Page 70 of The Gift of Patience
“In other words, you would not mind if I handed it to them?”
“Precisely, my lord.”
She brought them drinks and they settled in to a game of piquet. It was an hour before the club began to fill. Soon, the room was crowded, filled with smoke, the shuffle of cards, and the smell of strong spirits. It was not particularly jovial or friendly in nature, as if small talk were not allowed, and they moved straight to serious gaming. The stakes began high as they overheard the betting at the table next to them. It gave Ashley the chills. This was where addicts won or lost entire estates in one flip of a card.
“Your quarry has arrived,” Carew muttered without looking up.
“How will it work, then?” Manners asked.
“I suspect a new game will form soon.”
That was, in fact, what occurred. With the arrival of Layton and Beckett, one of them spotted Carew and approached. “My lord, your reputation precedes you. I wonder if we could interest you in a game.”
Carew was a born actor, as he finished his hand before responding. Then he coolly laid his cards down before giving them a hooded once over. “Have we met?”
“Layton and Beckett at your service,” Edwin Layton said with a small bow and an indicative nod at his friend. They looked younger than Ashley had expected, though of age with Rupert. However, there was a gleam in their eyes that spoke to their lack of innocence.
“Will it be worth my while?” Carew drawled.
“Begin at a hundred quid a point.”
Carew pretended as if that were barely worth the bother, but conceded. “I suppose one game will tell,” he said and waved the newcomers to join him.
Ashley had to bite back a grin. Carew was good. Very, very good. He exchanged glances with Manners, who appeared to be thinking the same thing. Ashley and Manners moved back from the table, as if they were not with Carew, but took their seats where they could observe.
“Shall we add a fourth?” Carew looked about the room to assess if there were any others worth his time. “Last time, there was a fellow who gave me a decent challenge.” He narrowed his gaze as if trying to conjure up the name. “Dressed like a Macaroni…named…Hag? No Bag?”
“You must mean Rupert Fagge. He is in the country.”
Ashley wondered if they knew of his murder. If so, they were extremely cool customers.
Layton glanced at Ashley and Manners without any recognition as he scanned the room for a fourth player. He did not know if that meant anything or not.
“There is Lord Singleton just come in. His play will be worth your while. We play with him often.”
As if their word meant anything to Carew. He looked sideways as if considering. “I think I may have heard of him.”
“He was always to be found at Watier’s previously.”
Carew gave a shrug of indifference. “Call him over then.”
Manners gave Ashley a little nudge and whispered. “Isn’t that Chum’s brother?”
It was, in fact. Ashley didn’t know him well. He was the heir to the earl, but did not look much like his brother at all. His profligate ways were taking their toll on his appearance with bloodshot eyes and dark circles, red cheeks, and a telling paunch.
Layton went over and began talking close to Singleton. It was clear they were well-acquainted. Chum’s father and brother had quite the reputations, but did he often associate with this younger set? He supposed people weren’t too discriminating as long as someone would give them a good game. It would be worth mentioning to Chum.
Apparently, he was convinced. He came to the table and was introduced to Carew. Singleton was sizing them up. He glanced over at Ashley and Manners and gave a nod of recognition. “How’s my brother?” he drawled in a manner that spoke little care what the answer was.
“He was well last I saw him,” Manners replied.
Singleton had already turned towards the game, and pulled out a cigar and clipped it. But instead of lighting it, chewed on it. Ashley felt for Chum, who was constantly humiliated by his father and brother. Ashley had never been more grateful for his own brother.
Ashley knew a little bit about cards, but was uninterested in the game itself. He watched as cards were shuffled and dealt, and bets were placed. Unfortunately, there was a little talk. He was beginning to lose hope that they would discover anything at all from this other than a motive for needing money. But they needed something much more substantial to go on and time was running out. As Ashley’s mind drifted away from the game, Singleton placed a card slowly down to roars of surprise and congratulations. He must’ve won the hand.
Ashley looked at Carew, who had a gleam in his eyes that he was beginning to recognize as calculating. He’d let Singleton win on purpose. “That was a nice warm-up. Best two out of three?”
“A gentleman always allows a man to recoup.” He signalled the barmaid and called for another round of drinks.
