Page 48 of Forgotten No More

He took full advantage of the view. This was the first meal they’d all shared together since Ruby and Lady Haversham had arrived in London.

Of course, Lord and Lady Haversham were absorbed in their own conversation, leaving Harold and Ruby to their own devices. He’d tried to start a conversation several times, about the weather or what traveling play group was in town currently, but after a few nods and a word here or there the conversation always went stale. Try as he might, they could not return to their easy conversation from that night on the pond, or during their musings on the way home this very day. Her distance combined with her actions of late made it impossible to trust her, much as he had tried.

Brock laughed explosively, bringing both their attention to the couple.

“What has you in such a jovial mood?” Harold asked, grateful for the distraction.

“Oh, I was just telling Vi what we discovered in the book at White’s today.”

Harold chuckled, unable to stop himself. He’d admit that it might not be morally acceptable, but he was hardly one to shy from a wager—or cast a stone when others showed the same inclination.

“Lord Grafton truly wagered his entire stables on the outcome of Lord and Lady Sully’s name selection for their firstborn?” Vi asked, her hand covering her mouth to muffle her laughter.

“Of course he did!” Brock continued. “The winner stands to gain a tidy sum. Lord Sully loves horses and has actively sought to purchase Lord Grafton’s broodmare. Harold, tell them the name!”

“Pompous Buckton.” Harold had to admit the name was comical, yet he hoped the child was not cursed with it. “Yes, it is likely that the next Earl of Sully will be christened with the name Pompous.”

The whole table erupted, including Ruby. The look upon her face when she laughed was like none he’d even seen. In her eyes he saw joy, love, passion… If only she would allow him to make her laugh more often.

Brock was the first to get himself under control. “Not all the wagers are as entertaining, but occasionally it amuses me to have a look. I did win a tidy sum on one myself.” He winked at Harold.

Truth be told, Harold’s pockets had filled about the same time.

“And what wager was that?” Ruby joined the conversation. “Tell me it had to do with something worthwhile.”

“Oh, yes. In fact it was directly related to the most worthwhile person currently in my life.” He looked to his wife, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.

“You stop it right now, Brock.” Lady Haversham pulled her hand back. “We have guests.”

Looking affronted, Brock asked, “Guests?” He looked around dramatically. “Where?”

“You know exactly who I am talking about.”

No matter how often Harold found himself in his dear friends’ company, he never tired of their easy banter. He longed one day to have something similar, if not as grand.

“These two? If the pair are guests, they have most positively overstayed their welcome,” Brock continued to joke.

Laughter again floated through the room.

“And what was this wager that left us out of debtor prison about?” Vi inquired.

“It involved the most stubborn and headstrong woman I’ve had the good fortune to meet.”

“Truly?” Ruby joined the conversation again.

“For certain. Someone, who will remain nameless, thought it funny to place a wager after this woman and a very handsome, intelligent man found himself in the middle of a ballroom, causing a scandal.”

“And what exactly was the wager?”

“Oh, that said couple—although it is imperative that you know these two were in no way a couple at that point—would marry within the year.” Brock addressed his answer to Ruby, but kept Vi in his peripheral sight.

“That poor woman!” Harold said in exasperation.

“Oh, no…she is an extremely lucky woman,” Brock countered.

“Says a most handsome, intelligent man?” Vi asked.

“Of course!”