Page 57 of The Duke and the Lady in Red
“With so many dukes fluttering about, I’m not certain I’ve ever been in such esteemed company before.”
“We’re really rather common, in an uncommon way I suppose. My mother and Langdon’s father began life on the streets and managed to survive them. We’re quite aware that not everyone is as fortunate as we are.”
“Is that the reason you’re building the sanctuary?”
“It’s a bit more personal.” Her eyes widened slightly and she smiled. “Here are the gents returning to us.”
Lovingdon place his arm around his wife’s waist and drew her in against his side. Avendale placed his hand on the small of Rose’s back. She would not wish for more. It was foolish to want more.
“I’ve grown bored with the cards,” Avendale said. “Let’s be off to Cremorne.”
“Pleasure gardens?” Rose asked. She’d heard of them. They were decadent by all accounts. Some were advocating they be closed. “I’ve never been.”
“It’s where wickedness—and I—thrive.” He looked at Lovingdon. “Care to join us?”
Lovingdon shook his head. “No.”
Avendale turned to the duchess. “You have made him dreadfully dull.”
“She has made me dreadfully happy,” Lovingdon said.
“We’re off before I cast up my accounts.”
Something was amiss. Rose wasn’t quite certain exactly what it was. “It was a pleasure to meet you,” she said.
“We must get together for tea sometime,” the duchess said.
“That sounds lovely.”
Then Avendale was nudging her away from them.
“You’re forgetting your money,” she told him as he walked her away from the table.
“Darling will cash in my chips, have the money delivered to me.”
“You trust him?”
“He gains nothing by cheating me. I know precisely how much money is there. You’re up five hundred quid. I’ll give it to you later.”
“Give it to the duchess.”
He stared at her. “Which duchess? You mean Grace?”
She nodded, her stomach tightening. She could purchase Harry books with that money. What was she thinking to give it away? Perhaps she wanted to make amends, perhaps she was seeking to save her soul. As though her misdeeds were not worth a good deal more. “For her sanctuary.”
“We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” he said, “when you’re able to think more clearly.”
“I’m thinking clearly now.”
He grinned. “You only believe you are. I’m surprised you’re still able to walk.”
“I didn’t drink much. My glass is nearly full.”
“The footmen are paid to be discreet—and they are paid to keep the glasses nearly full. Trust me, you’ve had far more than you realize. And we shall have a good deal more before the night is done.”
As the coach traveled through the midnight-enshrouded streets, Avendale had to admit that he had enjoyed watching Rose play cards much more than he had ever enjoyed playing them. He took pleasure from the way her face lit up whenever she won a hand, was impressed by the way she hid her disappointment when she lost. He thought she could make a living upon the stage.
“Are you certain we should go?” she asked. She sat opposite him. If he were beside her, he would have her before they reached their destination. He should take her straightaway to his residence. He didn’t know why he wanted to spend time with her at Cremorne, when it would be more rewarding to have her in his bed. “I have it on good authority that it’s going to rain before the night is done.”
