Lady and the Gamble: A Sweet Victorian Romance (The Colby Brothers Book 2)

by Peggy Ann Craig

  Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.

  It had been fair weather all summer long. With any luck, his streak of good fortune would continue as he hoped to take proprietorship of the Lady Evelina as soon as possible and to push off for home at the earliest.

  Quickly but efficiently the crew began gathering the sail and furling it onto the yard then secured it snuggly with rope to keep it from unraveling. Ryan enjoyed the rapport he shared with his fellow sailors as they worked in unison and chanted an old sailor shanty. Once they finished securing the lower sail, they moved up to the topmast, then finished with the gallant mast just at the ship reached the most western point of Lake Erie and began its turn into the Detroit River. Instead of heading back down with the rest of the crew, Ryan climbed higher up to the crow’s nest where he could observe the view around the ship without anything obstructing his way. But for him, he liked the fact it made him feel on top of the world. The horizon went for endless miles.

  From his perch, Ryan watched as the clipper sailed past the American coast. A handful of smallholdings scattered the shoreline. At first one or two were sporadically spread apart until the ship drew closer to the city and the lodgings began to multiple until eventually were overrun by several mills and factories. He could see early morning vendors going about their business of setting up their market stands along the riverfront. The heavy aroma of seafood merchants reached Ryan’s nostrils as the ship docked in the Detroit harbor and began to unload its haul.

  With eager eyes, Ryan scanned the many boats bobbing at the docks until he spotted the Lady Evelina. Taking a deep satisfying breath, he produced a broad grin then proceeded to descend from his perch.

  “Hoi, young Colby!” The captain greeted him on the boarding plank as he was about to take his leave. “You lookin’ like a dog with two tails…ya got a girl waiting for you, mate?”

  Ryan chuckled. “A little lady, actually.”

  “Then you best be off.” He held out a small pouch of coin. “Your stipends for helping us get back ‘n time.”

  “You know what?” Ryan hoisted his rucksack over his shoulder and made his way for the dock. “Keep it. I’m feeling generous this morning.”

  He had won enough coin in the poker game back in Buffalo to tide him over for a while. Plus plenty extra to take him on a long voyage. Though he wanted nothing more to go and claim his boat at that very moment, he agreed to Clive’s request to wait until brunch. He just wished they had scheduled it for early morning rather than later.

  Nevertheless, Ryan headed for a nearby boarding house along the waterfront where he was able to wolf down a hearty breakfast and fill his belly with a warm mug of coffee. Then as soon as it was early enough, he headed for the street north of the harbor. He followed the wooden pier until it reached a cobbled pathway that ran parallel to the Detroit River. Though the river was wide, the banks on the opposite side were easily visible. Ryan paused to glance across the water to the Canadian side.

  The river was the physical border that separated America from Canada. Home for Ryan was on the opposite shore. Though he loved his country, there was just something exciting about Detroit City. No other city along Lake Huron measured to the bustling excitement of Michigan’s former capital. Because of its close proximity to the border and the British troops, the capital had relocated to Lansing in 1847. This, however, did not deter the city’s growth. It was easily the largest city in the state.

  Ryan pivoted on his heel and continued along the boardwalk until his footsteps slowed once again when he came across the Lady Evelina bobbing in her docking post just waiting for him to sail her home. He could hardly wait to show his parents. Though he would have to find another explanation as to how he was able to obtain it for he was certain his Christian-abiding mother would not forgive him for receiving a boat as payment in a poker game.

  Not that he should feel guilty, he reassured himself. Perhaps poker was an unlawful game, however, the men who played it were steadfast in the integrity of the bets. If you were going to wager your first-born, you best provide that child to the winner. It was just undemocratic to even consider reneging on a wager.

  He found the house Clive claimed as his own, though Ryan still found it difficult to see the old sailor as a family man. Even more difficult to imagine when the house in question appeared quaint and homey with flower boxes in every window, a blue picket fence that surrounded the tiny lot, and inside the picket fence as Clive had mentioned, was an overstocked vegetable garden bursting from its small confinement.

  It took Ryan a few minutes to find the gate buried under massive cucumber vines that had overtaken the hedge. Inside the yard, huge green leafy plants nearly obscured a narrow pathway. Though the garden was far too crowded, it was also remarkably well nurtured and groomed.

  Taking the single low step up to the front porch that was no bigger than a tabletop, Ryan tapped quickly on the door. From his peripheral vision, he thought he noticed a curtain drop in the room adjacent to the porch. From inside, he heard several muffled feet running about as if a group of children were playing hide-and-seek before it went suddenly silent.

  The door opened then and Clive Hepworth greeted him with a broad smile. “Ryan, so glad you were able to come.”

  “Ryan?” He mocked jokingly at Hepworth’s sudden use of his given name accompanied by the formal welcome.

  Inwardly, he wondered if the old man was being ironic. Why would he not come? He was cashing in on his winning, whether the old sailor had a change of heart or not.

  “Come in, come in.” As if remembering his manners, he stepped back and swept his arm across the foyer. Frowning, Ryan eyed the man suspiciously. He was acting strange. Perhaps that was how one acted when they were about to give up their most cherished possession.

  “I really can’t stay long though, Hepworth. A storm is brewing on the horizon and I don’t want to get caught in it.”

  “Then you should not rush off. Stay out the storm. There is plenty of fine sailing weather ahead of you.” He led him into an empty parlor. “You should stay a spell and enjoy other wondrous pleasures this earth provides.”

  “Eh?” He shot the old sailor a quizzical look. Though Ryan might have been slightly tipsy the other night at the poker game, he was completely sober this morning. Clive, on the other hand, he wasn’t so sure.

  “Look, Hepworth, I know this must be difficult and I want to put your mind at ease. You can feel assured that the Lady Evelina is in confident hands. I will cherish her always and take the best care of her. No harm will ever come to her, I promise you that.”

  His words seemed to do the trick as Clive visibly relaxed. “Last night, I betted my most valuable possession. I did it knowing that the man I would hand her over to would be worthy. I give her to you with my entire trust and blessing. I just want you to know that. I would never have wagered her off to anyone not worthy. I’ve known you a long time, Ryan Colby, and have found no other man whose heart was not as generous and giving and compassionate as yours is. My Evelina needs tender and nurturing hands to love her always. She is special and I want only the best for her.”

  “No worries, Hepworth, I promise I’m that man.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. For she is now yours. As one sailor to another, you vow to take her as your own and keep and nurture her always?”

  Ryan’s heart soared. At last, it was happening. He was becoming the proud owner of his very own vessel. A lifelong dream was about to be realized. “You have my vow.”

  “Come, then, it’s time for you to meet her.”

  Ryan beamed from ear to ear. Pure joy and happiness lit up his face. He followed Clive out of the parlor and thought they would have turned toward the front door to head outdoors where Ryan would “meet” his new lady, the Lady Evelina. Therefore, it was disheartening when Clive crossed the foyer and swung open a set of double pocket doors before turning to Ryan and said, “I’d like for you to meet my daughters.”
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br />   Ah dang, Ryan thought as his shoulders drooped. He had hoped he was able to actually pass on that obligation and head straight for the boat and the wide-open waters. Instead, a room full of six females confronted him. Mind you, six beautiful females. His disappointment at not being able to sail directly off was momentarily paused at the sight of so many beautiful women in one room.

  “This is my wife, May.”

  The oldest of the women stepped forward and though she was robust, she looked remarkably well for a woman who gave birth to six children.

  “How do you do?” She offered her hand which Ryan instinctively took while producing a warm smile and placing a kiss on the back of her palm. He noticed the woman share a swift agreeable glance with her husband and Ryan smiled smugly. Yes, that was one thing he was accomplished in. The fine art of charming the ladies.

  “What a lovely home you have, Mrs. Hepworth.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Colby, I try with what little I am given with living in such cramped quarters.”

  “Please, call me Ryan.”

  Her eyes lit up and she beamed at him. “Of course. Ryan.”

  His brow creased slightly at her overzealous response but nevertheless allowed his attention to turn toward the room of beautiful women as she said, “Please let me introduce you to my daughters.”

  “I would be very happy to be introduced to such a lot of handsome females.”

  A few of the girls giggled into each other and Ryan grinned inwardly. Admittedly, he loved a good flirt. It boosted his male ego.

  “My oldest, Victoria. She is to wed in a month’s time.” A stunning blonde-haired woman with brilliant blue eyes approached him and curtsied, leaving Ryan to think he had never seen a more beautiful lady before in his life. Until her mother introduced him to Caroline, the second oldest with the same blue eyes and pretty blonde ringlets. Then came Julianne, Gwendolyn, and Kathleen. Each as beautiful as the next. Ryan could hardly believe Clive was blessed with such good genes to produce so many lovely daughters.

  He plastered his best smile on his face and thought his day couldn’t get any better. There was no greater way to start the day then being bestowed with the beauty and smile of a bonny female. Let alone five of them.

  Behind him, he heard someone shuffle into the room but barely registered the sound, as his attention was firmly fixated on all the lovely faces smiling demurely at him.

  “Aw, there you are,” Clive remarked, turning away.

  “I came as fast as I could.” A female voice responded, though instead of sounding eager as her words may have implied, they sounded rather irritated instead.

  Ryan turned to see who the new arrival was. Standing in the archway of the pocket doors, stood a tiny female in a simple pale pink dress. She was very tiny, far smaller than the other females in the room, barely standing at his shoulder in height. And, unlike the other ladies, she bore a striking head of strawberry blonde hair which appeared as if she attempted to secure it back in a severe bun. However, small curly tendrils had managed to escape at the base of her neck and along her temple where one strand hung freely across a cheek that was far too pale. The only hint of color in her frail complexion was a set of perfectly shaped ruby lips. He had an unexpected urge to reach out and tuck that strand behind her ear, while brushing his finger against that lovely soft skin. She unexpectedly glanced up and caught him staring at her. Arching a perfectly shaped eyebrow the same shade as her hair, Ryan shifted uncomfortably at being caught ogling.

  He thought he had never seen a more beautiful woman in the form of her five stunning sisters, but that was before his eyes fell upon this remarkable creature before him.

  “This is our youngest daughter,” Clive said, snapping Ryan out of his reverie.

  “How do you do?” He took her hand and dipped his head in greeting, resisting the urge to place his lips against the back of her palm.

  She glanced up then and he caught his breath. Her blue eyes were far more beautiful than any he had ever seen. Immediately, he found himself drawn to their warmth like nothing he had experienced before. She held his gaze and as she did, her eyes grew softer. It was as if she had cast out an invisible hook and reeled him in. He was completely mesmerized.

  “This is my youngest daughter, my sweet little lady, Evelina.”

  Through the bewitching trance he was under, Clive’s words reached Ryan’s conscious. He blinked and glanced at Clive who said, “Your new wife.”

  Chapter 2

  “My what?”

  “Your wife,” he repeated. “Evelina.”

  “I’m sorry?” It was taking him longer than it should to clear his head after being caught up in the woman’s hypnotic eyes for Clive’s words were not making any sense.

  “Evelina. Who you promised to cherish and love for always.”

  “I didn’t—I never—” It was then that he noticed the look of distress entering those deep eyes and that bubble which she had him so warmly embraced within suddenly turned ice-cold. Immediately he had an urge to remove the chill from their depths and return them to the warmth they were emitting just minutes before. However, at the moment, he had a more pressing matter to attend to.

  Turning from her, he glared at Clive. “What the devil are you talking about, Hepworth? I’ve never seen this woman before in my life.”

  Clive shifted his eyes uncomfortably toward his family before muttering, “Perhaps we should discuss this in private. Won’t you follow me to the other room?”

  Ryan glanced back at the women and noticed a look of discomfort fall on the lot. He knew the rising of his voice most likely had something to do with that. Sighing, he turned away but not before shooting a glance at the petite woman in the doorway. To his surprise, she stood proud and met his gaze. It caused him to falter shortly before he recollected himself and stomped after Clive back into the parlor where he shut the door behind them.

  “Please, try to lower your voice.”

  Ryan ignored him. “What in blazes game are you trying to play?”

  The stout man exhaled wearily and removed a cigar from his pocket. “Cigar?”

  “No! That woman is not my wife!”

  “Not yet.”

  “Not ever!”

  “You would be breaking the unspoken sailor code. We made an honest bet the other night, and it would be bad-mannered of you to forfeit your winnings.”

  “That is not the Lady Evelina I won the other night, so don’t even try to sell me on some false pretense. You knew damn well I was playing for your boat.”

  “I never once claimed it was my boat I was gambling off. I told you, repeatedly I’m certain that it was my sweet little lady–Evelina–I was putting up for wager.”

  “Don’t play coy with me, Hepworth. You never mentioned a daughter. Whatever words you chose to use, you heavily implied it was your boat and not your daughter that was up for wager. If it had been, there is no infernal way I would I have played.”

  “Exactly.”

  Ryan’s eyes narrowed. “Of all the low, cheating—”

  “Just hear me out.”

  “What fraudulent game are you trying to pull here?” His temper rose. “Is she with child? You trying to find some chump to marry her off to so she doesn’t bring a bastard into the world? Well, I ain’t falling for it. You’ve tried to hoodwink the wrong fellow.”

  “No, of course not. She is not with child or in any similar predicament. And as a gentleman, I would be offended by such a remark but under the circumstances will choose to ignore your slanderous allegations.”

  Ryan felt slightly ashamed, and curiously relieved at Clive’s response. He hated to think that the beautiful fragile creature in the other room was tainted in any way. “What else would you have me expect? What type of father offers his daughter as winnings in a poker game?”

  “I have my reasons.”

  “Are you in some financial trouble?”

  Clive looked up. “Why do you say that?”

  “Well, it’s obvious
she is very beautiful and would make great collateral. But for a man who accepts that kind of collateral. I don’t run no brothel business.”

  Clive’s face became very fierce as he took a step closer to Ryan. “Again, I will forgive such a sordid comment on an account you have been shocked and are upset.”

  “Then you tell me, Hepworth, what type of man barters his daughter off in a poker game?”

  “The kind of man who is desperate.” The man snapped back before turning away, looking justly mortified. “I have six daughters, Ryan. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find respectable husbands for six daughters? I can only offer so much in the form of a dowry for each.”

  “Six beautiful daughters. I hardly think it would be very difficult at all.”

  “If it were just two or three, perhaps. But with every year that passes, they grow another year older and become less desirable.”

  Ryan thought of Evelina and couldn’t bring himself to agree with her father. He didn’t think he had ever seen anything more desirable. But not enough to marry. There was no room in his life for a wife who would only strap him down.

  “Look, I’m sorry you feel that way but I can’t help you out. You’ve tricked the wrong man. I’m not interested in a wife.”

  “I didn’t trick you, Ryan.”

  “The hell you didn’t!”

  “I targeted you. My girls mean the world to me and I only want the best. Perhaps that creates more of a burden in the selection of husbands, but I didn’t want my number of daughters to affect their quality of husband material. I’ve known you a long time and know what an upright and moral individual you are. You will do right by my Evelina.”

  “That’s very nice of you to say, but sorry, it isn’t going to sway me. Evelina is very beautiful, she won’t have trouble finding herself a husband. And one, hopefully, she doesn’t have to con into marriage.” He turned to go. “Give my regards to your family.”

  “I’ll give you the boat.”

  Ryan’s swift departure came to a screeching halt.

  “As part of her dowry. If you agree to marry, Evelina, you will inherit the boat on your wedding day.”