Page 15 of Tutoring a Lady into Sin
Christianna would never have said as much to anyone else, but she was beginning to tire of her fiancé’s antics. Every night, just before joining the throng, she liked to imagine that he would be saving a place for her, wishing to have a conversation with her.
But at every turn and bound, she found her plans thwarted. There was always some new game to play or another lady to entertain, and she mostly just wished that everyone would go away so she could spend a few days getting to know Percy.
But alas, that is not meant to be.
“Should we join the Commerce table?” Bianca asked as she grabbed hold of Christianna’s hand and towed her toward the group.
“That would be fine,” Christianna said as she motioned to two available seats at the far end of the table. She settled herself into her chair and waited for the current game to conclude. Then, the dealer shuffled the cards and distributed them.
“Oh, I do love this game,” Bianca commented as she peeked at her cards. “It is so thrilling.”
“Indeed,” Christianna agreed half-heartedly. As the other players took their turns betting, she allowed her eyes to drift around the room. She spotted her Auntie Mary-Anne, who was seated at a small corner table with the Dowager Duchess of Bixby, as well as two other matronly ladies.
I do not even know those women. Should I not be at least acquainted with all the people who are attending my wedding celebration?
Christianna was dismayed for only a moment as it was her turn. She placed her bet, then went back to surveying the crowd. The duke was leaning out over the Hazard table, casting the dice, then cheering loudly when his numbers hit.
Hmmm…at least he is enjoying himself.
Her eyes flicked toward the opposite end of her own table, and it was then that she spotted Phineas. She smiled softly at him, but he did not return the gesture. His brows were furrowed as he stared at his cards, then looked at the rest of the players, then peeked back at his own cards again. Christianna had to stifle the giggle that rose in her throat.
He is so serious…always. Even when he is playing this game, he is so focused on the matter at hand.
Phineas was staring so intently at his cards that Christianna became consumed with the desire to stand up, move to his side, and peer over his shoulder at his hand. It was such a silly thing to do, and others would think she was trying to cheat, but that wasn’t it at all. She just wanted to share in his fascination—whatever it might be.
Just then, Phineas knocked, and Christianna allowed herself to chuckle.
Ahh…that explains it. He believes he already has a winning hand.
She was just about to try and catch his attention to smile at him, and give him an encouraging nod, when a shriek of laughter resounded throughout the entire room. Christianna, like most of the others, swivelled in her seat.
“They seem to be having a high time,” Bianca murmured as she stared unabashedly at the group at the Hazard table.
“Yes,” Christianna agreed as her eyes narrowed in on Percival. He had both hands raised triumphantly, and the two simpering women at his sides were gazing at him with open admiration.
“Here we are, ladies,” the duke said as he grabbed the pair of dice. He placed one in each palm. He held out one hand to Miss MacArthur and the other to Lady Constance. “Give them a kiss for luck,” he commanded, and obediently, both ladies puckered their lips and kissed the die in his hands.
Christianna turned away while Bianca laughed.
“Oh, I do wish we had decided to join their table,” Bianca said as she continued to stare wistfully over her shoulder.
“I am sure if you want to join them, you would be permitted,” Christianna said through gritted teeth. Suddenly, she felt as if she could not breathe. It was not just the painful pinch she would experience when Miss Fitzroy did up her stays a bit too tight. This was a worse, more excruciating feeling. Her throat was constricting, and she felt a faint dizziness come upon her.
“Where are you going?” Bianca asked. Christianna had not even realised she was standing until her friend said as much.
“I think I must step away for a moment,” Christianna whispered. “I think…”
“Christianna.” Phineas was at her elbow. She had not seen him rise from his chair, but suddenly, there he was, holding out a steadying hand to support her. “Would you care for some refreshment?”
“Yes,” she gulped, trying to regain her composure. “I think that might be nice.”
“Come with me,” he instructed as he led her away from the table.
“But you were about to win the hand,” Christianna said weakly as he walked with her over toward the small refreshment table, which was situated very near the doorway.
“It does not matter,” Phineas assured her. “I win at Commerce all the time.”
She stopped walking and looked at him. “That cannot be so. Commerce is a game of chance, and most must rely on luck to help them win the game.”
