A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,85

didn’t mention Thomas’s name, hoping he had been in contact with the editor.

Thomas had asked her to trust him, and she realized she did, despite her hurt that he’d cancelled their contract. His remark that he couldn’t publish her books ‘today’ had caught her notice. She didn’t know what that meant and refused to hope his decision might change. But it had made her wonder if there was more to his sudden decision to terminate their publishing agreement than he’d told her.

She’d had far too much time to think of late, but that time had made her realize books weren’t the only interest they shared. She genuinely liked him as a person and admired his intelligence, his loyalty to his brothers, and his own efforts to change. The attraction that simmered between them had only grown as they’d come to know each other better. That was more than many marriages started with.

Since she intended to continue writing and find another publisher, she’d have to find a way to keep her personal life separate from the professional side. The worry that marriage would change her continued to be of concern, but Margaret’s words at the garden party kept floating through her mind. New experiences changed people, shading and molding their opinions and beliefs. That meant her own thoughts would alter, regardless of whether she married. She wanted to grow as a person and a writer.

Besides, she shared blame for their forced betrothal. That meant it was her responsibility to make the best of it. And having a happy life with Thomas was worth the effort. Thomas was worth the effort.

After she’d placed the package in the footman’s hands with delivery instructions, she said a prayer that her words would accomplish whatever it was that Thomas wanted them to.

Then she said one more, asking for his safety and wellbeing. She didn’t understand what was happening, but she had the distinct impression it was dangerous.

Waiting until the morrow for news seemed an impossible task.

With new hope easing the ache in her heart, she returned to her bedchamber and took the pink gown out of her wardrobe then went in search of Margaret. The time had come to prepare for her upcoming wedding.

~*~

Thomas sipped his drink as he waited at Madame Gaston’s that evening for Sir Alexander to make an appearance. He hoped Lord Thornton had been right and the knight would soon arrive. But that was only the beginning of his worries. The plan had many moving parts, and the smallest deviation would ruin everything.

At a quarter to midnight, he walked into the card room and soon joined a game with his friend, Lord Stanton, as well as Daniel Walker, Aberland’s younger brother. If possible, he wished to avoid playing hazard with the knight, preferring a game over which he had some skill and control.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” he greeted them.

“This should prove to be an interesting game,” Walker said with a smile. “I must remember to thank my brother for including me.”

“Aberland is a good man to know.” Thomas hoped he had been able to do all that he’d asked of him.

Thomas’s chair faced the entrance to the room, and he’d won his first hand when Sir Alexander strode in with a drink in hand, just as Thornton had promised.

The man sneered as his gaze met Thomas’s. “And here I thought you’d left your vices behind since you’re soon to be married.”

Thomas smiled. “I decided I had better enjoy myself while I could. Besides, cards and drinking seem to be the only things I’m good at.”

“They say a leopard can’t change his spots. A wastrel through and through,” Sir Alexander said with derision then turned to go.

“Care to join us for a hand? I’m feeling rather lucky this evening.” Thomas spoke loudly enough that the players at the other tables turned to look. “I’m happy to take some of your money. I will soon have a wife and need all the blunt I can win.”

The knight glanced about the room, seeming to realize that everyone watched to see how he’d respond. He walked closer. “How unfortunate that your table is full else I’d test how well your luck holds.”

Thomas glanced at Lord Stanton, who gave a nearly indiscernible nod, then tossed his cards down and rose, just as Thomas had asked. “I’ve had my fill of losing to you, Raybourne,” Stanton said then turned to Sir Alexander and gestured toward his seat. “Please take my place.”

The knight eyed the empty chair with distaste,