Page 36 of Make Mine a Marquess

“It’s settled then,” he said. “I shall speak with your father.”

…

“Let’s raise the stakes tonight,” Landon said.

“It’s like taking candy from a child,” Aram said.

The two stood outside the room, watching Willard, Roxborough, and Malvern play cards. The three were drinking heavily. The timing could not have been more perfect.

“Ah, you’re concocting a scheme? I’m curious what you will come up with. What are you thinking?” Aram asked. “An investment?”

“Let’s have a little fun. How about a Hertfordshire mine?” Landon offered.

“Silver?” Aram asked.

“I was thinking ore. The kind used to make pig iron. It’s found in Hertfordshire,” Landon said.

Aram’s lips twitched. “Go with that one.”

They entered the room and sat at the table with the trio. “May we join you gentlemen?” Aram asked.

Roxborough waved a hand. “How about whist?”

Malvern, holding the deck of cards, was quick to deal. It wasn’t long before Willard was in over his head. He was a reckless gambler and poured himself too many whiskies as he grew more emboldened. Landon let him win the first game, pretending to drink as much as his cousin. His mind stayed sharp while Willard failed to play his best.

“I visited a new mine today,” Aram said. “Ore. Plenty of it. The owner is in financial trouble and looking to sell.”

“I saw it as well,” Landon said as he looked at his hand of cards. “A good investment. I want to offer for it myself.”

“A good investment, you say?” Willard asked.

Landon kept his attention on his cards. “Ten thousand pounds to buy in.”

Aram sighed. “If I had the money to be your partner, Landon, I wouldn’t hesitate. The profit is easily twenty thousand pounds annually. You will recoup the sale price after a year.”

Willard choked on his whisky. “Looking for a partner?”

Landon pretended to mull over his offer. “I wouldn’t turn you down. You are family, after all.”

“That I am,” Willard said.

“Do you wish to see it?” Landon asked.

Willard waved a hand. “Not necessary, if you have surveyed it yourself and are willing to invest. Twenty thousand pounds annum profit you say?”

“That’s right. If two of us partner, it’s five thousand each to purchase.”

“I will sign it over to you. My fiancée’s dowry will cover whatever I spend soon enough.”

Aram had been right. It was almost too easy. Hungry for money to feed both his avaricious nature and his nasty gambling habit, Willard was nearly salivating.

Chapter Ten

“Did you hear a word I said?”

Phoebe started and turned to face her mother. “Yes, Mother. I’m listening.”

It was the following afternoon, and the ladies had gathered outside for a nature walk. Hillary Dawson’s expression could only be described as annoyed. Her brows snapped together, and her lips thinned in a line. Had they not been in the presence of the other women, her mother would most likely plant her hands on her hips and her next words would be harsh.