded, “Shall we exchange books then?”

  He glanced up. “As I said, I have not yet finished reading it.”

  She frowned. “But you also said you were not enjoying it.”

  “You would have me give up so quickly?” he asked softly, silently insinuating a double meaning to his words.

  She raised her gaze and their eyes locked.

  Though his words held one meaning, the knowing look in his eyes spoke another.

  “Fine. Take all the time you want.”

  He smirked. “I have a feeling it might take me longer than I anticipated.”

  Again, he had that perceptive glint to his eye that hinted at a different meaning altogether.

  Evelina decided to ignore it. “Then may I suggest a shorter book next time?”

  He laughed and the sound of it caught Evelina off guard. She rather liked how robust and genuine it sounded. Along with the sparkle in his eye as he looked down at her with mirth.

  “I believe you would have me reading dime novels instead.”

  She shrugged. “Perhaps they are more suitable to your reading tastes.”

  “Or my reading level?” He sounded sincerely insulted.

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” She shot him a disapproving glare. “I’ve enjoyed my share of them. They are a fun, fast read. Unlike Evelina. I just thought you would prefer something quick and exciting.”

  He searched her face as if deciding whether she was sincere or not, then sighed and shook his head, turning away. “You continually shock me.”

  “How’s that?”

  “I would have thought your reading preference was restricted to only great literary works of fiction.”

  She shrugged. “I read for both intellectual and entertainment purposes.”

  The warm smile he suddenly offered caused her to take a sharp intake of breath as if she had been struck in the stomach.

  “Duly noted.”

  Her bewildering response to his smile took longer than anticipated to become unruffled. She blinked several times and was glad he had turned back to his book missing her dazed reaction. Evelina didn’t think it was possible for a man, nay a person, to possess such a breathtaking smile.

  Chapter 5

  The following morning, Evelina sat primly on the settee in her little corner waiting for Ryan’s return. Though she wouldn’t admit it and kept herself busy with her needlepoint. Moby Dick lay next to her in the hopes of persuading Ryan to trade books once again.

  But he never dropped in for a visit that morning. Admittedly, Evelina was disappointed. Though she told herself it was because she wanted to exchange books and not because she was beginning to enjoy his company. As well as his smile.

  However, there was no need for her to be disappointed for he finally made an appearance in the early afternoon.

  As he entered the parlor and proceeded to greet her sisters, she waited for him to approach her and continue with his habitual greeting of asking if she cared to listen to him play the harmonica or recount one of his adventurous tales from out on the lakes.

  Instead, he said, “I have decided to exchange books with you after all.”

  Evelina looked up startled, and then an excited smile formed on her lips. “Really? That would be—”

  “That is, if you care to join me outside in the garden to read today.”

  Her smile fell. “Whatever for when it is so much more comfortable here in the parlor?”

  He shrugged. “Suit yourself. It is a beautiful day and I plan to enjoy it.”

  He turned to leave.

  “Mr. Colby.” She moved as if to stop him but remained seated.

  “Yes?” He stopped and glanced back.

  She paused then glanced at his book before holding out Moby Dick. “Did you not say you wanted to exchange books?”

  He produced a slow smile. “Yes, I did…on the condition you joined me outside.”

  A frown swiftly creased the skin between her brows. “I already told you, I do not care for the outdoors.”

  “Pity.”

  Once again, he turned away.

  “Mr. Colby—Ryan!”

  He glanced back bemused. “Yes?”

  “Please, won’t you just exchange books now and you may go out and enjoy the garden on your own?”

  A devilish twinkle entered his eyes. “I’m afraid not. If you care to exchange books, you will have to join me in the garden.”

  Without another word, he sauntered out of the room. Thwarted, Evelina glanced at her sisters whose faces were marred in shock. She pursed her lips, fighting back her indignation. A movement outside the window to her right caught her attention.

  Ryan leisurely sat down on the garden bench and made himself comfortable before opening his book.

  Her book.

  It peeved her to know he was doing this on purpose. He readily admitted he wasn’t enjoying the book, so why would he decline exchanging it with her? Instead, he seemed to be exerting great pleasure in mocking her.

  Well she refused to allow him to get to her or force her into anything she didn’t want to do. He could sit outside in the garden by himself all afternoon for all she cared. She would not join him.

  Yet….

  She found her gaze drifting several times in the window’s direction. Saw him lounging comfortably on the bench immersed in the book while the warm sunshine cast a glow upon his handsome face.

  He looked up suddenly toward the parlor and she immediately jerked her attention away even though she was certain he wasn’t able to see her from his distance.

  Giving her sisters a glance to see if any had caught her staring out the window, she sighed with relief to find them all absorbed in their needlepoint.

  Clearing her throat, she stood and said, “I’m thirsty. I think I will fetch a glass of lemonade.”

  A couple of them nodded in acknowledgment but generally, her announcement stirred little excitement.

  She made her way into the kitchen where she found her mother kneading dough for a batch of fresh bread. At Evelina’s entrance, she lifted her head and wiped an arm across her sweaty brow.

  “What can I get you, dear?”

  “Nothing, I’m fine. I’m just getting a glass of lemonade.”

  “Why didn’t you get one of your sisters to fetch it?”

  She scowled at her mother. “I’m perfectly capable of fetching my own glass of lemonade.”

  Still the same, May Hepworth wiped her hands on her apron and turned to a shelf to remove a glass. “Your young beau seems to be enjoying the sunshine.”

  “He is not my beau.”

  Her mother opened the icebox and removed the pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade she had made just that morning and began pouring some into the glass. “He is beginning to look rather warm, however. Perhaps he would enjoy a nice glass of lemonade as well
.”

  Evelina wanted to say that she thought he deserved to fry beneath the hot afternoon sun for mocking her fear of the outdoors, but instead she replied, “Then I suggest he come indoors. Won’t you implore that he does, mother?”

  “I’ve already tried, but he insists on remaining in the garden.”

  She sighed. “Stubborn ox.”

  Her mother smiled. “Shall I pour another glass?”

  “How would I know!” she proclaimed, slightly overdoing her response. Then taking her glass from her mother she walked to the door that led out to the back porch and the garden beyond.

  She eyed him through the screen door and called out, “Mother would like to know if you would care for a glass of lemonade?”

  His raised his chin and smiled. “That would be lovely. Would you mind bringing it to me?”

  She should have known. Rolling her eyes, she cursed him beneath her breath.

  Out loud, she exhaled irritably and said, “She thinks you’ve had enough sun and should come indoors.”

  He smirked and shook his head. “On the contrary. I don’t believe I’ve had enough. It’s a beautiful day and I do not care to get cooped up indoors.”

  “I should think too much sun is not good for your skin, Mr. Colby.”

  “Ludicrous. Whoever heard of too much sun being harmful?”

  Her mother appeared at her side and handed her a second glass of lemonade. Evelina released a frustrated breath.

  “Go on dear.”

  She locked eyes with her mother who sent her a silent encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, she turned toward the screen door and pushed it open. Instead of walking through it, however, she stood frozen in the open entrance and stared at the wooden porch on the opposite side. It was amazing how that simple sight caused a sudden onslaught of fear.

  “Are you coming?”

  Ryan’s voice had her chin snapping up. He remained where he was seated, scrutinizing her standing awkwardly on the porch. For whatever odd reason, she suddenly wanted to go to him. If for nothing else, then to prove him wrong. That she was not so easily cowered by simply stepping outside of the house.

  She lifted one foot and stepped onto the porch. Her leg shook and she looked nervously toward Ryan. He was frowning curiously at her giving her the resolve she needed to bring her other foot onto the deck. Once she had both feet placed squarely outside, she sucked in a unsteady breath and attempted to steady her nerves.