Page 64 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Eighteen

The opening night of the women’s gambling room was a success.

Ellie watched as masked ladies of wealthy noble husbands and merchants mingled, drank glasses of French champagne, ate the delectable food on a buffet table, and most importantly, wagered on the tables.

The place glittered. The familiar sounds of the crack of the dice across the tables, the spinning roulette wheel, and the shouts of winners commingled with the sights of colorful gowns and the scent of ladies’ perfume. All that was missing was the smell of men’s cigar smoke.

Ellie had told her family she would not return home until well past midnight to oversee the opening of the women’s room. Grace hadn’t been concerned. When they attended balls and parties, Ellie and Olivia did not return until near dawn.

Ellie spotted Lady Willoughby in the back of the room but did not approach. Dressed in a simple gown of pale yellow with a bodice trimmed with silk yellow roses, she stood by the buffet table. A simple yellow half mask concealed her identity. She looked young for her years, young and vulnerable.

Ellie was careful to greet her other guests. She didn’t halt by Samantha’s side until a full hour later. Lady Willoughby was by the macao table when Ellie approached and lowered her voice. “All is prepared.”

Samantha nodded, and together they made their way to an unoccupied corner. She scanned the room to ensure no one was paying them attention.

Lady Willoughby grasped a glass of champagne from a servant’s tray and took a sip. “I admit I remain uncertain. I’ll never see my family again.”

“You mean your parents?”

Samantha’s brow furrowed. “They may not sympathize with my plight, but they are still my family.”

Ellie imagined herself in the lady’s shoes. She would miss her brother as well as Olivia and Grace. She loved her mother, although she did not love the pressure the dowager had initially put on her to marry. Ellie had been relieved when her mother had left to spend time with Ellie’s aunt in Bath. “Perhaps you will see them one day.”

“It’s unlikely, isn’t it? If they learned of my deception or where I was living, they would surely tell my husband,” Lady Willoughby said.

Ellie felt another surge of anger toward Lady Willoughby’s parents. How could they not help their daughter, knowing what kind of monster she had married?

But now was not the time to talk of her family. The lady’s life depended on her grit and determination.

Everything had been prepared. A servant had discretely left a small valise by the back door of the club. Ellie knew exactly was what inside—a walking dress, undergarments, and a pair of shoes. Violet had left instructions, and Lady Willoughby had followed them and instructed her maid to pack the necessities. Anything else would have been noticed by the servants in Samantha’s household who were loyal to the baron.

“Everything will be provided for you. You are to live as a companion to a wealthy elder lady in Derbyshire.”

“I never thought I would look forward to being a companion, but the truth is I am anxious to leave.” Samantha took another sip of champagne, then met Ellie’s eyes. “But all this thinking has made me wonder.”

“About what?”

“About you. I know very little about you.”

“There is not much to know,” Ellie said.

“I disagree. You intrigue me. Why did you never marry?”

Ellie was taken aback by the question. Beneath Samantha’s inquisitive glare behind her mask, Ellie struggled not to squirm. “I never found a gentleman I loved.”

“My mother never asked me if I loved Baron Willoughby. I do not believe she cared.” Lady Willoughby’s fingers turned white where they clutched the delicate stem of the champagne glass.

Suitors had called upon her, and her mother would have been happy if Ellie had married any of them. Thankfully, Ian had protested and allowed Ellie to have a say. Her brother was truly a rarity and wanted her to marry for love.

Curiosity shone through Lady Willoughby’s eyes behind her mask. “There must be someone you fancy?”

Yes, there is. And he is outside on the casino floor.

Ellie shifted on her feet. Hugh had also deceived her in the worst way. They could have been together years ago. She could never forgive him for taking the decision away from her.

“Do not let my circumstance deter you. You can still marry for love,” Lady Willoughby said.

“Perhaps.” If only her heart wasn’t tainted by a deceiving man. “Come. It’s time to leave.”