Page 4 of A Game of Hazard

Lady Osbourne’s eyes glittered at the word ‘diamond’.

“I can see that you are not, but I don’t need you to improve your appearance or behavior. The man I choose for you won’t care for any of those things.”

Gazing at her ladyship’s determined expression, Alex spared a moment’s sympathy for whoever the unlucky fellow might be. No doubt he had been—or was about to be—blackmailed in a similar fashion to herself. Maybe they could be fellow conspirators and escape both the leg shackles of marriage and the influence of the implacable Lady Osbourne.

“If I can’t beautify myself, how will I attract a beau? Unless you’ve inveigled some poor fellow in the same way you have me. I wonder that your conscience can allow you to importune people so.”

“Perhaps one day you’ll find out and understand my motives. But for now, be assured that I won’t force you to marry. Once you’ve been introduced to your suitor, I’ll leave you in peace and play no further part in the courtship. And if, by the time the Bath season starts in earnest in October, neither of you has seen the sense in your marrying, our arrangement will be at an end. You may both continue depressingly, joylessly single.”

Lady Osbourne came to stand before Alex’s chair, so she rose and unwillingly shook the hand that was extended to her.

“Do we have an agreement?” Her ladyship’s hand was as cold and hard as her nature.

“We have an agreement.” At least for now. “So, may I take my leave?”

Her ladyship’s mouth widened, and her eyes sparkled. “Which way do you intend to go, may I ask? Shall I have you escorted to the front door? Or will you scramble back over the wall? I must have some prickly bushes planted beneath it and ensure that this door is locked at all times.”

Alex knew how much servants talked, and dared not test her disguise out on the main street. “I’ll leave the same way I entered,” she said stiffly.

“Very well. You and your mama will receive an invitation from me to attend a ball at the Assembly Rooms at the end of the week. Be sure to come—I shall accept no excuses. You know what’s at stake.”

A cloud of dread descended on Alex as she raised the bar and pulled the shutters open. How could she possibly allow herself to be courted by a gentleman for a whole month? It didn’t matter that she’d be freed from her obligations thereafter—if any man spent time with her, he’d have to be a fool indeed not to discover the source of her income or the unconventional way in which she spent her time. Once unmasked, how was she to save her neck? She also had responsibility for the well-being of those who risked themselves and their families for the Dorset Circle. Low-life they might be, but there was a code of honor common to felons. Even more importantly, the well-being and security of her mother were at stake.

This was a game of hazard she could not afford to lose.

CHAPTER 2

Captain Giles Harewood leaned toward his companion, keeping his voice low. “An enjoyable soirée, if I may say so. And a very successful one, don’t you think, Percy?”

He then laid his ace atop the pile of cards to the accompaniment of muttering from his fellow players.

“I’m done here,” grumbled one of them. “I can’t believe your luck, sir. For a man who claims he rarely gambles, you seem remarkably successful at it.”

Lieutenant Percy Willmott stared at Giles. “We were doing so well, and you had to spoil it by beating everyone so often they refuse to play with you. Don’t you understand it’s only polite to lose from time to time?”

“You don’t have three sisters to support, Percy. An army wage barely covers their pin money, so I’ll take my coin wherever I can find it. If it comes out of the pockets of fools, why should I feel guilty?”

“You’ll be called out for that sort of attitude one day, my friend.”

Giles collected his winnings and tidied the cards into a heap. “That’s not likely to happen at a Lady Osbourne soirée. We’re rubbing shoulders with members of the ton, you understand. Mostly, they behave themselves. Except in matters of paying taxes and customs duties.”

“Keep your voice down, Captain.” Percy winked. “We can never be sure if we’re among friends or enemies.”

Giles leaned back in his chair and swilled the brandy around his glass. “Enemies, I suspect. The brandy is French, the lace adorning the ladies’ gowns is from Brussels, and the house tobacco tastes salty—tainted by seawater, perhaps? If only we could ask our hostess a direct question about the source of these goods—but I know we won’t get a direct answer. We’ll have to continue sneaking around like thieves in the dark if we want to do our duty by the poor, beleaguered customs officers and catch the contrabanders.”

“Gentlemen! I trust you enjoyed your game?”

Both Giles and Percy pushed their chairs back, stood erect, then swept their hostess exaggerated bows.

“Indeed, we did—and have benefited greatly. I hope your guests won’t be offended.”

“If they are, Captain, I will have to cross swords with you.”

Lady Osbourne’s smile did not reach her eyes, and Giles wondered what he could have done to upset her. Not by being successful at cards, surely?

He assumed his most charming smile, reached for her hand and kissed it. “Then I vow to do whatever it takes to amend my error.”

She tapped him with her fan. “I was hoping you might say that. If you’ll excuse us, Lieutenant, I’d like a private word with your companion.”