Ruby's Gamble: De Wolfe Pack Connected World

by Lana Williams

  “Here’s a change of clothes for him.” Ruby handed the valet the bag.

  “A tumble in the river, eh?” James asked as he guided Douglas up the stairs. “That would explain the foul stench.”

  Gideon shared a smile with Ruby at the remark. “Shall we wait for Douglas in the library?”

  The footman led the way then held open the door before lighting the fire as Ruby settled in the settee and her father into a chair before the crackling flames.

  “I hope we haven’t worried you, Mr. Compton,” Gideon said as he dismissed the footman and moved to the sideboard to pour glasses of brandy from the crystal decanter.

  “I don’t understand how Douglas landed in the river. It’s not like that boy to be clumsy.”

  Gideon handed a glass to Ruby, noting the tremble of her hands. Her dress was damp in places from sitting by Douglas in the carriage. He retrieved a woolen throw from a nearby chair and placed it over her lap. Then he held her gaze for a long moment, wondering how much she wanted to share with her father.

  “We don’t believe it was an accident, Father,” Ruby said.

  “Who would want to harm Douglas?” Mr. Compton asked as he took a glass from Gideon.

  “Perhaps Douglas can share the details of what occurred once he joins us.” Gideon sat beside Ruby, glass in hand.

  Ruby nodded even as she shivered.

  He gestured for her to take a sip. She did as he bid, her pale face filling with color as the brandy did its work. He wished he could take her into his arms and reassure her all would be well. Instead, he cleared his throat and spoke to her father of inconsequential matters, hoping to distract him from worrying.

  Within a short while, Douglas joined them in clean clothes.

  “Douglas.” Ruby’s relief at seeing him looking much like his normal self was palpable.

  Gideon rose to get him a brandy as Douglas sat in the chair nearest the fire. “How are you feeling?” Gideon asked as he handed it to him.

  “Better. Thank you.” He looked at the contents of the glass as if uncertain of what to do with it.

  “Toss it back,” Gideon advised. “You can drink the next one properly.”

  Douglas smiled and did so, sucking in a breath at the strength of it.

  Gideon took his empty glass to refill then returned it. “Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes, though your man insisted I should be scrubbed from head to toe after my dip in the Thames. I didn’t want to linger as I wanted to speak with all of you as quickly as possible.”

  Ruby forced a smile. “That water is filthy.” She raised her glass. “We have much to celebrate. The outcome of the day could’ve been so much different.” She blinked back tears as she stared at her brother.

  Douglas reached out to pat her knee and lifted his glass as well. “To Mr. de Wolfe. I owe you my life.”

  “To your continued good health,” Gideon countered as he took a drink. He didn’t want to be thanked when the near miss had been his fault. He should’ve cautioned Douglas further and insisted he not take any risks.

  He felt the weight of Ruby’s questioning gaze but avoided looking at her by addressing her father. “I’m certain this has been distressful for you.”

  Mr. Compton looked at the three of them then at his glass before he took another long sip. His lips formed a circle as the brandy coursed through him. “It has, indeed. I’m grateful to be here with my children and you. My, that is fine brandy,” he said as he looked at Gideon. “I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting anything like that in years.”

  Gideon smiled. “I’m pleased you like it.”

  Ruby appeared to gather her senses and calm now that Douglas had joined them.

  Gideon studied Douglas, wondering if he were willing to share what had happened in front of his family.

  Douglas seemed to interpret his questioning gaze as he drew a deep breath. “I overheard something that I wasn’t meant to.” He looked at Gideon before continuing, “I went in search of Will, the man I mentioned to you, and heard him speaking with someone. They were discussing what the prize would be this week, and the other man told Will that only two hundred tickets had been sold. Will argued, saying he’d sold that many himself. The other man said it didn’t make any difference because that was the number they were going to use to calculate the prizes.”

  The information came as no surprise to Gideon.

  Douglas’ gaze held on Gideon. “You were right. It’s a swindle. They’re taking everyone’s money for their own personal gain. I must’ve made a noise and they saw me. Before I had a chance to explain, Will punched me. The next thing I knew, he shoved me overboard.”

  “Do you know with whom Will spoke?” Gideon asked.

  “No, I don’t think I’ve seen him before.”

  “What did he look like?” Ruby asked.

  Douglas narrowed his eyes as though trying to remember. “He was tall with salt and pepper hair and muttonchops. Distinctive muttonchops.”

  “Mr. Pike,” Ruby whispered as Gideon looked at her in surprise. “Charles Pike.”

  “How do you know him?”

  Ruby pulled a sheet of paper from her pocket. “I discovered this yesterday at the printing shop. It describes the different horses that people can buy tickets on. We print them for Mr. Pike.”

  “This is a new version of the paper I saw upon my arrival in London.” Gideon was pleased to have a name to track down as well as a description, but he could see the worry in Ruby’s eyes.

  “I wasn’t able to find an address for him,” she said. “I will do what I can to help, but I can’t risk losing my job.”

  The fact that she’d trusted him and taken action despite her fear was something few others would do and nothing he took lightly.

  “I’ve already spoken to the police about the lottery. I’ll send a message to ask them to look into Mr. Pike.” But Gideon feared more would be needed to put an end to the scheme. He had to determine a way to do so without placing the Comptons at risk.

  BEFORE SUPPER THAT evening, Ruby knocked on Douglas’ door.

  “Come in.”

  She found him sitting before the fire, a blanket over his lap. “I don’t think I will ever be warm again,” he said with a smile.

  “Didn’t the bath help?”

  “I feel cleaner, though I can still smell the river.”

  “Do you feel well enough to come down to supper?”

  He nodded. “I’ll be down in a few minutes. You go on without me.”

  Next, she checked on her father to find him dozing in a chair in his room. She left him undisturbed and returned to Douglas’ room to ask him to escort their father to supper soon.

  She went downstairs in search of Gideon and found him waiting in the drawing room.

  She smoothed her hands over the rose-colored gown she often wore to church, grateful she’d thought to bring it when they’d stopped by their rooms. Still, she felt terribly out of place. His home was well-appointed, lovely, so different from theirs, not to mention his clothing. Though not in formal evening attire, his suit was nicer than any she’d seen him in before.

  But none of that mattered when he greeted her with a smile. “Were you able to rest?” he asked.

  “A little.” In truth, she had sat on the bed, her thoughts torn between fear of how the day could’ve ended and disbelief that she and her family were staying in Gideon’s house. “Douglas and Father will be down shortly.”

  “I thought your father might prefer to have supper in his room.”

  She smiled. “He said he was too restless to do so, though he was dozing in his chair when I looked in on him.”

  “I worry the situation is too much for him.” Gideon’s brow creased as he poured her a glass of sherry.

  Ruby’s heart tightened. Gideon’s thoughtfulness for her family knew no bounds. “Nearly losing Douglas was definitely a shock, but Father is dealing with it remarkably well.”

  “I’m pleased to hear that.” Gideon ha
nded her the glass. “What of you?”

  Their fingers brushed as she took it, and her gaze met his. The intensity in them scattered her thoughts.

  She blinked several times to regain her senses along with the trail of the conversation. “I’m grateful to you for saving Douglas. If you hadn’t been there—”

  He shook his head as a shadow passed over his expression. “No need to thank me.”

  “Yes, there is,” she countered. “And also for allowing us to stay here. Hopefully, Will realizes no purpose would be served in harming Douglas.”

  Her breath caught as Gideon reached out to trail a finger along her cheek. “I don’t mean to worry you, but I fear this is far from over.”

  Her gaze dropped as his warning chased away desire. “I know. But he’s safe for now.”

  Gideon smiled and clinked his glass with hers. “Let us celebrate his good health this evening and save worrying for tomorrow.”

  “Agreed.” Ruby returned his smile, more than willing to release her concern as they each took a drink.

  “You look lovely.”

  She glanced down with remorse at her simple gown. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything more appropriate to wear,” she began.

  He lifted her chin with a gentle finger. “You always look lovely.” Once again, the intensity in his gaze caused her thoughts to scatter. The emotions swirling inside her from his heated gaze were nearly more than she could stand.

  “You are a special woman,” he continued as he took her glass and set both on a table. “I count myself lucky to know you.”

  Then he kissed her. “I find myself unable to resist doing that when you’re near,” he whispered when he drew back.

  Ruby knew she should protest, but how could she? The memory of his lips against hers had her rising on her toes to kiss him again. He placed a hand on her waist and eased her closer to deepen the kiss. When his tongue traced the seam of her lip, her insides melted.

  “You’re amazingly strong, Ruby. And the de Wolfes are experts on strong women,” he murmured.

  “Why is that?”

  “It all started with my many times over great-grandfather, Sir William de Wolfe, who lay injured on the battlefield when an angel, my great-grandmother, Lady Jordan, appeared and saved him. I like to think you saved me as well.”

  That he compared her to his great-grandmother stunned her. Unsettled her. “Gideon, we are from two different worlds.”

  “Say it again.”

  “What?”

  “My name.”

  “Gideon?”

  His lips captured hers with a growl. Rather than the sweet kiss that had stirred her a moment ago, this one plundered and sent liquid heat pouring through her. She tipped back her head to better meet his lips, their tongues mingling. His mouth shifted to the sensitive spot near her ear, then along her neck, causing her to sigh with longing. His hands squeezed her hips before moving to cup her bottom, pressing her against his hardness.

  Her breath quickened as her breasts tingled, her body aching with need. The sound of voices distracted her from the pleasure that filled her.

  Suddenly, Gideon released her and stepped back. He stared for a moment then turned her to face the fire while he retrieved their glasses and handed her one.

  Ruby stiffened at his odd behavior until she realized her father and brother were coming. Gideon was giving her a moment to collect herself before they entered the room.

  “Good evening,” he said.

  After drawing a deep breath to cool her senses, Ruby turned to greet them with a smile. Douglas still looked pale, but she didn’t think that would last for long.

  Gideon poured additional drinks, and they talked about everything other than what had happened that day. The latest imports from India, a book Gideon thought her father should read, and, of course, the weather.

  The conversation should’ve been normal. Instead, it reminded Ruby of what their lives had become of late—worry over money and the lack thereof—rather than enjoying life and each other.

  The footman announced supper and the discussion continued over a fine meal. She could tell her father thoroughly enjoyed the food and the conversation. Douglas reached for his throat several times, and she hated to think it hurt from coughing up the dirty water. She hoped he didn’t catch something horrible from it.

  After they finished the meal, they returned to the drawing room.

  Douglas stood before the fire, an air of restlessness about him. “I don’t see a way to solve this mess.” He ran a hand through his hair. “The only solution I can think of is to leave London.”

  Ruby’s heart leaped to her throat. “Whatever are you speaking of?”

  “I can’t return to work. How will we survive without my pay?”

  “Douglas—” her father began.

  “Consider yourself still employed,” Gideon interrupted. “I need your help to solve this problem. I’m well aware of not only the risk you take but how much the situation is costing you.”

  Douglas studied him for a long moment then slowly nodded. “If you’re sure.”

  “I am,” Gideon insisted. “Once the police investigate Mr. Pike, we’ll know better how to proceed.”

  Yet as Ruby studied Gideon, she sensed something bothered him. Did he have so little faith in the police?

  Then Gideon forced a smile. “For this evening, our focus will be a good night’s sleep.”

  Ruby nodded, but she couldn’t see a solution either.

  Chapter Seven

  “THANK YOU FOR inviting me to come with you,” Ruby said as she looked out the carriage window two days later.

  The sun peeked from behind clouds, giving a hopeful cast to the day. The sight lifted her spirits.

  “I thought you might be growing weary of the indoors,” Gideon said.

  “This is a pleasant diversion.” While remaining inside wasn’t something she often did, the reason for doing so was what wore on her. They were no closer to ending the threat to Douglas than when he’d been pulled from the river.

  Douglas’ restlessness worried her but, for the moment, she’d left him and her father in James’ capable hands. The valet seemed to enjoy having others to care for and insisted both men drink his special honey and lemon tea for their lungs.

  Gideon had asked her not to return to work for fear of Will using her to get to Douglas. She’d sent her employer a message that stated she was under the weather and would return when she’d recovered. Though worried whether she’d have a job when she went back, she didn’t want to endanger her family. Gideon had reassured her that he’d help to smooth any issues with Mr. Francis, if necessary.

  “In truth, you’re doing me a favor,” Gideon said. “My cousin’s wife asked me to look in on the shop she and her aunt ran before leaving London.”

  Ruby had difficulty believing the earl’s wife had been a seamstress. “Are you certain you have the right neighborhood?” she asked as she studied the rough area.

  “Yes. Tessa’s mission, along with her aunt, was to save as many girls from a life on the streets as she could by teaching them to sew.”

  “That’s remarkable.” While her life hadn’t been easy, she’d always had a home and never feared having to work on the streets.

  “She saved quite a few girls from what Marcus told me.”

  “How did she meet the earl?” The idea of a seamstress marrying an earl was the stuff of fairy tales. And that happening to someone from this part of London made the story even more difficult to believe.

  Gideon smiled. “I’m not certain you’d believe me if I told you.”

  “Truly?”

  “Tessa came upon Marcus in an alley one night after he’d been stabbed. She stitched him up and saved his life.”

  She narrowed her eyes as she studied Gideon, wondering if he jested. “The de Wolfe men seem to make a habit of finding trouble when they come to London, don’t they?”

  “True.” Gideon’s chuckle warmed her. Spending time with him
these past two days had only made her feelings for him grow. But what could she do? Aware it might end any day, she tried to enjoy the stolen kisses and long conversations they’d enjoyed, tucking away each moment to relive after he returned to Northumberland. Already the thought made her heart hitch.

  “Then what happened?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “The details aren’t fit for polite conversation.”

  “I’d very much like to hear the story.”

  “Well, it was soon after that Tessa accused Marcus of being involved in shipping young girls to Belgium to be sold, including one of her young seamstresses. Their relationship wasn’t love at first sight. At least not for Tessa.”

  “I assume the earl didn’t do any such thing?”

  “No. In fact, he’d already discovered the problem and was investigating who was behind the terrible trade. It took the two of them working together to put those guilty behind bars.”

  “Does the countess still own the shop?”

  “She passed it on to another seamstress interested in continuing Tessa’s mission.”

  “And what of her aunt?”

  “She lives in Northumberland with Tessa and Marcus. Betty is delightful. You’d like both her and Tessa.”

  Ruby forced a smile, aware she’d never have the chance to meet them. “They sound wonderful.”

  “They are.” Gideon’s story as well as his enthusiasm gave her pause. If a seamstress from this neighborhood had married his cousin, could there be a chance for the affection she and Gideon were forming?

  Ruby briefly closed her eyes to stop the thought from taking hold. Such a dream carried too much risk. She already feared Gideon would take her heart with him when he left. Somehow, she needed to find a way to function without it.

  The carriage drew to a halt before a modest shop. Madame Daphne’s did good business based on the number of customers browsing.

  From the items displayed in the window, the shop’s offerings included ladies’ unmentionable garments. Ruby turned to look at Gideon. “Are you certain you wish to go inside?”

  Gideon’s eyes widened. “My apologies. I didn’t realize—that is to say, Marcus didn’t mention—”