“Yes,” Lord Ashworth said.
The card roomwas lively—tables had been set up, each to accommodate four players, and a small adjoining room contained a sideboard with refreshments. Let it never be said that those who viewed themselves too old for dancing were without spirit. Lily’s aunt was surprised to see her there, but happy just the same. She had partnered with Lord Blanding and handily trounced Mr. and Mrs. Beltemham, who declined another round. Lily and Lord Ashworth would take the couple’s place.
Their table had the advantage of being at the far end of the room, with a wall behind. They might have some onlookers peering at their game, but they would not be surrounded.
Lily was introduced to Lord Blanding, though it appeared that Lord Ashworth was already known to him. Lord Blanding was rather stiff on the greeting and she supposed he maintained certain attitudes of the young bucks in town. Lily thought him friendly enough to herself, especially when her aunt pointed out the connection between Lily, his own daughter Sybil, and Cassandra.
That there were a few that came to view their game had seemed inevitable to Lily. Lord Blanding seemed to take it as a compliment to himself. When he took a trick he issued vague mutterings along the lines of “As you see, that is how it is played.”
Lily had no great wish to win the hands. She was quite content sitting across from Lord Ashworth. Though, they seemed to be in sync and did win often. It seemed they both instinctively played the same strategy and though she doubted the lord’s memory as good as her own, it was superior to most.
When Lord Blanding began to seem annoyed at his losses, she exchanged glances with Lord Ashworth and they altered their play. The wager was only a pound and so it was nothing to lose the hands, but it seemed a great deal to Lord Blanding. And to Mrs. Hemming, for that matter.
Sooner than she expected, Lord Blanding quit. He claimed he wished to see his daughter dancing, as he missed having her by his side ever since she’d married. Though Lily did not doubt he missed his daughter, she also was certain that Lord Blanding liked to spend most of his time winning. It seemed he would quit while the cards still went his way.
Lord Blanding offered to escort Mrs. Hemming to the refreshments. The lady had hesitated and looked at Lily.
“I am quite all right, Aunt,” Lily said, not wishing for her aunt’s care to force her from the table. Or from Lord Ashworth. “I am surrounded by matrons, you see.”
In truth, Lily was chaperoned well enough. There could not be a safer place for a young lady than a card room at a ball. Every older lady of consequence was there to ensure nothing untoward went on.
Mrs. Hemming had seen the sense of it. Though, she may also have been swayed by Lord Blanding’s description of the cakes on offer. It seemed there was a particular cake with raspberry preserve that was exceptional. Mrs. Hemming had a fondness for raspberry preserve, as long as it was well-sugared. Lord Blanding had assured her that he would hardly recommend a preserve that was not. He put his arm out as they went in search of that marvelous confection.
Lily and Lord Ashworth were alone. Of course, there were many other tables set up and filled with card players. They were not alone as they had been in Lady Carradine’s attic. But at least none were left at their own table.
Lord Ashworth took the cards and began removing the lower. “Piquet?” he asked.
Lily smiled. “If you wish it,” she said. “Though I would not like to play for high stakes.”
“But we have all along been playing for paltry stakes,” Lord Ashworth said.
Good Lord, they had played for fifty pounds at Lady Montague’s card party. Did he wish to play for some even more enormous sum? That would present a quandary. She could not afford to lose such an extravagant amount. And yet, she did not wish to go back to their relations after his previous defeats. What was she to do?
“I am afraid not, my lord,” she said. “You are aware of my financial situation. I dare not attempt it.”
Lord Ashworth waved his hand, as if to dismiss what she’d said. “You speak of money. Perhaps we could play for more important stakes? Name anything you like.”
Lily considered it. There were questions she would like answered regarding his feelings, though she did not dare ask them. There was also the question of what had happened to his arm, and that she thought shecoulddare ask.
“If I win, you will tell me what really happened to your arm,” she said.
“Done,” Lord Ashworth said.
Two young gentlemen had drifted toward their table, intrigued to see Miss Farnsworth and Lord Ashworth once again at play.
“And you?” Lily asked. “If you were to prevail, and I am very sorry to say that I do not think you will, what would you claim as your prize?”
Lord Ashworth smiled. “I admit, my chances are slim, and yet I will try it. I will make a desperate pledge for the hand of Miss Farnsworth.”
Chapter Sixteen
Lily felt shehad gone white as a sheet. She was almost afraid she had misheard, until one of the young gentlemen repeated the idea and made off toward the ballroom with the news. The other stood behind Lord Ashworth, rapt.
“You see,” Lord Ashworth said, “I have finally come to admit your skill to be superior to my own. Therefore, it will be you who chooses who will win and who will lose. Ifyoulose, I will be made the happiest of men. IfIlose, I will know your mind and not burden you with repeating the sentiment.”
Lord Ashworth began to deal.
Lily sat stock still. He wished to marry! Yes, he did, he’d said it. And not privately either. Everybody was to know he wished for the hand of Miss Farnsworth. Adesperate pledgefor her hand. All she had to do was lose to him.
