Page 47 of How to Tempt an Earl

“That’s all?”

“What else?”

“I’ve met the lady. I think she’s gotten under your skin.”

“Don’t be an ass. I’m attracted to her. What man wouldn’t be?”

“Hmm. What of the club? Despite your beliefs that a marriage is solely a business arrangement, your wife may have a say in how you run your life.”

At Brooks’s questioning look, Ian snapped out. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It’s simple. Would she accept a man who owns a gambling club when her own father is a reckless gambler? She may take your mother’s side and insist you sell the place.”

She already has. “Her opinion on the matter is meaningless.”

“Don’t be daft. She has to agree to marry you.”

Ian knew the club could be an issue. His mother had insisted he sell the Raven Club after inheriting the earldom.

But Grace…

Grace’s disapproval of the Raven Club was for entirely different reasons. She didn’t care what others thought. Grace believed gambling had ruined her father, and she despised casinos. Grace and her young brother were victims of the baron’s addiction.

But the Raven Club had saved Ian. The casino floor held a piece of his soul, and he was not willing to relinquish it. He hadn’t spoken of his past with Grace, and it was not something that he shared with anyone. Only Brooks knew the truth of how he came to open the club.

He was surprised at how badly he wanted Grace to marry him. For a man who swore never to marry, he was uncomfortable with this need to bind her to him. Yes, her consent was required in order to shield his sisters from the taint of scandal. But he also realized that he’d grown to admire her, a first for any woman of his acquaintance. She had admirable traits. Loyalty to her family and her father—a man whom in Ian’s opinion did not deserve his daughter’s loyalty or love. She was intelligent, feisty, and headstrong, traits some men didn’t value in a lady, but Ian was not one of them. To the contrary, he had grown to look forward to conversing with her. He also found her more and more desirable with each evening visit.

If he wasn’t careful, she’d bewitch him, and Ian could never allow that to happen.

Ian hardened his resolve. “My mother believes I’ll sell the club. I’ll tell Grace the same.”

Brooks studied his friend and employer for several long heartbeats. “You’d lie to the lady to get her to marry you?”

“Not entirely. I do plan to sell the club in my ripe old age.”

Brooks whistled. “That’s deceptive, even for you.”

“My tactics have never bothered you in the past,” Ian said.

“It’s not me I’m worried about. I’ve met Miss Ashton. She has grit and intelligence. Do not underestimate her. You may have met your match.”

Chapter Fourteen

Grace rubbed her temples. She’d awakened with a terrible headache, and after two cups of chocolate in the breakfast room, which she preferred over coffee, the pounding had subsided to a low throb. She dreaded the thought of the day and expected the scandal sheets to be emblazoned with her disgrace.

How much time did she have before the gossip spread?

“Are you all right, Grace?” Adam asked.

She looked up from her plate of uneaten eggs and toast and forced a smile. Her brother was looking at her with concern. Reaching out, she touched his hand. “I’m fine, darling. I’m just tired this morning.”

“You had a bad dream? You should have wakened me, and we could have shared a cup of warm milk.”

She squeezed his hand. “Yes, next time.”

They were interrupted by the aging butler, Stevens. “There’s a gentleman caller for you, miss,” he announced. Stevens extended her a silver salver with a card. As she reached for the embossed velum, the butler spoke. “It’s the Earl of Castleton.”

Ian had said he’d send word about the outcome of his conversation with is mother. Grace had expected a missive, or a letter, not a personal visit. God, what news did he have?