He didn’t care for gaming or plum pie but longed for their secret rendezvous.
“It occurs to me I need to win back one forfeit, not two. You thought I’d lied about plums being an aphrodisiac. Perhaps tonight, I shall prove I’m right.”
Aaron held his chin between his thumb and forefinger, his expression a mix of contemplation and concentration. “Everyone knows money runs like water through Wrotham’s fingers. But to have Lady Lucille mop up his mess is downright embarrassing.”
Theo swallowed a tender piece of beef and dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “Why order The Vampyre from Pickering’s library? What are the odds she would innocently pick the villain’s book?”
“Extremely poor.” Aaron reached for his wine, took a sip and looked at Miss Darrow, seated to his left. “Are you sure you’ve told us everything?”
Appearing quite revived, she nodded. “I have no need to lie or keep secrets.” Her gaze drifted to Theo. “Honesty above all else. That is our motto.”
Aaron’s mocking snort rang through the dining room. “There is no such thing, Miss Darrow. Everyone manipulates the truth for their own advantage.”
Theo did not challenge Aaron’s opinion. He had professed to be Miss Darrow’s friend when he wanted to be her lover. “You should know. You’re an expert. You ask Miss Scrumptious to close her curtains, then grumble to yourself when she does.”
Aaron shot Theo a murderous look.
“Miss Scrumptious?” Miss Darrow said.
“It’s Miss Lovelace’s moniker,” Aaron snapped. “My brothers find childish games amusing. I ask that you refrain from repeating it outside these walls. As competitors, our relationship is often strained.”
Miss Darrow’s playful shrug mirrored her teasing smile. “I’m sure Miss Lovelace would see it as a compliment. What lady wouldn’t want to be considered scrumptious?”
Aaron downed his wine. “An intelligent woman wants a man to worship her mind, not her physical attributes. I would hate for her to think I encouraged my brothers’ juvenile banter.”
“All women like to feel attractive. I’m sure men are the same, too.” The glint in her emerald eyes said she had mischief in mind. “You’re an incredibly handsome man, sir. I’m sure Miss Lovelace has a similar moniker for you. I’ve seen her admiring your physique on numerous occasions.”
Aaron placed his cutlery on his plate and pushed out of the chair. “I suspect she was looking for ways to weaken my resolve. If you’ll excuse me. I must change before we open the club.” He glanced at Theo. “I’ll require your assistance tonight. Pendleton has a death wish, and Rothley won’t rest until every lord in London is declared bankrupt.”
“I shall forsake dessert and meet you in the card room. Miss Darrow kindly offered to share her plum pie later.” While Aaron wasn’t looking, Theo smiled at her and winked. “We’ll devour it while attempting to solve a puzzling theory.”
“A theory?” Aaron said. “About the case?”
“No, about Greek Mythology and foreign cultures.”
Miss Darrow was quick to add, “Though I will devise a plan of action for tomorrow. We have many lines of enquiry. Above all, I must discover why Emily removed the bolts of silk.”
Tomorrow would be another tiring day, following pointless leads and listening to endless lies. Miss Darrow would suffer another disappointment. Her trusted seamstress was a sly thief.
“I took the liberty of having your things moved to Delphine’s old room, Miss Darrow.” Aaron glanced at Theo, a silent warning that he was tired of having a woman living under their roof. “With Gibbs installed at your shop, you may want to return home soon. Theo has gone to great lengths to ensure you can accept clients again.”
Though Miss Darrow smiled, she had clearly heard the veiled message. “And I am grateful beyond words. I shall visit the shop in the morning and speak to Mr Gibbs. If he agrees, I see no reason to delay.”
Theo shot daggers at his brother. A deep sense of loss settled in his chest at the thought of her leaving. “Miss Darrow, you may stay at Fortune’s Den until we’ve caught the villain.”
“I’m sure Miss Darrow knows her own mind,” Aaron said, determined to have the last word before withdrawing from the room.
They finished their meal, though the potatoes were cold.
Theo glanced at the mantel clock. “You should retire upstairs before the first patrons arrive. Aaron fears he cannot protect you when the house is teaming with degenerates.”
Miss Darrow arched a brow. “Oh, dear. That lie left your lips with such ease, Mr Chance. Your brother is afraid of nothing or no one.”
Aaron was afraid of being alone.
He was scared of being thought inadequate.
He was terrified to lower his guard and love a woman.
Still, Theo laughed and raised his hands. “Another penalty for me, then. At this rate, I shall be your servant for an eternity.”
“I rather like the idea of having you at my beck and call.”
“Some ladies hire handsome servants to bring them the bliss Mrs Langdon seeks. I shall do whatever it takes to please my mistress.”
Miss Darrow gave a curious hum. “I see a problem. You’ll want one who’s willing, and we only have one plum pie.”
The card room smelled of smoke and sweat and spilled liquor. A veritable den of vice. An undercurrent of tension still rippled through the air. Rothley had come with one mission in mind—humiliation. Much to Aaron’s annoyance, and having won a small fortune, the marquess had gone outside to smoke his cheroot and spent ten minutes studying The Burnished Jade.
While they needed to discover Rothley’s motive for frequenting Fortune’s Den, his attendance worked to Theo’s advantage.
Aaron had retired to his study. The gamblers had left long before the stroke of midnight, leaving Theo free to partake in a game of high stakes.
He lit the censer, filling the room with the sensual smell of frankincense, rose and myrrh. He shuffled the cards, opened the wine, poured two glasses and waited.
