Page 4 of A Stranger’s Gamble

Her husband studied her. “Just how much do you know of Lady Fleming?”

“Everyone knows of his connection to Lady Fleming,” she replied. “And she is the only women to run a gaming hall in all of Edinburgh.”

“For God’s sake, Charlotte,” her husband said in a stern tone.

“Please, Alistair.” Charlotte rolled her eyes. “The affair between Adam—the Earl of Monthemer—and Lady Fleming is—was—one of the most notorious love affairs in Edinburgh, probably all of Scotland, notwithstanding the Royals. News of their association used to be in the gossip sheets at least once a week. Rumor has it, when the old marquess lost his estate to Lady Fleming, it was she who broke off her and Adam’s association, but I don’t believe that for a moment.”

Olivia snorted. “Of course not. She is only trying to save face. Adam must have broken off with her. He would never marry the woman responsible for his father’s death. A good woman will set Adam to rights.”

Nick held up a hand, palm out. “Adam has made it clear he prefers ruin rather than marriage.”

“Marriage to the wrong woman,” Olivia said.

Nick sighed. “He did not tell you that.”

“It really is a pity you did not tell Charlotte and me sooner of his financial difficulty,” she said.

Nick compressed his lips. “I believe I already said that financial difficulties are not something a man discusses with a lady.”

“Had we known earlier, we could have taken action,” Charlotte said.

“There is no action for us to take, Charlotte,” Alistair said in warning.

“Hush. Olivia and I know just the right woman for him.”

“An heiress, I assume?” Nick said.

Olivia gave her husband a brilliant smile. She knew he would go along with the plan once he understood. “Of course. She is sweet natured and intelligent.”

Alistair coughed. “It’s the intelligent part that gets a man into trouble every time.”

“I will speak with Sophie’s father,” Olivia said.

“Sophie? Sophie Shaw?” Nick whistled. “Her father owns Dalquhern Dyeworks—Liam Shaw. He is, indeed, wealthy.”

“And angling for a good match for his daughter,” Charlotte said.

“Like any good mama,” Alistair murmured.

Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “Like any good parent. You are forever saying that you only have our children’s interest at heart. Mr. Shaw only has Sophie’s best interest at heart. He would be lucky to have a man of character like Adam for a son-in-law.”

“What if they don’t fall in love?” Nicholas asked. “You would not want to cheat Adam—or Miss Shaw—out of love, now would you?”

“Oh, pish,” Charlotte said. “What’s not to love? Sophie is high-spirited—”

Nick chuckled. “There’s the catch.”

“Her father had the marriage annulled once the man died a year ago. She was only sixteen when they eloped to Italy without his permission,” Alistair said.

“He was twenty years older than her,” Charlotte said. “You know how older men prey on young women.”

“Did not her first husband die under strange circumstances?” Alistair asked.

Charlotte arched a brow. “Now who’s listening to gossip?”

“Alistair is right,” Nick said. “Wasn’t she accused of poisoning him?”

“She was never ‘accused’ of poisoning her husband,” Charlotte said in a tart voice. The men exchanged a glance, but Charlotte continued, “Sophie is a superb rider and, of course, she’s beautiful.”

“That’s something,” Alistair said, his voice full of good-natured amusement.

Olivia faced her husband. “Nick, you must speak with Mr. Shaw. He is much more likely to agree to the plan if it comes from you.”

He grabbed a log from those stacked to the right of the hearth and tossed it on the low fire. “I cannot imagine what would induce me to speak with him.”

“Never mind, Olivia,” Charlotte said. “We will enlist the aid of Lady Meyers. She’s close with Mr. Shaw.”

“Heaven help us,” Nick muttered. “Not Lady Meyers.” Charlotte opened her mouth but closed it when he raised a hand. “Lady Meyers has made an art of the profession of ‘busybody.’ Adam will not appreciate her meddling.”

“Then it’s settled,” Olivia said. “Nick, you will speak with Mr. Shaw about Adam. Tell him…tell him that the two shall meet at Lady Seafield’s ball. The soiree is the event of the season.”

“Olivia—”

She rose. “Come, Charlotte. We have some planning to do. Oh, and, Nicholas, I will be seeing Lady Meyers three says hence.” She linked her arm through Charlotte’s and led her from the parlor.