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“I’ve never been one to back down from danger,” she said.
“I noticed the necklace you’re wearing. Perhaps it’s a replica?”
Oh you did?she thought sarcastically. She flashed him a confident smile with plenty of teeth. “Not at all. It’s the real necklace.”
He raised his brows. “Indeed. Then the duke has gifted it to you?”
“Only on loan for the evening. Too ostentatious for my tastes. And far too weighty. I feel as though I’m wearing a heavy chain around my neck. I told him to sell the necklace. Why should he keep it? He has me now.”
Le Triton bowed. “And you outshine any diamond.”
“Thank you, monsieur.”
“May I?” His hand hovered near her throat.
She swallowed back revulsion and gave him another brilliant smile. “Of course.”
He caressed the diamond at the center of the necklace with the tip of his finger. “Flawless.”
Indy was playing Le Triton like a violin, and Raven wasn’t even watching. He and Miss Delacroix appeared to be having a heated argument.
Indy should be the only woman allowed to argue with him.
“Did you know that I was nearly the one to find the Wish Diamond?” asked Le Triton. “His Grace and I were racing and he beat me by only one day. I’ve always coveted it.”
“I believe he does intend to sell. But only to the right purchaser and only a deal committed in person, at a place of his choosing.”
“I do covet the necklace, but I’m not in the market for more antiquities at the moment. My collection is so vast that I’m focusing now on my other ventures, such as this gaming establishment.”
Bollocks.That had been the whole plan. Entice him into an invitation for Raven to bring the jewels to his house. Now what was she supposed to do?
“Will you take some refreshment, Lady India?” asked Le Triton. “You must sample my excellent champagne. I hear that your wedding to the duke will feature a champagne fountain. You must allow me to supply the champagne. Gratis.” He lifted two shallow, broad-bowled stemmed glasses from the tray of a passing waiter.
He held his glass up to the gilt chandelier and candlelight danced through the bubbles in the champagne. “Legend has it that the coupe glass was designed to mimic the shape of Madame de Pompadour’s breast.”
That’s what she deserved for coming to a gaming house where she was the only true lady present.
Indy didn’t bat an eyelash. She lifted her glass. “To Madame’s perfect tits.”
He smiled for the first time that evening and drank with her.
She’d made him smile, that was a good start.
“You surprise me, Lady India.”
“Why is that, Monsieur? Because I speak of bawdy subjects?”
“Because I don’t receive proper British ladies in my house very often. Never, actually. I wonder why you chose to come this evening?”
He followed her gaze across the room, where Raven and Miss Delecroix were still arguing. Did his head have to be so very close to her head?
“Ah.” Le Triton laughed. “I understand now. You don’t want to let him out of your sight. I don’t blame you. But if I may give you a word of advice, my lady, I wouldn’t try to keep too close a hold on that one.”
Indy shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t own him. He may do as he pleases.” She sipped her champagne too quickly and the bubbles nearly made her sneeze.
“You’re not a very good liar, Lady India,” said Le Triton.
The undercurrent of coldness in her voice put her on notice.
