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Anthony rolled onto his side to mirror her position. His gaze locked on her, and she forgot all about their game, about Lord Camdon, about her dreams of being Madame Rose for a Season…she forgot about everything and concentrated on the simple task of breathing.
On a whispered breath, Anthony said, “I see.”
What did he see? Did he understand her confusion?
He cupped the side of her face. The pad of his thumb circled her temple. “You have no intentions of losing, do you?” He leaned in closer, closed his eyes, and pressed his forehead to hers. It was as if he was trying to read her mind. “If you win, I shall leave you alone, and I promise not to interfere with your plans.” Anthony dragged in a deep breath. “However, I fully intend to win, and I promise you…marriage to me shall be far more rewarding than any adventure you may have planned.”
Drugged by his touch, she remained quiet and let his words filter through her mind. Anthony rarely made promises. For him to make two in succession meant he was not taking matters lightly.
He pulled back from her. “Rest. I’ll wait for you across Town to continue our game. If you are to play Camdon…we can delay our game, if that is what you wish.”
She didn’t know what she wanted.
“You don’t have to decide now—wait until you hear from Camdon.”
Minerva nodded. She closed her eyes as he pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead and rolled off the bed.
When she opened her eyes, he was gone. He could move soundlessly. He didn’t need her to help to master the skill.
Minerva rolled onto her back and inhaled. Anthony’s scent filled her lungs. A warm sensation settled over her. It was like he was still there lying next to her. The tension in her neck and temples eased.
Eyes closed, she let her mind drift back to memories of when Anthony first came to Malbury Mansion, accompanying Benedict home for the holidays. After that, Anthony never failed to appear on their doorstep to spend school break with them. She was so eager to see him, to spend time with him, she’d never questioned why Anthony spent every holiday with them instead of his own family. If she lost, nothing would change; if she won, he’d never spend another holiday with her again.
A heaviness filled her heart. Why was giving up her dream of becoming Madame Rose for a Season so difficult?
*
The patter ofslippers moving hurriedly about woke Minerva from a deep slumber. She peered through her eyelids to find both Diana and Isadora pacing about her room. She rolled up to sit and rubbed her eyes. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Not long. An hour at most.” Isadora wrung her hands. “Lord Camdon has arrived.”
“And?”
Diana marched over to the bed. “The Head of the Foreign Office has agreed to your terms. You are to play Lord Camdon.”
Worry marred both her sisters’ foreheads. The pair were not faint of heart. Minerva stood and shook out her skirts, granting her the extra moment she needed to compose herself. “Do you question my ability to win?”
Diana, who stood next to her, answered. “Chestwick and Avondale have been discussing strategy. Chestwick believes Camdon can be defeated, but Avondale is not so certain. Our dear future brother-in-law’s doubt is probably due to the fact that he has yet to witness your brilliance when playing chess.”
“My fiancé is well aware of Minerva’s abilities,” Isadora said. “He may not have firsthand experience like Chestwick, but Minerva’s skill and gameplay is widely known. Avondale’s opinion is valid.”
Minerva shook her head. “I didn’t ask what Avondale or Chestwick’s opinion was. I asked whether or not you believed Lord Camdon capable of defeating me.” She walked over to her washstand, poured water into the porcelain basin, and proceeded to splash cold water on her face. Fully awake, Minerva patted her face dry and turned to face her sisters. “Well?”
Diana shrugged. “We know little of Lord Camdon’s motives, nor are we familiar with the gentleman’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Isadora chimed in, “Plus we know nothing of how his mind operates, except that he is extremely well regarded by both his superiors and his peers.”
Her sisters’ concerns echoed her earlier thoughts: Lord Camdon was an unknown. A stranger. Outliers had a propensity to have luck on their side, but Minerva preferred to rely on skill than a stroke of good fortune. “Where is the match to be conducted?”
“We are to attend the Harmon Ball, as planned,” Isadora replied. “Lord Camdon will be present, and he will publicly issue his challenge. Avondale confirmed Lady Harmon has already been informed of tonight’s entertainment.”
“Then there is no time to waste. Let’s invite our dear Lord Camdon for tea and discover as much as possible.”
Minerva started for the door. From behind, Diana said, “We already sent for Lord Camdon. He should have arrived. Avondale and Chestwick were instructed to entertain him until we came down.”
A burst of pride at her sisters’ actions filled Minerva’s heart. She stopped and turned to face her youngest sister.
Before she could praise Diana, her younger sister placed a hand on her arm and glanced at Isadora before whispering, “Chestwick shared with me that spies are notorious for lying and are masters of deceit.”
