Unfortunately, etiquette demanded that she not approach any gentlemen who had not been introduced to her. Sam, however, could speak with anyone he wanted. But he was otherwise occupied, at least until he lost all his tokens. Therefore, she’d have to wait until he was available.
Meanwhile, the spinning wheel fascinated her. She wondered if she could build one without ever having seen the inner workings. She wished she had the funds to purchase one so she could peer inside.
“Miss Garrison.”
At the soft, silky voice near her ear and the speed with which her heart pistoned, Leonora had to face the truth that she hadn’t really come here to hand out invitations. Rather she’d been hoping to cross paths with Rook. Knowing he spent many a night here, she’d planned to wander about, surreptitiously searching for him, but she’d gotten distracted. She turned slightly. “My lord.”
“You don’t seem to be wagering.”
“I don’t think one should unless one can afford to lose the coins.”
“Your brother doesn’t seem to hold with that philosophy.”
She glanced over at Sam’s dwindling stack of tokens. “It appears he doesn’t.”
“I was wondering if I might steal you away for a bit.”
Her gaze dropped to his talented lips, and she was fairly certain he had kissing in mind, for surely there were clandestine corners here where a couple could find privacy for a few minutes.
“Let me tell Sam so he doesn’t worry.” But herbrother merely distractedly waved a hand and said, “Have fun.”
She almost told him that she was on the verge of being ravished, but she wasn’t certain even those scandalous words would be enough to turn his attention away from the table, and anyone who overheard them might believe she was speaking true. While she’d been talking to him, a few more people had gathered around, and she was hemmed in. Her “excuse me, let me pass” was being ignored, no doubt because the din of conversation and gaming made it impossible for anyone to hear her, and she most certainly wasn’t going to lean toward strangers in order to speak in their ears, nor was she going to shout in an unladylike manner.
Then similar to the seas parting, a path opened up and Rook was holding out his hand to her. Dear Lord, but the man did have a commanding presence. She slipped her hand into his, grateful when he effortlessly led them through the crowd of people clustered around the table. Then he smoothly shifted her hand to the crook of his elbow.
“I assume this is your first visit to the club,” he said, “unless you came between the ball and now.”
“I’ve never been before. It’s quite energetic.”
He chuckled low. “That’s one way to describe it.”
“People throw away their money with such haste.” She shook her head as they wended their way around games of dice or cards. “I don’t understand why they are so opposed to wagering on something—like our family’s business—that has fewer risks.”
“Investing requires patience, and as you’re no doubt aware, the payoff can take a while. Whereas here, it’s instant gratification—if one wins. Otherwise, disappointment rules. But I’m of a mind experiencing the disenchantment only serves to heighten the joy of winning.”
“Were you playing?”
“A game of brag. Wasn’t winning. Although, with you now on my arm, I feel my luck has changed.”
She couldn’t help herself. She laughed. “That’s a ridiculous attempt at flirtation.” Horrified at how quickly and easily that had come out, she stopped walking, causing him to do the same. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to imply you were flirting.”
“I was and you’re correct. My words were ridiculous. Perhaps this will serve me better.” Like a magician wishing to bring attention to something he’d conjured, Rook waved a hand to direct her attention away from him.
They’d crossed the gaming floor to a distant corner where an isolated roulette table seemed to be waiting patiently to welcome those willing to place bets. Ropes surrounded it in a manner similar to those she’d once seen at a boxing match.
“Is this going to be a private game?” She had the random thought that perhaps they’d wager kisses instead of tokens. In which case every bet would result in a win one way or another.
“No.” His eyes sparkling with mischief, his grin triumphant, he lowered his head slightly in order to hold her gaze. “You’re going to take it apart.”
The delight washing over her features was like the sun breaking through storm clouds. She looked at the table, gazed back at him. “You’re not serious.”
“I am. I noticed the way you were studying theroulette wheel over there. Was I mistaken regarding what you were striving to decipher: how it worked?” Assuming he had the right of it, he’d spoken to the club owner with whom he had a friendship and learned it was easy enough to disassemble and reassemble, so uncomplicated in fact that Rook could even do it. And it just so happened that there were no plans to use this table tonight.
And so it was that Rook was now standing beside a woman whose face was aglow with anticipation.
“I don’t have tools,” she said.
“Apparently none are needed.” He untied the rope from one of the stanchions standing guard and indicated she should precede him into the inner sanctum. She inhaled deeply, reminding him of his reaction the first time he’d taken a journey in a hot air balloon. The unknown of it had been a bit frightening, but at its core it had been thrilling. He couldn’t help but believe that for her the discovery of how something worked held the same monumental exhilaration. He did hope she wasn’t going to be disappointed.
