Page 21 of Rogue Lyon

He paced left and right. He didn’t like the thought of other men having chess lessons with Meredith. Locked away in that room, anything could happen. She was unchaperoned, which hardly seemed appropriate for a lady. But perhaps her family had fallen on hard times and that was why she was working at the Lyon’s Den. A last resort, a desperate move to make some money.

And then he remembered their sweet kiss and how he’d pulled her close, enjoying the delicateness of her body and her gentle curves. He had been glad they had been unchaperoned then. It wouldn’t have done at all to have that giant Lysander wander in at that moment.

“You idiot, Jules,” he muttered. Likely, he’d ruined everything with her.

If only he could make it up to her somehow.

And he would. Jules had an idea. He didn’t know Meredith well yet, but he did know she had a keen mind and loved to learn. And what did he know about…art? He’d take her to the brand new picture gallery at Dulwich. How could she not be impressed with the sublime and skillful paintings there?

The door opened and a tall, slim woman in a green bonnet stepped out.

He pushed down his disappointment over the fact that it wasn’t Meredith. “Excuse me.” He stepped up to her. “I wonder if you can help me.”

She looked at him and recognition flashed in her eyes.

He had the same feeling. It was the woman with the snake from the other night. Sydney, that was what the snake had been called, though he didn’t know her name.

“Yes, sir?” she asked, holding her purse to her chest.

“I know it’s a most irregular a question, but do you know Miss Meredith Jones?”

“I do, as it happens.” She tilted her chin and narrowed her eyes.

“And perhaps where she is on this fine day?”

“I believe she’s in there.” She nodded at the Lyon’s Den.

“Giving lessons, in chess?”

“Not today. No.”

“Ah, I see. Would you be able to…?” He paused and flashed her a grin. “Would you would be able to get her for me? Tell her she has a visitor calling.”

“Why on earth would I do that?” She huffed out a breath.

“Because I have something to speak to her about.” He took a silver coin from his pocket and slid it into her hand. “Something most pressing.”

“Really?” She raised an eyebrow as she slipped the coin into her purse.

“Yes, she is giving me chess lessons and I have a question about a move. A particularly complicate move involving the king and queen.”

“Can it not wait?”

“No.” He nodded at her purse, which now housed the coin he’d given her. “I am sure you understand.”

She sighed. “I know who you are, Mr. Jules Habsburg.”

“Good, then you will have no trouble remembering my name when you go and get her.” He glanced to the left, hoping none of the guards would appear.

“Well, that might be difficult because I have warned her off you.”

“Why would you do that?” He tried to hide just how irked he was.

“Because.” She wagged a gloved finger at him. “You are somewhat notorious. Always within close proximity of gossip and trouble.”

“Trouble and gossip! Like what, I ask you?” He feigned his most shocked and innocent expression by widening his eyes and sucking in a deep breath.

“The Marlboroughs’ ball, for one.”