Page 30 of A Stranger’s Gamble

“Ella,” she corrected.

Beatrice looked at Sophie, eyes wide. Sophie bit back a laugh and gave a slight nod.

Beatrice looked back at the woman. “Ella.”

Ella smiled. “There now. Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”

She began with the four women she’d been talking to when Sophie and Beatrice had arrived. Slowly, they made their way through the room. By the time Ella had introduced them to everyone, Sophie had decided the liked the girl.

Ella next fed them meat pies, cakes and lemonade, which Sophie thoroughly enjoyed. She felt certain Beatrice also secretly enjoyed the food for she asked for seconds. They played two hands of whist—which was torture for Sophie. For others, as well, she suspected, as the room was too quiet.

She now sat with Beatrice on a small sofa near the French doors, which opened onto a lawn. Sophie glanced at the mantle clock. 1:45. Thank heavens. Their driver would arrive within the quarter hour. He likely was already waiting for them.

Two women sat on the couch opposite them.

“I hear he has his eye on a very wealthy heiress,” said the dark-haired woman. “I am certain she will capitulate, whoever she is, for Lord Monthemer is terribly handsome.”

Sophie tensed.

“But there was that scandal with Lady Fleming,” the other woman said.

“Scandal always follows attractive men,” the first woman replied.

Sophie glanced at Beatrice, then leaned forward slightly. “Forgive me, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation. I, too, heard that Lord Monthemer was on the hunt for a wife.”

The women exchanged a look, then nodded. “He is penniless, so he needs an heiress.”

“You have no idea who he has in mind?” Sophie asked.

Both women shook their heads and the fair-haired woman said, “I did hear he made an offer, but I have no idea who the lucky lady is.”

Lucky lady, indeed, Sophie thought, but said, “What is this scandal with Lady Fleming.”

“We ought not to tell tales,” the dark-haired woman said.

“Well, it was a year ago,” said the fair-haired woman. “And the incident is common knowledge.” She leaned forward a little. “You see, Lord Monthemer was to marry Lady Fleming. However, Lady Fleming owned the gaming hall where Lord Monthemer’s father lost their fortune.”

Sophie blinked. “Lord Monthemer’s betrothed owned a gaming hell, and.…”

The two women nodded.

This was the man her father wanted her to marry? Did her father know of this scandal? He couldn’t know.

“The old earl shot himself two days later,” the dark-haired woman said.

Sophie drew a sharp breath. “That is…terrible.”

She hadn’t known any of this story. Was Lady Fleming a true lady? What lady owned a gaming hall? What kind of man wanted to marry a woman like that? His father lost his fortune, then shot himself. She knew such things happened but had never known anyone who had faced such a tragedy.

The clock on the mantle gentle chimed, and Sophie realized the two o’clock hour had arrived. It was time she and Beatrice leave. Lady Ella approached as Sophie and Beatrice stood.

“Let us take a walk in the garden,” Ella said as she neared them. “Perhaps the fresh air will invigorate us.”

“That is kind of you,” Sophie said. “However, our driver awaits us.”

Ella frowned and glanced in the direction of the clock. “You have been here less than two hours.” A twinkle appeared in her eyes. “That does not quite satisfy an afternoon visit.”

Sophie blinked. Was the girl threatening to tell Sophie’s aunt if Sophie left so early?