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Phyllis glanced over her shoulder and then returned her attention to Anthony. “True. But I suspect if anyone could win Minerva’s hand in marriage, it would be you.”
“My thanks for the vote of confidence.” He smiled at Phyllis and avoided Kent’s glare.
Kent grumbled, “If you won’t give me your word, then at least put my mind at ease by confirming you are playing to win, are you not?”
“I love your sister, and I intend to play with the best of intentions.”
“Bah, you are worse than Minerva,” Kent complained, and then added, “Stay here. I’ll go fetch my sister.”
When Kent was out of earshot, Phyllis said, “If you love her, you should fight for her. Play to win.”
“I do love her, but I won’t force Minerva into marriage, especially not with my family history.”
“Don’t be a fool, Drake. She loves you.” Phyllis laid a hand on his arm and squeezed. “Prove to her you are deserving of her love. After all, she’s waited all these years for you.”
Guests began to file through the doors and jostle him out onto the terrace. He lost sight of both Phyllis and Kent. He moved along with the flow of guests until he found himself standing next to the chess set.
Guests filled the seats. Anthony’s breath caught in his chest as Minerva came into sight, heavily guarded by her siblings, Gregory, Diana, and Isadora. Chestwick and Avondale had Mansville in hand, flanking the man and steering him to a seat between them.
In what seemed like an eternity for Minerva to make her way through the crowd, Anthony stood frozen until she appeared before him.
She dipped into a low curtsy. “Lord Drake.” The formal greeting was peculiar.
Reciprocating with a bow, Anthony said, “Lady Minerva. May I have a word before we begin?”
Minerva gave a slight shake of her head, denying him his request. She turned to face Gregory. “Will you do the honor of assisting us in determining who shall go first?”
Her brother smiled, picked up one light pawn and one dark, and placed his hands behind his back. Gregory turned to his sister. “Ladies first.”
Minerva pointed to Gregory’s left arm, and her brother brought it in front to reveal the light-colored wood piece. Minerva would go first. Anthony was prepared for this. He had multiple strategies devised that would ensure his success, though all but one hinged upon Minerva making a mistake, which the woman rarely did in a game of chess. He wasn’t one to depend upon luck, and neither was she.
He pulled out the chair for Minerva and waited for her to slide past him. Mere inches away, he whispered, “Nod if you are playing to win.”
Minerva took her seat without acknowledging him.
Anthony rounded the board to slide into his seat. “Ready?”
Minerva removed her gloves and set them in her lap. “I need a moment.”
Was she still undecided?
While he waited, he seized the moment to admire her. Minerva was beautiful. Sunshine glinted off her blonde hair and kissed her slightly flushed pink cheeks. He was admiring the next Countess of Drake, but when he blinked, the image of a sated Madame Rose flashed before him.
He shifted in his seat, eager to have Minerva back in his bed. She was staring at him with a slight frown.
He said, “Lady Minerva—”
“Yes, Lord Drake, it is I…Lady Minerva.” Her cool tone had him on edge.
“Shall we commence?”
“Let’s.” She stared directly at him and nodded. Then, with a smirk, she said, “Remember, you owe me a secret each time I place you in check.”
A wave of panic rolled through him, and he answered, “I haven’t forgotten.”
“Then I’m ready.” Minerva reached for her queen pawn and moved it forward two spaces forward. A safe and classic first move.
He could mirror Minerva’s move and play it safe or have faith in his plan to disguise his moves as those of a beginner. He reached for his rook pawn and moved it a single space forward.
