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Chapter Twenty-One
Rose hoped Matthewhad lost the ability to speak as he stared, open-mouthed, at her entrance.He deserved much worse than that, of course.He deserved to have his testicles roasted while she turned the spit.
Her dearest friend, Abigail, had sent Rose a note full of gossip about some rumor she could not believe.Was Rose really allowing Matthew to gamble her diamonds away?Lord Chester was going, as were others.And lastly, she asked Rose to tell her everything at the first opportunity.
She’d tucked the note in a pocket then hurried up the stairs to her bedroom.The velvet case was kept in a private spot, but when she opened the box, the diamonds were gone.If Abigail’s note was correct, Matthew had them.
What did Rose know?Nothing, it seemed.
But whowouldknow?Madame DuPuis, of course.
Another carriage ride to London, another business arrangement with Madame DuPuis and another chance to make something right on her own.Alice was more forthcoming when Rose proposed Matthew’s contretemps.Rose Elliston was going to run her own game.And Matthew was going to watch while Alice DuPuis helpedher.
Lord, did Matthew really believe he was aiding her by thieving her jewels?All Madame DuPuis could say was that it was about Sandhurst.It was so strange.She had asked Matthew twice to just give him the jewels.
The atmosphere in the hell buzzed with sound: music, laughter and much friendly banter.Rose took her seat, feeling the confidence of a woman who had played many, many hands ofvingt-et-unfor money.And that she’d played her hand against her husband and won.Using his own method of secrecy, she’d acted quickly on the news and Alice DuPuis was game—for a price.
Leaving Matthew out of the game may not have been the wisest move—she hoped it stung though.Madame DuPuis was only going to help Rose...if Rose needed help to remain in the game, otherwise she would play to win, albeit a little less recklessly than she normally bet.
The hairs on Rose’s neck prickled, whether from excitement or from Matthew’s heated glare, she couldn’t be sure.She turned her gaze to the pile of wooden tokens, inscribed with a blazing flame and a simple numerical designated value.The lowest chip she saw was two-hundred-fifty; the highest five thousand.This would not be an all-night game then.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Matthew take up a position across from her, behind the dealer, hands folded across his chest.The clod—he should have been behind her so she wouldn’t be so nervous.
Then she saw Sandhurst taking his spot.Could Matthew not have found some way to weaken Sandhurst that didn’t involve her diamonds?
She still had not acknowledged Matthew and she wouldn’t until the first round of games was completed.His criticism and anger could wait.But he didn’t know she wasgoingto win, so perhaps his words would be limited to a harsh scolding.
Hewas the one withherdiamonds.She should be the one scolding.Did he have an inkling as to the trust problems he was creating?
Pelham was to her left; the other two players to her right.The dealer had the deck face up in front of him so everyone could see that all cards were in play.He quickly flipped them over and began a professional shuffle that ended with a satisfying flutter as the cards were in one neat deck ready to deal.
Rose was intent, paying attention to the revealed cards and calculating likely scenarios.Pelham was jovial as he harangued the other two over their mild bets.Lord Chester leaned toward her and whispered encouragements now and again.He was the first one out of the game.
“Good luck, Rose,” he murmured in her ear before leaving the table and looking for alcohol.She peeked at Matthew, who was momentarily distracted by a serving tray and the buxom wench serving it.Then she glared at him until his gaze caught hers.He lifted a shoulder, then swallowed his drink.He dared to wink at Rose.
If he was that bored, he should have just stayed home.
