‘It’s splendid,’ Alex said, just as the door opened and the young maid appeared.
She bobbed in front of him. ‘You sent for me, sir?’
‘Yes, Daisy. Thank you for giving Millie your frock. You may choose any material and the dressmaker will make you two to replace it. Now, I know you’ve finished for the day, but I want you to come with us this evening to keep Millie company. I’ll see you are recompensed for your time. We shall be leaving in half an hour.’
‘I’ll be ready, sir.’ As Daisy passed Millie, she whispered, ‘The frock suits you.’
The club was quiet when they arrived. It would be another hour before the evening really began. After installing Millie and Daisy in the kitchen with strict instructions that they were not to move from there, Alex, David and Fred went to the gaming room.
David watched Alex in operation. The army officer was evident. He had planned the evening with military precision.
After setting two tables with glasses and plates, he gave Fred a tray. ‘Clear the tables,’ he ordered the boy. ‘Remember, men will be sitting there so don’t jostle them. Remove only the glasses you can easily reach. Don’t speak or make a noise. They will not be pleased if you break their concentration.’
The boy nodded and set about the task. When his tray was full, he asked, ‘How was that?’
‘Very smooth,’ Alex told him. ‘Once you have enough glasses, you take them to the kitchen to be washed.’
‘Right.’
‘All the time you’re working I want you to keep an eye on the players. I’m not going to point out the men we believe are cheating. We mustn’t let them know they are being watched.’
‘They won’t even know I’m here. Where will you be?’
‘At the table in the corner.’ Alex pulled out a chair. ‘Fancy a game of cards, David?’
‘But you don’t gamble. Everyone knows that.’
‘Perhaps I’m so bored away from the army I need a little excitement.’ He unbuttoned his jacket and sat down.
‘I suppose some might believe that, but what if others want to join us?’
‘Let them. Neither of us are known gamblers and we need to blend in.’ Alex turned his attention back to Fred. ‘You will work for two hours and then the usual boy will take over. If at any time you feel you can’t manage, or need to talk to me, place an empty glass on our table. I’ll meet you outside. Is that clear?’
‘Yes, sir, I knows what to do. You can rely on me.’
‘Good lad.’
The door opened and the room began to fill. David was relieved to see that they all had full tables and there wasn’t any danger of them being invited to join the others. Though from the curious glances many cast at Alex, it was obvious some would have liked to snare him, as he was reputed to be one of the richest men in the country.
Alex placed money on the table to make it look as if they were really playing, and thankfully, no one else asked to join them. He had an air of boredom about him, making David realise he was a consummate actor, and far more skilled at brag than would have been believed. If any of the others had drawn him into their games, they would have been in for a shock.
He fought to hide his amusement. ‘I had the impression you didn’t know anything about playing cards?’
‘I never said I couldn’t play, I just don’t agree with gambling.’ Alex gave a wry smile. ‘You learn a lot of things in the army, but I’m not skilled enough to spot cheats.’
‘Nor me. And you’re letting me win all the time,’ David remarked dryly as he dealt another hand.
The boy moved quietly and no one was giving him a second glance. He didn’t come near them and David began to worry this evening was doomed to failure.
It was almost at the end of the two hours before he came over to their table. Having his back to the room he gave Alex a sly wink as he leant over to pick up a glass. ‘Got ’em, sir!’ he whispered, then left carrying a full tray.
As soon as Fred had disappeared, Alex threw down his cards, and said in an audible voice, ‘You win again. I don’t think gambling is for me.’
‘Try another hand.’ David joined in the subterfuge. ‘Your luck might change.’
‘I doubt it.’ Alex stood up. ‘Let’s get something to eat.’
David collected the money from the table. ‘Good idea, I’m ravenous.’
Once outside, David tried to give Alex the money, but he waved it away.
‘But it’s all yours.’
‘Give it to the youngsters. And include Daisy. She’s given up her time off to be here. They all deserve it.’
‘All right,’ he agreed, although he knew Alex had already slipped them some money, along with the new clothes. But he was right, they did deserve it.
Fred was tucking into a large piece of fruit pie when they walked into the kitchen. ‘This is good,’ he grinned.
Millie was watching her friend with a glint of pride in her eyes. ‘All that running around’s made him hungry.’
Scooping up the last morsel, Fred swallowed, and then turned his full attention to Alex. ‘They’re good. It took me a while before I spotted them. Those poor devils playing with them didn’t stand a chance.’
‘Who was it?’ David could hardly contain his excitement.
‘Second table on the right as you come in the door. Was they the ones you’re interested in?’
‘Yes. Well done, Fred. Explain what they were doing.’
‘Well, there was three of them working together.’
‘Three?’ Alex and David spoke together.
‘I’m sure of it. The one with his back to the door was good at handling the cards. Not as good as me, though.’ He smirked. ‘The one on his left was working with him.’
‘They’re brothers,’ David told the boy.
‘Not surprised, but their ace was the man at the table opposite them. He could see what cards their victims were holding.’ Fred guzzled a glass of milk one of the kitchen staff had put in front of him. One look at these kids and everyone wanted to feed them. ‘They had a system of signals. I nearly missed him. I wasn’t sure at first, so I blocked his view once and he pushed me out of the way. They were letting the victims win now and again, but only when there wasn’t much on the table. There was quite a lot that time so I knew then what they was doing.’
‘Describe this other man.’ Alex’s eyes were narrowed.
‘Dark hair.’ Fred frowned. ‘Not like yours. Reddish dark.’
‘My God!’ Alex exclaimed. ‘Are you sure, Fred?’
‘No doubt about it. Why, do you know him?’
Alex nodded, fury glinting in his eyes. ‘His name’s Shawbridge.’
‘Michael Shawbridge,’ David said in awe. ‘Wasn’t he going to marry your sister?’
‘Oh, you don’t want to let him do that,’ Fred said in alarm. ‘He’s up to no good with those others.’
‘My sister’s dead. I was sad for them that the wedding never went ahead and they’d had a short time of happiness together, but now I’ve found out about this, I’m glad it didn’t.’
Fred looked upset. ‘I’m sorry your sister died.’
Alex tapped Fred on the shoulder in a friendly gesture. ‘So am I, Fred.’
Millie rushed over to him, concern on her face. ‘Ain’t you got no other brothers and sisters?’
‘Unfortunately, I haven’t.’
‘We got lots.’ The boy pulled a comical face, lightening the atmosphere. ‘You can have some of those, if you like.’
‘That’s very generous of you.’ Alex chuckled.
The way the conversation had been going worried David, but once again, Alex had shown himself able to cope with any situation. He wished Gertrude hadn’t taken such a dislike to Alex. He had a strong feeling the man was lonely, and they would have been admirably suited.
‘It’s awkward you knowing one of them so well,’ Fred remarked, ‘but what are you going to do about these men? They ought to be stopped.’
‘Can yo
u get the money back they took off Miss’s brother?’
‘I doubt that, Millie. It would be hard to prove he had been cheated, but I’ll find a way to put a stop to them.’
‘You just tell me if I can help,’ Fred said angrily. ‘They’ve harmed Miss and her family. She’s been good to us and don’t deserve to be hurt like this. It ain’t right.’
‘No, it isn’t. Your part in this is now finished, and I thank you very much. David, will you see our young friends and Daisy get home safely? Take the carriage. I’ll get a cab when I’m ready to leave.’
‘What about the clothes?’ Millie asked.
‘You may keep them.’
‘You sure? We’ve had lots to eat.’
‘I’m sure.’ Alex smiled warmly at them. ‘I do believe you’ve enjoyed yourselves.’
Fred grinned. ‘It was exciting, and thanks for the clothes and everything. We’d like to know what happens.’
‘I’ll make sure you hear the whole story.’
‘Don’t leave nothing out,’ Millie told him. ‘We don’t like people who does things like this to Miss. She’s our friend.’
‘Take them all home now,’ Alex said, turning to David.
‘Of course.’ Then he said quietly, ‘These are ruthless men so be careful, Alex.’
‘Always.’
The last thing he wanted to do was leave Alex alone, but the children had to be taken out of harm’s way. No one must ever know they had been involved.
Once in the coach, he shared the coins between the three of them. Daisy hesitated. ‘But I get paid, sir. I shouldn’t take this.’
‘I’ve been told to share out the money and that’s what I’m doing. It’s all right for you to take it, Daisy.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Gosh.’ Fred was examining the money in his hand. ‘This is too much.’
‘It isn’t nearly enough for what you’ve done tonight. We’re very grateful.’
Millie was still counting the coins. ‘Mum don’t earn this much in a month. I’ll give it to her.’
‘Keep a little for yourselves. You’ve all deserved that money this evening.’
‘We could buy ourselves a book each,’ Fred told his friend. He gave David a worried look. ‘What we gonna say to Miss when we see her? It don’t seem right to keep secrets from her.’
This was worrying him as well. ‘We must respect Mr Glendale’s wishes and keep his name out of it for the time being. I’ll have to tell Gertie’s family though, but I’ll say the man helping me doesn’t want to be named for reasons of safety. They won’t question it after the attack on Mr Melrose.’
‘Hmm.’ Millie chewed her bottom lip. ‘We’ll say the same thing then. We don’t want him to get bashed up, do we?’
Everyone agreed, and David tried to relax for the rest of the journey. But he couldn’t help wondering what Alex was up to at the club.
Chapter Twelve
There was no sign of Fred and Millie at the bookshop the next morning. Gertrude knew they could be anywhere and tracking them down might take all morning, and she couldn’t spend too much time away from work. Her father was struggling to increase the business in order to pull them out of the mess Edward had left, and he needed her. After waiting around for half an hour she left a message with Mr Partridge and hurried back.
During the day she kept expecting Fred to come, but he never did.
When they arrived home in the evening, David was in the sitting room with Florence. He looked tired and worried when he greeted them.
‘What’s happened?’ Gertrude asked, with concern.
‘I have something to tell you, but –’ he glanced directly at Sutton ‘– before I say anything, I need your promise you won’t take any action of your own. The situation is being dealt with.’
Sutton indicated that David should sit down. ‘You’d better tell us what this is about.’
‘Your word first, please.’ He was uncomfortable about insisting, but it was necessary.
‘You have it.’
‘And you, Gertie,’ David insisted. ‘No member of the Melrose family must appear to be involved in any way. It could be highly dangerous, and I know you too well.’
‘I’ll keep out of it,’ she promised, very worried by now. ‘For goodness’ sake, tell us what’s happened.’
He then gave a brief outline of the events of the previous evening, omitting where this had taken place, and Alex’s involvement.
Gertie jumped to her feet, furious. ‘You had no right to ask Fred to do this! What were you thinking of?’
‘No one knows, and he wouldn’t be recognised. I saw him safely home as soon as he’d identified the cheats. We had his parents’ permission, and Fred was eager to help.’ David spoke firmly. ‘Eager to help you, Gertie.’
‘We? Who else is involved?’ her father demanded.
‘I can’t tell you. It’s his wish to remain anonymous.’
‘That isn’t acceptable!’ Sutton was also on his feet, a deep frown furrowing his brow. ‘The fact that Edward might have been cheated only makes him appear more foolish—’
Florence gave a quiet sob of distress. ‘Oh, my poor, misguided boy.’
‘I’m sorry, my dear.’ He took hold of his wife’s hand as he spoke to David. ‘What does this man intend to do about these scoundrels?’
‘I don’t know. He’s also keeping me out of it. Fred is the only one with skill enough to spot them cheating and … my friend will not allow him to speak out against them.’
‘I should think not!’ Gertie was still seething. ‘If I ever find out who this person is, I’ll tell him what I think of him. How dare he take a young boy into a gambling den.’
‘He was, and is, quite safe.’ David could understand her concern for the youngster. ‘We’ve made sure of that. The fewer people who know the details, the safer everyone will be.’
‘Is there any chance of getting our money back?’ Florence spoke in a hushed voice, terribly distressed by these revelations.
‘Not without charging them, and we can’t do that without Fred’s testimony.’
Sutton nodded in agreement. ‘The boy can’t be exposed to such danger. It’s a dilemma, but something must be done or they will continue to cheat others.’
‘All I can tell you is that they are going to be stopped.’
Gertrude had calmed down, and anger had been replaced with worry. ‘I don’t like the sound of this. These men are vicious, as father well knows. Please be careful, and your friend, as well.’
‘I’ll take care.’ He smiled at last. ‘And my friend is more than capable of looking after himself. Don’t go asking Fred and Millie who he is because they’re also sworn to secrecy.’
Blast! That’s just what she had intended to do.
‘Don’t make them break their word,’ he insisted.
She sighed inwardly. ‘All right. But I don’t see why this friend of yours, whoever he is, has to be so secretive about his identity to us.’
‘It has to be this way, so don’t pry, Gertie. I’m not accusing you of being a gossip, because I know you’re not, but it’s better if you don’t know too many details.’
‘David’s right,’ her father agreed. ‘We must be grateful someone is prepared to unmask these men. It needs to be done, and it’s vital this man works in secret, for everyone’s sake.’
‘I’m glad you understand.’ David was relieved. ‘Now, if you will excuse me …’
‘Of course.’ Sutton shook his hand. ‘You’ll keep us informed?’
After he had promised he would, Gertrude saw him to the door. ‘Do you know if Mr Glendale has done anything about finding Edward?’ she whispered.
‘I really don’t know, but he’s hardly had time. And I honestly don’t know where he should start the search.’
She gave him an exasperated look. ‘Then why did you urge me to seek his help? I could have saved myself, and him, the embarrassment. I felt he was too polite to refuse.’
�
�He wouldn’t have been embarrassed. Alex thinks highly of you and your parents, and he might have fresh ideas. I didn’t know what else we could do. Goodness knows I’ve tried hard enough, but Edward seems to have disappeared. He has questioned me in detail about Edward’s habits. He’s set his mind to it, but you must be patient. He’s a busy man.’
‘Oh, don’t say that.’ She chewed her bottom lip in worry. ‘It makes me feel even worse about asking him. He doesn’t have to do this, and if he’s so busy, how is he going to find the time?’
‘He’ll find it. You’ve got to learn to trust him. We need all the help we can get. And if it weren’t for him, you would be living with your Aunt Hanna, crammed into her small house, or still struggling to pay the debt. I know how independent you are, but a little trust and gratitude would not go amiss.’
His rebuke hit its target and she lowered her eyes in shame. What was the matter with her? ‘I’m sorry, and you’re quite right. I’ve always been far too independent.’
He chuckled then. ‘I’ll say you have. Even when you were a toddler, if we tried to help with something, you would push us away, saying, I can do it! I can do it! Relying on others doesn’t come easy for you.’
‘I know I’m unreasonable at times, and I can’t understand why Mr Glendale once found me attractive enough to approach Father.’
David was still smiling, remembering the feisty, independent little girl, who hadn’t mellowed much now she was grown. But he still adored her, and so did everyone else who met her. ‘I don’t think you have to worry about that now. You’ve left him in no doubt about your feelings for him. I’ve heard a rumour that he’s showing interest in someone else.’
‘Oh … Who?’
He bent and kissed her cheek. That had given her something to think about! ‘I haven’t the faintest idea. Goodnight, Gertie.’
Sleep eluded Gertrude that night, though she was desperately tired. It would be bad enough if her brother had lost all that money in honest games, but to know he had probably been cheated made him look even more foolish. Her mother had said very little, but she’d clearly been devastated. No matter what he’d done, he was still her son, and nothing would stop her loving him.
Hold on to your Dreams Page 9
