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“I am certain you were the one doing the cheating, but you never know; she is your wife after all.”
“Careful!” Gabriel growled in warning.
Evie put a staying hand on his arm. “It’s all right. We didn’t trick or deceive you. And I gave you a fair chance to win it all. However, I shall be gracious, and if you call upon me in the coming week, we might discuss this situation.”
“All winnings are final,” the dealer proclaimed. “House rules.”
Bingham’s face became as red as a tomato. He stood, swaying a bit on his feet, and left the table without another word.
Evie turned her huge eyes to Gabriel, and he just shrugged. “Some people are sour losers. In any case, this shouldn’t reflect on our ability to continue having a good time. Do you want to explore more on this floor, or I can show you truly devilish rooms?” He waggled his brows.
“I would rather….” Her voice dropped to a scandalized whisper. “I think I drank too much wine. I need to use the privy.”
“Certainly.” Gabriel turned and addressed the dealer loudly. “Which way to the ladies’ necessary?”
Evie turned the color of beetroot red. Oh, the ladies of thetonand their ideas of modesty.
The dealer flicked his wrist, and a serving wench appeared by his side. “Show these fine people to the ladies’ necessary, please.”
Evie put a staying hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. “I think I can take care of this business by myself,” she said, still blushing fiercely.
“In a den full of randy aristocrats? I do not think so.”
Gabriel took Evie by the arm, and they followed the server down the corridor. “Besides, do you truly think I do not know that ladies use the privy?”
“I’d rather not think about that.”
Gabriel laughed. “After all we’ve been through together, this is what you are scandalized by?” He shook his head.
The ‘scandalous’ room wasn’t too far from the main hall. As Evie entered the privy, Gabriel wandered off down the corridor, looking at the graphic artwork on the walls. It was expertly done. He would love to know the artist and have them decorate his own devil’s den—his study, or perhaps the entire townhouse—with similar art. Evie might not approve, though. She’d probably want it done in more cheerful hues.
“St. Clare!” The familiar voice pulled him out of his reverie. He turned and saw one of his old gambling mates standing in the hallway. “You’re back to your old ways. Who would have thought? Barely two months since your marriage.”
Gabriel walked toward the man. “Actually, I am here with my lady wife.”
“Where? I don’t see her.”
“She’s taking care of some feminine business, if you must know.” Gabriel tried to steer his friend away from the corridor. He didn’t want his other friends accosting him in the hallway, so close to his wife. It was certain to make Evie uncomfortable.
“Truly?” The man laughed uproariously. “And you are waiting on her? Come, let’s play a game of chance; she’ll find her own way. Matheson! Look who I found!” More people started filing into the corridor, and Gabriel squirmed uncomfortably. If Evie exited the necessities room now, she’d be accosted by a mob of drunken men.
“He’s waiting on his wife to come out, can you believe it?”
“I never pegged you for a henpecked husband!”
“St. Clare is here with a wife?”
The voices roared in the hallway. Gabriel patted his friend on the back before taking him by the scruff. “Let us discuss this in the main hall, shall we?”
“But we want to see your wife.”
“Not here.” He led the pack away, and as soon as he reentered the main hall, more gentlemen started accosting him. Apparently, the news of Evie’s spectacular win had spread like wildfire. Everyone was curious to see St. Clare and his lucky wife.
* * *
Evie exited the necessities room into an empty hallway. She looked up and down the corridor but saw no sign of her husband. Perhaps he’d gotten distracted. She shrugged and made her way toward the main hall. She was about to reach the far end when a man rounded the corner and stopped in the entryway, dropping a shadow over Evie. The man made a few steps forward, crowding her in the narrow hallway.
Evie tried to make her way around him, but he seemed to follow her every step.
