Page 72 of Falling Into Bed with a Duke
Tomorrow, preparations for moving into Ashebury Place would begin in earnest. Tonight he was in need of a distraction. It existed at a gaming hell, even if he didn’t wager. And Minerva would be within the walls of the establishment. Getting up, he returned his glass to the sideboard, turned for the door.
“Ah, there you are,” Edward said as he strolled in. “Have some jolly good news. I’ve spoken with Grey. Whatever items you want to leave here, I shall have the means to purchase.”
Ashe released a grateful sigh. “That certainly makes things easier all the way around. I’ll have my man of business tally up the costs.”
“I thought you’d be pleased.” He walked to the table, poured himself a scotch. “What shall we do tonight to celebrate?”
“I was about to head to the Dragons. You’re welcome to join me.”
Edward studied his scotch as though he were seeking an answer within its depths. “No, I’m more in the mood for something that involves women.”
“Women are at the Dragons.”
“Respectable women.” He shook his head. “Not the sort I fancy.”
Ashe felt somewhat of a dilemma, not wanting to abandon Edward after his generosity but very much wanting to see Minerva. His desire to be with her won out. “As I’m not in the mood for the sort of women you fancy, I’ll leave you to them.”
Edward grinned. “You’re already starting to sound married. By the by, when you do move out, leave the spirits.”
“If you want any staff to stay behind, just let me know how many.”
“Leave as many as you like. I’ll keep them on.” As though his words were of no consequence, he tossed back his scotch.
But Ashe knew them for what they were: an attempt to ease his burden. “Edward, I appreciate everything you’ve done here.”
His lips twisted up into a mockery of smile. “We orphans have to stick together.”
“As much as I wish you hadn’t lost your parents, I was always rather glad I didn’t have to go to Havisham alone.”
Edward reached for a decanter. “You’re getting sentimental. It doesn’t suit you. Go lose some money. You’ll feel better.”
Grateful that Edward was putting an end to what might have become an uncomfortable conversation, Ashe chuckled with relief. “And you ... go find yourself a good woman for the night.”
“Don’t want a good one.” He grinned devilishly and wiggled his eyebrows. “I want one who is very, very wicked.”
But Ashe knew that sometimes they were one and the same. Minerva Dodger had taught him that.
Chapter 15
FEELING restless and on edge, Minerva stood within the shadowed balcony of the Twin Dragons and looked out over the gaming floor. Seeing Ashe this afternoon had left her longing to be in his arms. She’d considered sending him a missive inviting him to join her here. But she rather hoped that he might make an appearance without her invitation, which was the reason she was standing here rather than being where she was supposed to be. Others were waiting on her. She needed to go.
Taking her gaze on a final sweep of the floor, she felt her heart kick against her ribs at the sight of Ashe wandering slowly about the card tables before heading for the roulette wheel. Had he been looking for her? Why else would he bother to take a detour through that area rather than heading straight for the wheel?
She very nearly shouted at him, to gain his attention, to invite him to join her. But propriety required a bit more decorum. She headed for the gaming floor.
He was standing near the roulette table, watching, not yet playing. She liked that he wasn’t the sort to dive right into gambling, that he took his time. Some of the members were rather rabid about it. The gentlemen who were had been included on her list:Men I’ll Never Marry.
She knew she could never love someone for whom gambling was an obsession rather than a pleasant pastime.
“Your Grace.”
He turned, his brilliant blue eyes warming. “Miss Dodger. I was hoping to find you here, but I didn’t see you at the tables.”
When had any man sounded so sincere when speaking with her? “I’m playing in a private room. Would you care to join us? I know cards isn’t a game you prefer, but you don’t have to play. You could watch.”
He gave her a wicked smile. “I’ve never seen the appeal of being a voyeur. However, watching you could prove me wrong.”
“I don’t think I’d be that interesting. And you’re right. It’s incredibly boring to watch someone play. I don’t even know why I made the suggestion.”
