Page 51 of The Baron Takes a Bet
“Not in the eyes of the ton.”
“And I should care because?”
“Well, not you. But Holly might suffer. She won’t be accepted. Of course, she’ll always have our support, but two people in a city of nearly two million is hardly fair.”
Gavin disliked the idea of Holly being snubbed by society, but he knew she would rather have their connection severed. She simply did not wish to marry him, and he wouldn’t try to hold on, even if he found the entire thing rather convenient.
He was about to explain as much when raised voices suddenly sounded from one of the gaming tables. All three men turned to see what the commotion was about when a man, whose back was facing them, pushed another, sending him to the floor.
“Gates!” The wide-shouldered man yelled for the factotum, an employee who did several jobs at White’s. “Toss this swine out!”
Jeremy Gates, an even-tempered man Gavin had known for several years, appeared, coming down the rounded staircase.
“What’s this about?” he asked as several men picked up the youth who had been pushed.
Gavin squinted, unsure if he saw correctly. The partial profile of the young man looked vaguely familiar.
“He’s cheating! I saw him move a card up his sleeve.”
“That’s a serious allegation, Lord Sundale,” Gates said, coming around. “Oi! What’s your name?”
But before the factotum could get an answer, the accused simultaneously stomped on the foot of the man holding him andknocked his head backward, hitting the other man in the mouth. With a grisly roar, the man stumbled back, releasing the youth, who darted between others as he escaped. Gavin, Silas, and Derek stood as he ran out, but not before his eyes caught Gavin’s.
Bloody hell. Was that Jasper? What in the world was he doing in London?
Without thinking, Gavin pushed passed his friends and ran after the young man.
“Where are you going?” Silas called after him.
“Let the house take care of him!” Derek shouted.
But Gavin was out the front doors and down the front steps in moments, staring into the crowded street. Had that been Jasper? Why wasn’t he in Eton? And how the devil had he been allowed into White’s? He couldn’t find the familiar face and, after several more minutes of searching, was caught on the shoulder by Silas’s hand.
“What is it?” he asked, concerned. “Did you know him?”
“I don’t know. I thought I might.”
“He was a young lad,” Trembley said, coming down the steps. “Not someone I recognize as friends with either of my brothers. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him before.”
“No, it wouldn’t be through them that I know him. I thought it was Holly’s brother, Jasper.”
Silas tilted his head.
“One of the twins? Clara mentioned that they aren’t even eighteen.”
“Yes, and he should be in school,” Gavin said, peering around. He shook his head, giving up. “Perhaps he was only a lookalike.” He sighed. “Well, I’m afraid I must be going. I’ve got to visit my old apartments and sort out what should be done with them.”
“Very good,” Derek said.
“Oh, Clara wanted to host a dinner party tomorrow night. Just for us and the families. A pre-season feast, she says. You both will attend, yes?” Silas asked. Gavin nodded. “Trembley? Your mother and brothers are invited of course.”
“You’ll only have Fredrick’s company, I’m afraid. Alfred is still in the Americas.”
“Still?” Gavin asked.
“Yes. Although he is set to return in about two months’ time. I expect my mother will want to throw a welcome home party for him.”
“And maybe you’ll host one of your infamous card games?”
