Page 13 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Four

“Good morning, Brooks. I plan to go shopping, and I’ll need Alice,” Ellie said as she stepped into the vestibule and spotted Brooks the following morning.

Her brother’s longtime friend was an invaluable part of the casino. He roamed the floor each evening and worked many tasks, from guarding the door to overseeing the croupiers to announcing the boxing matches in the boxing room. He was also the largest man Ellie had ever seen and had a chest the size of a small armoire. If she won the club, he would oversee the casino floor while she worked above in the office. With his help, she needn’t don her mask and visit the casino floor every night.

“Of course. I’ll send for Alice at once.” Brooks’s broad shoulders disappeared around the corner.

Moments later, Alice appeared. A tall, thin-boned woman in her early fifties, she smiled when she saw Ellie. “Where to today, miss?”

“I require items for the women’s gaming room.” Ellie needed not only furnishings and curtains for the main room, but also items for the secret hidden room, specifically a bed.

“I’ll fetch my cloak.” Alice hurried off.

Alice had served as a ladies’ maid in a wealthy man’s home until her employer had begun pursuing her. When Alice refused his advances, he sent her packing without a reference. After Ian heard her story, he immediately hired her to work at the Raven. It wasn’t uncommon. Grace and Ian often used the club for good. Ellie preferred Alice because she was discreet and never raised an eyebrow about Ellie’s unconventional activities.

Ellie was in the process of pulling on her gloves when the distinct sound of boot heels on the marble vestibule made her turn as Hugh approached. “Where are you going?”

She frowned. “Must you question my every movement?”

“Invisible rope, remember?”

How can I forget?

She tapped her foot impatiently. “I plan on visiting the drapers. If you wish to accompany me, then by all means, who am I to refuse such masculine companionship?”

His only reaction was a twitch to his left eyebrow. Good. Most men despised shopping, and trailing behind her in the drapers as she selected fabrics, curtains, table linens, and trimmings would bore any red-blooded male.

But her victory was short-lived when a smile tugged at his lips, and he extended his arm. “I can think of no better way to spend a pleasant morning.”

“You’re jesting.”

“Never. As I said, I must keep an eye on your efforts.”

Her thoughts churned as she considered this change of plans. His presence would certainly curtail her additional purchases, items she needed to furnish the hidden room. Frustration roiled in her gut. She was aware of him watching her, so she was careful to school her expression.

“Of course,” she said, forcing a pleasant tone.

Just then, Alice appeared with her cloak.

“Alice, Lord Deveril will be accompanying us this morning.”

The woman curtsied, then turned and crooked an eyebrow in question at her mistress. Ellie shrugged.

When they stepped outside, Ellie waved for a hackney.

“No. We shall make use of my carriage,” Hugh said.

“That’s not necessary.”

“You would turn down a perfectly good carriage? Don’t be surly, or do you fear being in close quarters with me?”

Swine. She met his green gaze. “Of course not.”

“Good.” His carriage was summoned, and moments later, two perfectly matched bays appeared pulling a black carriage. His family crest was emblazoned on the side door. He helped Alice alight, but when it was Ellie’s turn, his hand lingered on her arm and then grazed her lower back. A shiver thundered down her spine.

Stop! He has no power over you.

Alice sat in the corner, and Ellie had no choice but to sit across from the marquess. There was a lurch as the carriage started rolling. Planning to ignore him for the journey, she raised the tasseled shade and looked out the window.