Page 19 of Rogue Lyon

“Do I?”

“Yes, please, feel free.”

She tipped her head. “Jules, you said I could call you that.”

“Indeed.”

“It seems to me you are a wealthy, intelligent man of standing here in the city of London.”

He waited for her to go on.

“With fine clothes, money in your pocket, and an education. Why would you want for more?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“No, I don’t think so. How would people ever be able to experience contentment if that were the case?”

“Are you content, Meredith?” He leaned his back on the wall and pushed his hands into the pockets of his pants, curious for her answer.

“I believe I have moments of contentment.”

“Which are?”

“Mmm, perhaps when spending time with my mother, or chatting with a friend. I am content here at the Lyon’s Den…for now.”

“‘For now’?”

“I can’t imagine I will stay living under Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s roof forever.”

“No, I can’t imagine you will. Some gentleman will want to put a ring on your finger and steal you away.”

“I’m not sure about that.” She gave a derisive laugh.

“As a betting man, I’d put money on it.”

She snapped her head up to look at him and her lips tightened. “Please don’t.”

He held up a hand, surprised by her shocked expression. “Okay, I won’t.” He paused. “But why not?”

“It is not my destiny to be married. Or at least that is the way it is looking for me.”

“And you believe in destiny?”

“Don’t you?”

“I’ve never thought about it.”

“You should. Imagine if Maximilian of Austria had married this distant relative of yours. You’d be Catholic, no doubt. You wouldn’t live in London because of the big fallout after King Henry VIII, and most likely you’d have been married off, with no say in it, to someone who had status, titles, and wealth.” She stood and brushed down the front of her pale-blue gown. “And you know what they say about kings.”

“What?” He frowned.

“Uneasy is the head that wears a crown.” She paused. “You would constantly be looking over your shoulder.”

He stared at her, taking in her long neck, small chin, and delicate jawline. “Where is that quote from?”

“Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part II, I believe.”

“You really are something.” He pushed away from the wall. “A brilliant card player, chess master, and reader of Shakespeare.”