Baker was an interesting character. He did not seem to fit the mold of Lord Norwood’s family, as he was beneath them in status and constantly looking for a gamble. Alex wondered how Mr. and Mrs. Baker came to meet, as Rilla was the daughter of an earl. She wasn’t the oldest, and therefore it wouldn’t have been a marriage of need. He wondered, as he met the man’s raised ante if it had been a love match. Such things were more common in the younger generation, though fully scandalous by his parents’ estimation.
Playing his hand, as he’d lucked out and received the card he needed to complete the flush, Alex met each ante and even upped it by a sixpence when he desired.
“A sixpence?” Baker asked rubbing the back of the cards. The man’s tell was far too obvious. When he had a bad hand, his fingers never stopped moving. When he had a good hand, he sat in a satisfied relaxed pose.
“What would you have me raise it by?” Alex asked bored and distracted. He wondered if Debra would use the time to continue her manuscript.
“You have a lovely half crown in your purse. Why do you not throw it on the pile?”
Knowing he wouldn’t lose to the man, Alex shrugged his shoulders. After all, this was a gamble. If Baker wanted to lose his money, why not allow it. “Do you plan to raise the ante again?”
Baker smiled in satisfaction. “You are an idiot, Trenton. Do you not know when to stop?”
Alex looked back at his cards. He was not a high stakes gambler, and therefore never lost much. He didn’t plan to lose this round. Looking to his father, he raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Mr. Baker,” he said while tapping his cards on the table, “my father taught me a rule of limits, one I would like to share with you.”
“Save your breath, Trenton. My father taught me how to win and win big.”
Nodding his head in appreciation of the differences in their upbringing, Alex continued to speak. “When you are bluffing, if someone continues to up the ante, you should fold before you empty the family coffers.” Alex gave a glare worthy of Debra and silently wished she had been there to see the panicked look on George Baker’s face. “I suppose the question now, Baker, is if you plan to continue to throw money into the middle or if you plan to lose with the dignity you have left?”
Alex heard the groan from Samuel and Leigh as though they remembered the last game of cards they’d played with Trenton. It had been at White’s in London, with another man who didn’t understand limits. When that game ended, Trenton gave the man his money back and offered sage advice on when not to gamble. He’d do the same this night, as he knew Baker was not a wealthy man.
Baker lay his cards on the table to show a two pair with fours and sixes. “Do not tell me you have better than that.”
Alex gave the man a baleful glare. “You expected to win with a two pair?” Disgusted with the man’s lack of decorum, Alex threw his flush on the table and heard the release of anger coming from the man across from him.
“You are a cheat!” Baker jumped out of his seat as though a hot coal from the fire landed on his leg. “There is no possible way you have a flush with diamonds. There are too many diamonds in play!” As though he planned to prove his accusation correct, Baker counted the cards on the table. When he realized he was incorrect, instead of an apology, he exited the room without another word.
“Interesting man,” Waverly said in the stunned silence, “where did you find him Norwood?”
Lord Norwood looked to Waverly with disdain, “My daughter was caught in a tryst with the fool at Almack’s last season. You know the consequences of such situations as well as I do.”
“Father, that is unfair,” Samuel said in defense of Alex. It said a lot to have his friend defend him after the shocking situation he’d caused. Alex made a mental note to be kind if his own sister ever ended up in such a situation. “Trenton did not go to the barn looking for a scandal, which is not the case with Baker and Rilla.”
Alex stayed with the game for another hour, then made his excuses to turn in. “Lord Norwood,” he said counting the money out he knew Baker had brought to the table, “will you see Baker gets this?”
It wasn’t much money, but to someone who was struggling it was more than he could lose. “Baker lost this of his own choice,” Lord Norwood said in surprise.
“Yes, but I do not think he intended to lose so much, and I have been told when my mind is focused elsewhere, I forget there are others playing the game with me. I should have noticed the tension and stopped long before the round was out of control.”
“Thank you, Trenton.” Norwood looked surprised by his words and Alex hoped a little more trusting.
Chapter 12
Riding through the countryside helped clear his mind after the dinner party the night before. Alex rode next to Samuel, waiting for a rebuke. Samuel hadn’t yet voiced his opinion on the scandal Alex caused with his youngest sister and although he did defend Alex to Lord Norwood, there needed to be a reconciliation between them, at least for Alex. The silence was almost deafening as they rode. Each time he thought Samuel would speak, the man didn’t. Finally nearing his limit of nervousness, Alex could no longer wait.
“I need to apologize for the situation I have found myself in with Lady Debra.”
Samuel continued to ride without speaking. Alex thought about staying silent, but it was like a sickness he had to continue. “I never meant to bring a scandal to your family. If I could leave and not cause further damage, I would.”
He paused to give Samuel another chance to speak, but again silence. Alex looked to the side to formulate another apology and noticed a horse standing alone. Without notice, red hair popped up from the ground. He shook his head trying not to laugh as he saw Debra was laying in the tall grass. When she stood and acted as though speaking to another person he wondered if she was a bit touched in the head.
“She is often out here,” Samuel said noticing the direction of Alex’s focus. “And she is acting.”
“Acting?” He knew she was a writer, but to be an actress as well, his mother would be even further scandalized with the implications.
“She thinks no one knows she writes novels, but it is the worst secret she carries. We all know. And I have heard her acting out the scenes. Do not worry, she does not have designs on Drury Lane.”
If there was one surety of a quick engagement it was the ability to learn new things about his fiancé on a daily basis. Debra was a sweet, imaginative, and vivacious woman. It made him think of his sister and how he’d feel if Jane were ruined.
“Will there ever be a time where you think you can forgive me?” If Jane were ever ruined, he’d duel the man. He considered himself fortunate he hadn’t been gunned down or run through with a sword by Samuel, Leigh, Nathaniel, or Lord Norwood.
“Trenton, if you had left my sister to pick up the pieces of her reputation on her own, I would have a problem with you. You are taking action, and it is honorable. Also, you saved her life. She would have frozen to death without a fire and blanket.”
Partially listening to his friend, he kept an eye on his fiancé. He noticed Debra releasing her hair from the pins holding it on her head. The red curls fell down her back. Without thought, he pointed his horse toward her. It wasn’t wise, but Samuel was with him. He could be a chaperon.
They dismounted and walked toward her. Alex shook his head as he noticed the parchment and ink lying in the grass. He briefly wondered if she’d been successful with her scene where the two characters kissed. What were the names? He tried to remember as they approached. Percy? Percival? Peter? Cora? Cara? Carla? Cordelia? He knew one or two of the names was right, he just couldn’t remember which ones.
When they reached Debra, she turned as though dancing. Her arms were outstretched in a motion of holding onto her dance partner. In a quick movement before she acknowledged they were there, Alex took hold of her hand and put his arm on her waist taking lead in a waltz.
“Debra, what are you doing out here?” Samuel asked shaking his head at the
dancing pair.
“I am enjoying the sea breeze. Taking in air.” Alex raised his eyebrows to let her know she should stop speaking as she was not hiding the lie well.
“You mean you are acting out a scene for your novel.” Samuel sounded amused.
Debra gave Alex a look of betrayal. “I did not say a word about your novel.”
“Debra, we are not ignorant of your scribblings. Nor are we unaware of your imagination.”
Although she looked confused, she also looked very beautiful with the deep blush of her cheeks. Alex finished the waltz and kissed her hand.
“Are you ready to go back to Woodland Manor? We could accompany you.” Samuel bent down and picked up her inkwell, pen, and paper while she answered.
“Yes, but Samuel, I would like to speak with Lord Trenton in private. Will you give us a moment?”
Alex responded to Samuel’s questioning glare with a shrug of his shoulders. He didn’t know what Debra wanted.
“As long as you are in motion, you may speak with him.”
Taking the writing instruments from Samuel, Alex gathered the blanket she’d used and walked over to her horse with it. He put the ink and pen in her saddlebag. Taking the reins, he led Starlight back to her.
Looking back to ascertain Samuel’s distance from them, Debra spoke, “I want to know why you are going through with this wedding.”
“I was raised to be a gentleman. I will not leave you with a scandal.”
“Do you realize no matter what we do, people will talk about our union? I haven’t been introduced to society. How could you have met me before now?”
“We will answer those questions when they come. For now, we need only play the part of an engaged couple. People will not expect love. They will be scandalized by love. People will expect us to be as we are, confused and uncomfortable around each other.”
“I wish I could be as reserved as you are on the subject of marriage.” From the look on her face, he thought she would add something about love, but Debra surprised him by leaving the phrase alone.
“Debra, over time we will accustom ourselves to the situation and we will play our role in society as we should.”
She gave him a long searching look that resembled pity. Without speaking she motioned to the horse as though she were ready to leave. Changing back to her sassy self, her voice filled with suppressed laughter. He loved the twinkle in her eyes showing adventure and intrigue. This was more of the woman he’d met in the barn.
“You flatter me, my lord.” She spoke loud enough for Samuel to overhear. Alex laughed as she batted her eyes at him in a farce of shyness. This Debra was a joy to be around. Conversation came easy and he was comfortable. Would she ever be so agreeable on a constant basis?
“If you are finished flirting,” Samuel said as he closed the gap between them, “we could mount and get back to Woodland Manor before tea.”
Nodding, Alex walked around the horse to help Debra mount. He moved forward wondering how it would feel to put his hands on her thin waist. A flash of memory came back to him as he remembered helping her in the barn, and he hesitated. He knew exactly how it would feel to touch this woman.
“I have an idea, my lord.” Debra’s smile spread across her face lighting her eyes and her sense of adventure. “We should race back to Woodland Manor.”
Alex raised his eyebrows thankful for the distraction. Looking to Samuel, he heard a groan. Alex did not mind a race, usually between men, but he wondered how Debra would handle losing to one of them. “I have no qualms with the sport,” he responded motioning for her to allow him to help her mount. “Do you have an objection, Samuel?”
“Very much so. I do not care to see my sister flirt with my friend.”
“I am not flirting!” Debra said with much defense.
“I will help you mount,” Alex said pointing to her horse. “What is the prize?”
“Bragging rights,” Samuel said with a hard glare at his sister. There had to be much communicated in that look, as Debra’s behavior calmed a small amount.
“We will go with Samuel’s suggestion. Bragging rights will be the prize.” Debra looked disappointed peeking his curiosity over the choice she would have made.
Before assisting her onto the horse, Alex asked, “What is the true prize?”
“A kiss.” Her whispered words put a smile of anticipation on his face. This answered his question from earlier. The characters were not successfully written as they had not yet kissed.
“So, if Samuel wins the race?”
“He will have bragging rights.”
Alex lifted her to the saddle and held the horse as she situated her leg and riding habit. For a moment his mind drifted back to the habit she’d dropped in the fire and he wondered which sister she’d borrowed this from.
As he walked back to Blaise, Debra called after him. “Are you willing to race with me?”
Alex could not allow her to consider him a coward. She was to be his wife and when he won, he’d do a thorough job with the kiss. Standing tall he met her enchanting gaze. “I will meet your challenge, Poppet.”
“Trenton,” Samuel said shaking his head, “do not encourage my sister.”
Alex berated himself as he mounted Blaise. His father would consider this reckless. His mother would claim it to be scandalous, and yet the anticipation of hearing Debra laugh and enjoying a ride through the countryside left him pushing the concerns aside. Before he could situate himself, Debra put Starlight into a canter.
Alex turned to Samuel and exchanged an exasperated look before Samuel took off after his sister. Alex followed with an effort to catch the red headed beauty.
Starlight was a great horse, but not as good as Blaise. Debra glowered in his direction as he passed by. He anticipated the greeting she’d give. Most likely a sassy comment on his stride, but he didn’t mind.
Although he was the clear winner, Debra didn’t look the least bit unhappy. She looked pleased and triumphant with a hint of a blush creeping into her cheeks.
“Lord Trenton,” Debra said through her giggles, “you are the clear winner.”
Alex exchanged an amused smile with Samuel. “Is this what marriage to your sister is set to be?”
“You are in for an interesting life, Trenton.” Samuel’s amusement shone in his eyes and his doting look.
Alex walked forward with Blaise and took Starlight’s reins from Debra. “I will groom the horses.”
“May I watch as you do.”
Nodding, Alex followed her into the barn, musing over her current behavior. What is she playing at? Is she expecting a kiss at this moment? Sending her back to the house would be wise, but he was also a bit curious. He wanted to spend more time with the courageous energetic version of Debra. And it was also important they spent time together as it could only help them become further acquainted.
As he combed Blaise down, Debra sat on the stall door. He looked around to make certain they were alone before asking, “Do you know how the story you are writing ends?”
“I have not yet decided. I think it would be exciting to have Cordelia’s father send guards to find her and drag her home. She is a princess after all.”
Her eyes took on a distant and animated look as she spoke about her characters and the plot of her book. She wasn’t a normal debutant. Most of the women during the London seasons worried about lace, dresses, slippers, and frills. Since meeting Debra, he had not once heard her speak of fripperies.
“Lord Trenton?” Her voice sounded hesitant as she said his name.
“Yes?”
“My sister Diana says you have a woman expecting you to offer for her.”
Alex raised his eyebrows in curiosity. “Oh?”
“Her name is Lady Margaret.”
Alex took a deep breath before responding. Margaret was the last person he wanted to speak about. But he should have known it would be a matter of time before she questioned him about conquests before her. “Lady Margaret is not expecting
an offer from me.”
“How can you be certain?”
“She already refused me. We agreed to stay friends, but I do not know if this is possible.” He hoped his voice was as non-emotional and non-committal as possible. Alex went back to grooming the horse trying to ignore the sinking in the pit of his stomach. It ached to think of Margaret and the refusal. There was still a part of him that wished she’d said yes, which was ridiculous as she’d used him abominably.
Gripping the brush much tighter than he needed, Alex tried to ignore her piercing stare. Does she know I am still in love with Margaret? Is it wise to deceive her?
“Why are you so nervous?”
“I do not know what you mean, my lady.” In an effort to take the conversation away from Margaret, Alex asked, “Are your sisters still angry over your dowry?”
“Rilla is upset. But she has a way of finding things to complain over.”
Alex looked up at his intended. Rilla did not hide her discontent well. “Has Rilla always been so depressed?”
Debra jumped down from her perch on the stall door. “No, she used to be impulsive. More so than me.”
“I am surprised to hear this. I never thought another woman could be so spontaneous.”
“This brings me to your winnings, my lord. When do you plan to collect?” He knew she was referring to the kiss.
“When you least expect it.” As he said the words, he cringed as it was not gallant or intriguing, but as it was out in the open, he left her wondering.
Debra laughed at his comment. He enjoyed the sound of her voice and the way her face lit up when she smiled. Although she would have to calm down at some point, as there were expectations for a countess and future duchess, he hoped it wouldn’t be too soon. He truly did like this version of her.
Chapter 13
Wit & Intrigue (An Assignation to Remember Book 1) Page 7
