Page 48 of Once More, My Darling Rogue
“I’ve no doubt, but still I find it incredibly disappointing that he fell so easily.” He gave Drake a once-over. “Care to become my new partner in sin?”
“I don’t have to go looking for it when it’s all aroundme.”
“But you don’t partake.”
“Not here, no. And not during the busiest hours. I’m sure you can find someone to accompany you on your excursion.”
“I shall give it my best. I am curious, though. Why all the questions regarding Lady Ophelia last night? If I didn’t know how often you two are at odds, I’d suspect you invited Somerdale to the game simply to quiz him about her. You’re not on the cusp of falling as well, are you?”
His meaning was like a slap. “In love? No, not with her. Never with her.”
Avendale raised an irritating dark brow. “A bit overmuch on the protesting there.”
“She and I would not suit. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a gaming hell to run here.”
He left Avendale standing in the middle of the gaming floor. Ludicrous that both he and Somerdale had questioned Drake’s interest in Ophelia. He had no interest in her whatsoever, other than determining how she had arrived in the river.
Chapter 13
Drake waited impatiently in the foyer of a modest townhome while the butler fetched the owners. He could hardly fathom that he was here when he needed to see to business. Hearing the footsteps of more than one person, he tensed. He wanted to make this visit as short as possible.
Sir William Graves exited a hallway, his wife at his side, her face etched with concern.
“Is it Avendale?” she asked, clearly worried. “Has he been hurt?”
He knew she was really asking if he was dead. The former Duchess of Avendale was no doubt well aware that her son was not always cautious when it came to his partaking of sin. On more than one occasion Drake had wondered if the man’s goal was to acquire an early grave. As Avendale frequented Drake’s world, it stood to reason Drake would be the one to deliver the unwelcome news. “He’s quite well. I saw him earlier at Dodger’s, looking for sport.”
Relief washed over her features, even as she gave him a skeptical look. “My son is searching for a good many things, but I’m not sure sport heads his list.”
“I assure you that he’s fine.”
“Is someone in the family ill?” Sir William asked. Years ago, he’d been knighted because of his exemplary care of the queen.
“Everyone is well, but I wondered if I might have a private word.”
“Yes, of course. Come back to my study.”
Reaching out, his wife squeezed Drake’s arm. “It’s good to see you.”
He wished he could assure her that her son would remain well, but he was convinced Avendale’s demons existed in greater numbers than Drake’s. So he settled for a reassuring smile before following the doctor to his study. He took the whiskey and chair that were offered. Graves sat in the chair opposite him, studying him intently as though he had the ability to diagnose with little more than an outward assessment.
“So what brings you to my door?” Graves asked.
Madness. Utter and complete madness. Revenge gone awry.
Drake sipped the whiskey. Now that he was here, he didn’t quite know how to handle things. Showing up at the doctor’s door had been a rash decision, but that seemed to be the way of things for him where Phee was concerned. “I know a gent, took a tumble in the river a couple of nights ago, and he seems to have left his memory there.”
“You’re having difficulty remembering things?”
“No, not me. Why would you think that?”
Graves gave him a small smile. “I often have patients describe afriend’sailments when they are uncomfortable with their own symptoms, but I assure you that everything you tell me is held in confidence and you have no reason to be embarrassed. I do not sit in judgment.”
You bloody well might if you knew exactly what I’ve done.“I’m not the one who has no recollection of his past. I’m wondering if his health is at risk.”
“I shall have to examine him—”
“He won’t come. He has a fear of physicians.”
