Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,35

I have been, why I am so late?’

‘Oh good heavens, no!’ she gasped, horrified.

‘But Jasper is a great gun. I am sure he would understand—’

‘And I am sure he would not.’ She laid her hand on his sleeve, saying urgently, ‘Please, Gerald, on no account would I have the viscount know anything about this.’ When he looked uncertain she added, ‘You promised. When I explained to you about Florence House, you gave me your word that you would not tell a soul.’

‘Oh very well, Susannah, if you insist.’

‘I do.’ She squeezed his arm. ‘Thank you, Gerald. Now what can I do to reward you? Shall we play at macao together?’

* * *

Jasper watched the little scene from across the room. There was no doubting her pleasure in seeing his cousin, and the boy was as besotted as ever. He had noticed when he had kissed her hand that she wore no rings—why should they keep their betrothal a secret? They were both of age and Gerald’s nature was so open, so honest, that he would abhor any subterfuge. His eyes narrowed. It must come from the lady, then. She had secrets, and in his book that made her an unsuitable match for his young cousin.

He looked around for Charles Camerton and saw him sitting at a small table with Mrs Logan. From the pile of coins at his elbow Jasper guessed that he was winning. That was very good. Now he, too, must continue with his plan.

* * *

‘How goes it, Aunt?’

Susannah took advantage of a break in the play to speak to Mrs Wilby. The lady shook her head, making the lilac ostrich feathers on her turban tremble.

‘Badly,’ she muttered as she collected up the used cards. ‘Lord Markham has taken two hundred off me already.’

‘And Kate tells me she has just lost fifty pounds to his friend.’ Susannah frowned.

‘I have never known luck like it,’ continued Aunt Maude. ‘I admit I am loath to have the viscount play at my table again.’

‘Then what do you propose I do with him?’ Susannah felt the smile tugging at her mouth, despite the gravity of the situation.

‘I do not know, my love, but I pray you will come up with something. He has made me so nervous that I cannot think clearly, and that, you know, is fatal to our success.’

Susannah was well aware of it. One needed a clear head if one was to succeed at card games. She hoped he would play at whist with Major Crommelly and the Sansteads, at least then any losses would not be hers, but the viscount seemed determined to play against Aunt Maude. Susannah watched as he won another game of loo and pocketed his winnings. A few pounds—a hundred at most. A paltry sum to Lord Markham, but Susannah was well aware that the losses this evening were mounting up. Thus, when the viscount asked if he might take her down to supper she agreed, reasoning that anything she could do to keep him away from her aunt would give that lady some welcome relief. However, as soon as he pulled her hand on to his arm she began to have doubts about the wisdom of being alone with him.

‘Perhaps we should ask Mrs Logan and Mr Camerton if they would like to join us...’

‘I have already ascertained that they would not.’ Something of her disappointment must have shown in her face for he smiled. ‘I vow, ma’am, I begin to think you are afraid of being alone with me.’

‘Nonsense. Why should that be?’

‘My reputation, perhaps?’

‘I know nothing of your reputation, Lord Markham. Is it so very bad?’

‘Perfectly dreadful,’ he replied cheerfully. ‘At least it is in London. I am relieved that no one here knows of it.’

She stopped as a sudden worry assailed her.

‘And just what is your reputation for, my lord—gambling?’

‘No. Breaking hearts.’ Again his smiling eyes teased her. He covered her hand with his own and held it on his sleeve. ‘Do you wish to run away from me now?’

Susannah’s chin went up.

‘I do not run away from anything, my lord.’

It was still early and the supper room was empty save for the servants. The viscount guided her to a table at the far end of the room.

Where we will not be overheard.

She stifled the thought. This was her house, her staff were in attendance. No harm could come to her here. The viscount insisted she sit down and went off to fill a plate for her. Susannah looked