The Scoundrel's Wager (Tricking the Scoundrels, #4)

by Laura A. Barnes

  Inside, Kathleen quietly slipped in next to her mother, trying not to bring attention upon herself. Which was an easy task, because Holdenburg drew all the ladies’ attention his way. He charmed everyone in the room, doting on each of them with a compliment to blush. Each lady was married, but that didn’t stop them from eagerly soaking up the earl’s words. Kathleen rolled her eyes at their gullibility. When her gaze encountered Devon's, the heat coming from them froze Kathleen in her seat. As he kept up his litany of compliments, Devon never broke his gaze and she never looked away. Kathleen didn’t understand how to handle the emotions he stirred. She broke Devon’s gaze, wiping her palms on her dress, trying to join the conversation with her mother and the Duchess of Norbrooke. But talking to Devon’s mother only increased her uneasiness. How did one hold a perfectly normal conversation with the mother of a scoundrel who'd just kissed her passionately in the park? She couldn’t, not without blurting out her son’s indiscretion. Then that would only set a drama Kathleen didn’t wish for. Instead, Kathleen excused herself with a promise to visit the duchess next week for their discussion on the new play.

  Kathleen joined a smaller group of younger ladies in the corner. Dallis chatted with Lady Sidney Wildeburg and Lady Sophia Langley, the Duchess of Sheffield. The two ladies had been friends of Rory’s for years and had welcomed Dallis into their tight circle. While Kathleen held their acquaintance, she was a few years younger and ran with a different circle. But still, at every occasion, they extended their friendship to Kathleen.

  “Did you enjoy your walk with Lord Holdenburg?” Dallis asked.

  A blush immediately warmed Kathleen’s face. She needed to convince these ladies that the walk had been innocent. It didn’t help Kathleen that Holdenburg’s gaze still rested on her. Why did he stare at her so intimately amongst these women? Devon made his intentions more than obvious.

  Kathleen kept the description of their outing simple. “We shared a pleasant walk through the park.”

  “It must have been very pleasant, if your blush has anything to say,” Sidney said.

  “Tis not a blush, but a result of the warm weather. I became a trifle overheated, and Lord Holdenburg saw to my comfort by escorting me out of the heat.”

  “Mmm, so you say, my dear,” Sidney replied.

  “I know if I spent any time alone with Lord Holdenburg, I would blush too,” Sophia teased.

  “For shame, Phee. You are a married lady. Your Grace, Alex, is pleasing to the eye.”

  “For shame on you, Dallis. You are a married lady too. Too newly wed to be admiring my Alex.”

  “Then I must be very shameful, because I find all of our husbands quite appealing. However, the lord we are discussing has a dark aura surrounding him that heightens the imagination,” said Sidney.

  The ladies laughed, teasing each other. Once again, a conversation Kathleen needed to extract herself from. Especially when her brother, Rory, was one of the gentlemen they discussed. Luckily, the appearance of Rory and Lord Hartridge saved Kathleen from their silly discussion. Since their meeting had ended, Rory and Lord Hartridge joined the ladies for tea, which turned into socializing. Kathleen left her friends and sat next to Lord Hartridge, asking him questions on his latest research project. A safe subject that would keep her thoughts from becoming occupied by Devon Holdenburg. Also, talking with Lord Hartridge wouldn’t bring about any questions she didn’t wish to answer.

  Since Rory was already at the Hartridges, he would escort them home. They wouldn’t have to rely on Holdenburg’s generosity. Kathleen informed Rory that she would wait for them in the carriage. She needed to leave before Holdenburg cornered her into another conversation where she couldn’t refuse him without everybody noticing.

  Holdenburg saw Kathleen slip from the room. While every inch of him wanted to follow, nay needed to follow, he resisted. There would be plenty of time later. There were too many watchful eyes present. Any interactions he had with Kathleen, he wanted to keep to himself. Even though, in those moments, Kathleen spent them denying her feelings toward him. Holdenburg knew he played a dangerous game with the way his eyes pursued Kathleen while she chatted with the other ladies. He couldn’t help himself. She was too irresistible. Holdenburg noticed Kathleen’s discomfort while talking to his mother and chuckled to himself. When she joined her friends in the corner, her blush darkened. He wondered why, and figured it must have had something to do with their walk. Their teasing led Kathleen to join Lord Hartridge in a discussion. Once she took notice of the other guest’s departures, she snuck away. Since Rory was here, he would escort his family home. Holdenburg gathered his mother, and they spoke their goodbyes.

  Before they left, Devon's mother stopped to congratulate Beckwith on the announcement of his impending child. His parents had been away for most of the season at their family’s estate. They preferred the life in the country than to London’s busy season. But a few key discussions in Parliament brought them back to the city.

  “Holdenburg.”

  “Beckwith.”

  Each man acknowledged the other with a stilted nod, not wanting to incur their mothers' wrath. Devon's mother was unaware that they were no longer old chums and the reason behind it. Lady Beckwith knew of the circumstances and encouraged Holdenburg to show patience. That, in time, Rory would accept the reasons for his father’s demise and realize Devon’s actions were meant to prevent the awful outcome. While Devon missed his close friendship with Rory, it wasn’t a priority. There was only one person he wanted to please, and after today it would be more difficult than ever to achieve that goal.

  “How was your walk with Kathleen?” his mother inquired as they walked toward their carriage.

  Devon noticed that Rory heard the question when he turned to glare. He sighed at Rory's glare. Rory made it perfectly clear a few years ago that Devon was never to be alone with Kathleen. Rory would tolerate his presence in the company of their mothers, but other than that Devon was never to step foot near Kathleen. Devon understood Rory’s protection of his sister. But it was for the wrong reasons. Devon had injected himself into that fateful card game and raised the stakes for the very same reason. He only wanted to protect Kathleen, never to harm her. However, the bloke was too rash to see otherwise.

  “Quite enjoyable, mother,” answered Devon.

  “Kathleen is a dear girl. She would be a great catch, my dear.”

  “Holdenburg,” Rory growled from behind.

  “Yes, mother, you are correct, she would be.”

  Devon baited Rory. He knew Rory wouldn’t call him out in front of his mother. Even though his tone said it all, he needed to make it clear to Rory that he wouldn’t be cowed by the man. Devon stayed away all these years not because of Rory’s threats, but for Kathleen to enjoy what all young debutantes enjoy: shopping, soirees, luncheons, being paid court too. Before he staked his claim. Now Devon planned to court Kathleen, and Rory wouldn’t be a hinderance to his plans.

  He stopped and turned his mother and himself around to face Rory.

  “Yes, Beckwith?”

  Rory scowled. “A word, please.”

  The Duchess of Norbrooke said, “Rory, dear, what a delight Dallis is. You are a lucky man. A treasure to behold. A shame my Devon could not capture her for himself.”

  “Thank you, Duchess. Your compliments mean the world to me.”

  Rory decided this wasn’t the place for his confrontation with Holdenburg. No, he would clear this matter later. It would appear he needed to reinforce his threat about staying away from Kathleen. Rory had watched Holdenburg’s attentions toward Dallis a few months ago and knew the reprobate to be a danger to his sister’s reputation. He wouldn’t have Kathleen ruined by this scoundrel. Rory tightened his fists behind his back to hide his anger.

  “Never mind. Perhaps I will see you at the club later. I have an issue with a bill I would like your support with.”

  Holdenburg’s twisted smile displayed that he knew Rory’s excuse to talk was pure rubbish.<
br />
  “Perhaps,” was all that Holdenburg would grant Beckwith.

  Chapter Three

  “Did you see the blush gracing her cheeks?” asked Sophia.

  “Or the scorching gaze he sent her way?” said Sidney, fanning herself.

  “The heat consumed the room. Oh, the poor dear, she has gained Holdenburg’s full assault,” replied Dallis.

  “Was he overpowering when he courted you?” asked Sophia.

  “He tried. But I was too far gone in love with Rory to take notice.”

  “Oh, my. Now, my Wilde, he has enough charm to keep me content. But the smoldering coming off in waves from Holdenburg can make a lady reconsider,” said Sidney.

  Dallis said, “I should keep this knowledge to myself, but I wish for them to find the same happiness we have found in our marriages. While we were courting, Holdenburg admitted to his feelings for Kathleen. And I noticed Kathleen was not indifferent to him. I do not think she is aware of what her feelings are, but I think she shares the same affections as him. I know Holdenburg holds a secret that could very well be his demise.”

  “Perhaps, my services would be of some use?” said Sidney.

  “Your services?”

  “Sidney fashions herself a matchmaker,” said Sophia.

  “I do not fashion. I am. Are Sheffield and you not married? Did Dallis and Rory not find their happily ever after?”

  “As always, you are correct Sidney,” Sophia agreed.

  “What is Sidney correct on?” asked Rory, coming up from behind to rest a hand on Dallis’s shoulder.

  “On my matchmaking abilities.”

  Rory groaned. “Not again. Who are the unlucky participants this time?”

  “Why your very own—”

  “Oh.” Dallis shook her head to her friends and lifted a hand to her mouth, turning with wide eyes to Rory.

  “What is it, my dear?”

  “I feel nauseous all of a sudden.”

  “You have overdone it this afternoon. If you would please excuse us, ladies, I must get my wife home to rest.”

  Rory, not taking any cautions with Dallis, lifted her in his arms to carry her to the carriage. He knew he overdid it, but Dallis’s health was his main priority. He would need to put a halt to her activities. Rory thought the morning sickness had passed, but it would appear Dallis still suffered from this pregnancy affliction.

  Dallis wanted to roll her eyes at Rory’s overprotective measures—having faked her illness. But she couldn’t have Sidney telling Rory their plans to play matchmaker between Kathleen and Holdenburg. Rory only tolerated the man due to their mothers’ friendship. He wouldn't want any interactions between his sister and his once-trusted friend, now his enemy. Dallis had yet to learn why Rory no longer considered Holdenburg a friend. Dallis thought it had something to do with a card game between the late Lord Beckwith and Holdenburg. One where Kathleen might have been part of those stakes. If her guess stood correct, the scandal would ruin Kathleen on a level from which she would never recover.

  As Rory fussed, Dallis looked over his shoulder and mouthed the word later to the two ladies. They nodded that they understood. She would explain her reasons to them soon.

  Rory carried Dallis to the carriage and settled her in the seat. With instructions to the driver to travel at a crawl toward home, he held his wife in his arms. Dallis laid her head on his chest, sighing as he rubbed her stomach. His concern for his wife kept Rory from taking care of his mother and Kathleen’s comforts. However, when he heard Holdenburg’s name, he paused.

  “Did you enjoy your walk with Lord Holdenburg, Kathleen?” his mother asked.

  Kathleen blushed and turned to look out the window, answering yes. Not only her blush, but the twisting fingers in her lap gave her away. Rory had heard the duchess ask the same question to Holdenburg at Lord Hartridge’s. Why was he left in the dark about Kathleen and Holdenburg’s walk? What the hell happened to make his sister so nervous?

  “You took a walk with Holdenburg?” Rory asked Kathleen.

  Kathleen turned and raised an eyebrow at his tone.

  “Yes.”

  “Alone?”

  “No, his footman was present.” She denied this too forcefully.

  Footman his arse. Rory knew every trick Holdenburg possessed. The footman might have started out with them, but Holdenburg would have dismissed his servant at the first chance he got. Rory ran with the bloke enough in the past to learn every one of his ploys. If Holdenburg thought he could use these on his sister, then he had another thing coming.

  Rory eyed his sister. Whenever Holdenburg sniffed around Kathleen again, he would stand guard. The redness of his sister’s cheeks spoke volumes.

  “From this moment going forward, you will not be left alone with Holdenburg without a chaperone.”

  “We were not alone, Rory. His servant was present the entire time.”

  “So, you say, sister. But for my sake of mind, any interaction with Holdenburg will be under my guidance.”

  “You do not need to worry. There will be no next time, brother.”

  “Good.”

  “And why not, dear? You could do worse than Lord Holdenburg,” said Lady Beckwith.

  “But I could do so much better.” Kathleen’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

  “I do not see why you should not allow Lord Holdenburg to pay court,” Dallis chimed in.

  Rory looked at his wife in astonishment. Which only caused his mother to grin with approval. The only sane person in this carriage beside himself was Kathleen. She, too, regarded the women as if they were crazy. Rory would have to explain to Dallis the very reason why Holdenburg courting Kathleen would be a recipe for disaster. He had kept this secret from her because they had their own obstacles to overcome. Before Dallis interfered further, Rory must confess his father’s greatest sin so she would understand why this could never come to be.

  “We went on a walk. There is no courtship involved here.”

  “But a gentleman taking a lady on a walk is a sign of courtship,” her mother replied.

  “Lord Holdenburg is not courting me, nor do I wish for him to. This discussion is over. My main concern is why Rory carried Dallis to the carriage. Is there something wrong with the babe?”

  “Dallis felt ill. I am taking every precaution with her.”

  Rory pulled Dallis tighter. If anything were to happen to her or the babe, it would devastate him. Dallis was his life. His everything.

  “I am fine, only a little nauseous.” Dallis sent Mama a look to change the subject. She would explain later her discussion with Sophia and Sidney. Rory’s mother wanted Kathleen and Holdenburg to connect. With enough people trying to bring them together, it would be inevitable.

  “Rory, dear. Quit smothering the poor girl. She is fine, it is a natural part of pregnancy. She did too much this afternoon. From here on, I will request all meetings to be held at our home. So when Dallis becomes fatigued she can retire to her room.”

  “I think it would be best, Mama, if Dallis refrains from her charity work until after the babe is born.”

  “Rory.” All three women exclaimed.

  “I will be fine, dear husband. If I feel that I cannot continue, then and only then will I bring a halt to my activities. But for now I am perfectly capable of attending a few meetings. I am in the early stages of my pregnancy.”

  “But your doctor informed us that the first few months are the most important to guard against overtiring yourself.”

  “In which I have already passed those. I am Scottish, my dear husband, there is not a sturdier woman besides a Scottish woman.”

  “Unless you’re an Irish woman,” Kathleen and Mama replied at the same time.

  The carriage filled with laughter at the silly notions of their heritages and on who was a stronger woman. Either way, the discussion moved away from Kathleen and Holdenburg. Kathleen must never be left alone with Holdenburg. She sensed that her mother and Dallis intended to play matchmaker between her
and the earl. Mama had warned Kathleen that once she had Rory settled in matrimony, Kathleen would be next. Perhaps, in time, Kathleen would search for a groom. But for now she needed to avenge her father’s death. Because of Holdenburg, her father passed away a broken man. She didn’t have the complete details, but from the tidbits she had overheard, Kathleen knew of his involvement in the final card game that was the start of her father’s demise. Holdenburg took everything her father had and caused his heart failure. He stood behind the reason they'd lived in near-poverty for the last few years. She would expose Holdenburg for the devil he was and along the way destroy his reputation. She would make the ton see him for the scoundrel he was. Not a single mama or papa would ever allow him anywhere near their daughters. He would be a pariah.

  Chapter Four

  The following day Kathleen waited until Rory left for Lord Hartridges’ before she snuck into his office. Mama and Dallis were in the nursery, sewing garments for the new babe. They asked her to keep them company, but Kathleen hated the very idea of sewing. Even watching them sew bored her to tears. How women found enjoyment from sewing was a mystery to her.

  Kathleen opened the drawers, pulling out letters and replacing them while she hunted for the object that would gain her entry into The Wager. A small token displaying a hand of cards on the front, and on the back were three simple words, Lady Luck’s Temptation. Now, where would Rory have hidden his coin? Kathleen knew Rory was in possession of a coin, because it was how he gained entrance into the club to fight.

  A brothel located near Vauxhall Gardens had a gaming hell, bar, and fighting club attached to the premises. Where the degenerate lords of London would grace each other’s company to drink to excess and gamble away their family’s holdings. Then in an underground room of the club was The Scuffle where men battled their disagreements. The owner of this glory was one Madame Bellerose, Belle for short. She ran the entire outfit. Kathleen’s father was a frequent visitor and gambled their money away. It was upon her father’s death that Rory discovered the depths of their father’s depravity. Her brother and mother kept Kathleen shielded from the details of her father’s demise, trying to protect her. Rory only visited the establishment to gain their family some extra blunt. He fought bouts to keep the debt collectors at bay. Mama never knew of Rory’s fights. Not until after he married Dallis. Only when he came home beaten to a pulp did Rory explain what his outside activities were.