Page 28 of Rogue’s Holiday

Robbie looked over Jack’s shoulder where the two men were escorting the young women toward the door. A concerned Lady Sanborn followed. “This will not be a problem, Uncle. Stay close and watch a master at work.”

Jack chuckled. “Lead on, old thing.”

Robbie crossed the room to the small group making their way to the exit. He first greeted Lady Sanborn, which had the effect of bringing them all to a stop. “Good evening, Countess.”

“Ah, Sir Robert, how nice to see you!”

Relieved more like, thought Robbie.

“You know my great-niece, Miss Reynolds, and her friend, Miss Crockett.”

Robbie tipped his head to the ladies.

“But do you know Mr. Flowers and Mr. Groves?”

“For many years,” he replied. “We were at Eton together.” The two men winced ever so slightly. Jimmy Flowers and Matty Groves had been fixtures at Eton, bullies of the meanest sort. Robbie still remembered the day he’d pulled the swaggering Flowers off of Nash, Robbie’s twin.

He introduced Jack to the two men and then said, “I am certain you won’t mind if my uncle and I claim that game of whist the ladies promised us.”

Miss Reynolds furrowed her brows but remained silent. Miss Crockett bestowed a benevolent smile on Robbie.

“Oh,” said Lady Sanborn, “I am sure they would not.” She turned to the two men, who looked as if they’d just lost fish off their lines. “We wish you a good evening, gentlemen.” Then to her charges, “Come ladies, let us join Sir Robert and Monsieur Donet in the card room.”

Miss Reynolds took Jack’s arm, shooting Robbie a self-satisfied smile. Content to abide by her choice, at least for now, Robbie offered his arm to Miss Crockett. “What say you, oh winsome beauty? Shall we sally forth together?”

Miss Crockett beamed up at him and set her hand on his sleeve. “Lead on, Sir Knight. I care not that we promised no game of whist. I intend to enjoy partnering with you.”

He couldn’t be sure but he thought he detected a “humph” from The Keeper of the Demon Cat. At that moment, she reminded him very much of The Grand Countess.