Page 70 of Broken

Barrette settled himself in a vacant chair with a cup of tea and appeared inclined to brood so Giles left him to stew in his own juices.

Lord Winter reached for his daughter’s hand suddenly and squeezed. His action to reassure Lilly confirmed that Lord Winter was not entirely comfortable around her cousin either, though why he did not get rid of the leech escaped Giles.

Dinner was unbearable. Giles could clearly see the internal strength Lilly used to support a happy demeanor all through the meal, but wondered at her stubborn avoidance of rest. He wanted to say something, but given the way Lord Winter hovered, he didn’t dare.

After dinner, Barrette suggested a game of cards, and when Winter started to refuse on Lilly’s behalf, Lilly stopped him. “I would be happy to play, Papa. I know a little of the games people play.”

Barrette grinned.

It was fortunate Lilly was a fast learner. But they had never played for money—not once. They’d never gambled. He doubted the game would end well or in her favor unless he helped her along.

When the stack of coins landed on the table before her, Lilly looked at them, puzzled, and then her gaze darted to Giles. She held his gaze for a long moment. Giles nodded an encouragement, and settled on a chair facing the table with a clear view of the proceedings. She knew how to play, but not how to bet. He hoped Lilly would understand his signals well enough to put up even a brief resistance.

“You will have to forgive me if I am a little rusty. It has been quite a while since I’ve felt well enough for games,” Lilly murmured.

“Of course. I always make allowances for you, my dear.” Contempt dripped from Barrette’s tongue and Giles wondered if Lord Winter could hear it too.

“That is so very kind of you.” Lilly’s lips pulled into a small smile. “Barty.”

Barrette’s jaw clenched at the nickname, and he swiftly dealt cards then settled into his chair, exuding confidence. Giles sat forward a little. This was not going to be a friendly match after all, and he was pleased that Lilly would stand up to her cousin.

Through a series of finger taps on his bent knee, he counted out the greatest number of coins to bet. At times she followed him, and others she did not. Giles could not see her cards, so it was not necessarily cheating. At least, not to his mind.

Barrette’s brow glistened with a light sheen of perspiration. There was not a lot of cash involved with the bets, and Giles wondered at his display. Was his anxiety an accurate representation of his hand or was anger he was trying to contain? Giles was betting on the former.

He started when the sound of glass striking glass broke his focus. Carrington and Lord Winter had moved away to replenish their glasses. With the tension of the game, he had forgotten anyone else was in the room.

Winter sank down on the cushion beside him to watch the game to completion. He nudged his arm. “An excellent match, don’t you think?”

Given the way Lilly avoided Giles’ gaze, he had a feeling she had overheard her father. Giles hoped Lord Winter meant the card game, and not a potential match between Lilly and his heir. The thought revolted him.

Carrington laughed when Giles remained silent. “Yes, it seemed a fair match in the end. Mr. Barrette wins.”

Lilly made her excuses and retired.

* * *

As the library door closed behind Lilly’s back, she found herself surrounded by servants. Dithers and Mrs. Osprey were waiting, worried expressions clouding their features. Mrs. Osprey slipped an arm around her waist and Dithers held out his arm. She was grateful for their support. Her back and legs ached like fire. It took an eternity to reach the halfway point up the stairs.

“If you will forgive me, miss, this will be faster.”

Dithers swung her up into his arms and carried her the remaining distance to her bedchamber. Just before she crossed the threshold, she heard a deep chuckle behind them.

“Better not let Daventry catch you doing that, man.”

Dithers turned his head slightly. “My wishes exactly, Lord Carrington. Excuse us.”

“You have bewitched an entire household, Miss Winter,” Carrington said as he followed them as far as her doorway. “I hope you do not play with my friend’s affections insincerely.”

Lilly glanced at him, pain spearing down her legs and robbing her of patience. “I play at nothing, my lord. Life is too short for insincerity. You should know that better than anyone. Now get out. I must rest.”

Mrs. Osprey helped her to bed and she heard Dithers step out into the hall.

“That gent is so suspicious of everyone.”

“Ignore him.” At the moment, Lilly didn’t care a whit for Lord Carrington. All she cared about was getting off her feet.

Mrs. Osprey huffed. “He’s been watching you too often for my comfort. He may be betrothed and all, but he’s got no right to be so watchful of you.”