What cause could she have for being here? Did she intend to bid on Banshee? His muscles tensed as he continued to watch her. If she’d set her cap on the bloodhorse, she would not win. He would bid every farthing he had to make sure of it.
“She is the only child of the late Earl of Haddington, Fredrick Goodwin, renowned gambler. As such, she moves in many male circles. No one seems to mind. I have met her a few times and assure you she is a lovely lady. Unconventional and charming.”
Seth huffed. “If you like your women viper-tongued, I suppose you would find her pleasing. Now tell me something I did not already know about the little vixen.”
Ramsbury chuckled. “I find her refreshing, as do many other gentlemen of the ton.”
“Perhaps you should court her,” Seth said dryly.
“I have considered it. Alas, the lady makes it clear to all that she has no wish to settle into matrimony. Nor is she amiable to having a love affair. Mores the pity.”
Seth’s jaw ticked as he considered Ramsbury’s words. Very odd indeed, for what lady did not have designs on marriage? The more Seth heard about her, the more interested he became in Lady Narissa.
Surely a lady who got away with behaving like a man had something to hide. The kind of secrets that begged one to keep the lights off. If he learned them, she would have to ride for him.
Ramsbury continued. “She is very much like her father, having been raised by him without the benefit of female guidance. Lady Narissa is known for her skills on the turf as well as at the tables. She has amassed a fortune of her own through plying the skills she learned from the earl and is quite independent as a result.”
“Now that was interesting.” The devil if he didn’t wish to know her better. Perhaps he should approach her again. Attempt a new tactic. Friendship? Seduction? She clearly had no need of his money.
“She even trains her own thoroughbreds. Can you imagine?” Ramsbury shook his head. “She’s got some of the finest bloodhorses in England.”
“No, I cannot fathom it.” Seth replied, more determined than ever to discover all there was to know about Lady Narissa.
He started toward her, but stopped when the auctioneer announced Banshee. Seth moved his attention to the horse being paraded around the yard. A fine specimen indeed. His attention went back to Lady Narissa. Bloody hell, she was watching the horse with the same intensity he felt.
The auctioneer called out the opening bid for Banshee, ‘Twenty thousand guineas’.
With his mind set on approaching Lady Narissa and his determination to have Banshee, Seth called out, “One hundred thousand guineas”. Surely no one, not even the she-devil, would counter his bid. He took another step in her direction.
“One hundred and fifty thousand guineas,” Lady Narissa called, raising her gloved hand.
So, the hellion had come after the same horse? Seth met her glare with his own stern countenance. “Two hundred thousand guineas.” He would not allow her to best him this time, or ever again for that matter.
“Three hundred thousand guineas.” She grinned at him, offering a contrite wave of her hand.
He increased his pace, determined to reach her as he called out, “Three hundred and fifty thousand guineas.”
Lady Narissa notched her chin, determination burning in her golden eyes. “Four hundred thousand guineas.”
Annoyance blazed within Seth. “Four hundred and fifty thousand guineas.” Seth took hold of Lady Narissa’s arm and leaned close. “What the devil do you think you’re doing?”
She peered up at him, jerking her arm free. “Four hundred and seventy thousand guineas,” she called before peering at Seth. “I am bidding on a horse I intend to win.”
“The hell you will. Five hundred thousand guineas.” He increased his bid before staring down at her. “Not this time.”
“Like you failed to secure a victory at Newmarket?” She gave a cocky grin before placing another bid. “Five hundred and twenty thousand guineas.”
She must be running out of coin, for her increments were shrinking. Seth doubled the bid, hoping to put an end to their little game, “One million and forty guineas.”
Lady Narissa’s eyes rounded. “Are you mad?”
“Perhaps, or maybe I am simply more determined than you.”
“I have one million and forty guineas, do I hear one million and fifty? One million and fifty guineas. Going once, going…” the auctioneer called out to the crowed.
“Better hurry if you wish to own the stallion.” Seth smoothed his cravat, thoroughly enjoying the indigent stare she pinned on him.
“…Twice, sold to His Grace, the Duke of Blackmore, for one million and forty guineas,” the auctioneer called.
“Go to the devil.” Lady Narissa pivoted on her heels, her companion following as she stomped away.
Seth hollered after her, “Let me know when you are ready to ride for me.”
If she were a true horse woman, the lure of riding such a bloodhorse would prove too much to ignore. He would see her again, and he’d wager sooner rather than later. He turned when he felt a hand come down on his shoulder.
Ramsbury inclined his head. “Looks like you got what you came for.”
Seth would argue he got more than he’d intended. However, he had no wish to further discuss Lady Narissa. No desire to ponder how adorable she’d looked while engaging wills with him, nor the lack of enjoyment he gained from besting her.
To the devil with her and the way she seemed to affect him. Now that he had Banshee, he was granted a win with or without her as his rider. He nodded at Ramsbury. “I am in want of a drink. Let us retire to the subscription room at once.”
CHAPTER 4
NARISSA COULD SCARCELY BELIEVE the nerve of the duke. Even now, with the time that had lapsed since the auction, his actions, and more so his words, still grated on her. How dare he approach her again after Newmarket? And to add insult by tossing Banshee in her face. She ceased pacing her office and turned to Brooke. “Can you believe that scoundrel?”
Brooke flicked a speck of lint from her dress sleeve. “Are we discussing the Duke of Blackmore?”
Narissa sighed, reaching for the decanter. “Who else would I refer to in such a way?”
The blasted man strolled through her thoughts at all hours of the day and night. She could scarcely do anything without him coming to mind. She loathed herself for finding him attractive, for enjoying their battles as much as they vexed her. A small part of her wished to accept his unspoken challenge. Most of her wanted to see him hanged.
Her anger burned afresh as she recalled his words, ‘let me know when you are ready to ride Banshee’, indeed! It truly was more of a challenge than an offer. As if the pompous ass thought she wasn’t capable of refusing. She poured scotch into tumblers, handed one to Brooke and took the other to her desk. Once seated, she took a Long drink of the warm liquor.
Her gaze settled on the letters resting on her polished desk near her tumbler. They’d come from the duke, two days apart, and only served to add fuel to her annoyance. The blasted scoundrel did not give up, hassling her to ride for him and making absurd offers as though she could be bought like a street trollop.
The devil if she would cave to his will. She flicked the corner of one letter. Why hadn’t she burned them yet?
“It has been a sennight since the auction. Do try to let your anger go. It was only a horse, and you have so many already. Fine bloodhorses capable of running with the best.” Brooke gazed out of the office window watching the gaming floor. “Let us enjoy some cards.”
Narissa took a deep swallow of scotch, it had been her papa’s favorite, a inclination they shared, for it was always her first choice as well. “Losing the horse is the least of what angers me. He can have the damn thing with my blessing. It is his audacity that I cannot abide.”
Brooke turned to Narissa. “He is rather tenacious.”
“He’s a pompous ass not fit to lick my slippers.” Narissa set her empty tumbler
aside.
Brooke laughed as she turned back to face Narissa. “My, he has gotten under your skin.”
“No matter, I will have my revenge when Merlin beats Banshee or Highflier, or whatever bloody horse he decides to run at Epsom.”
“You most certainly will,” Brooke agreed.
“Now, let us join a game.” Narissa stood and strolled to the office door. She glanced at Brooke as she pulled the door open. Why the devil was she just standing there when it had been her who wanted to play? “Come along. This was your idea.”
Brooke smirked. “I was imagining the look on His Grace’s face when you steal another victory from him.” Brooke mimicked what she imagined the duke would look like, her jaw slack and eyes wide. Both women burst into a fit of laughter before stepping into the gaming hell.
Sobering, Narissa nodded toward a vingt-et-un table where Lady Diana and Lady Katherine were hard at play. Though she did not share the same close regard with them as she did with Brooke, she still considered both ladies among her friends. They, too, were long-time club members and she would be interested to know what they thought of Fortuna’s newest member, Hannah, as well as, what they might know about her bothersome brother. Narissa nodded in their direction. “Let us join them.”
“I do so enjoy that game.” Brooke grinned before turning toward the green baize table.
“Good evening, ladies,” Narissa said as she took the vacant seat between Diana and Katherine. A server approached, and Narissa took a drink from the tumbler of scotch that had been handed to her. She set it aside with a nod, then smiled at the other women. “Deal us in on the next hand.”
Diana nodded before she looked back at her cards, then tapped the table with her glove covered finger. “I’ll take one more.” She peeked at the fresh card and frowned before laying it down. Two sixes and a ten, twenty-two.
“I won again.” Katherine scooped the pile of coins from the table, her gold and diamond earbobs sparkling with the movement.
“Don’t get over confident, your luck can change at any time.” Diana notched her chin.
“Perhaps, but I am not worried.” Katherine picked up her new cards, flashing a wide grin as she did so.
Brooke followed suit, examining her hand. “What do you think of our new member, Hannah?”
Narissa glanced from her cards, a ten and a queen, to Brooke and back. “I was wondering the same thing.”
“She seems to be a good addition to the club. Holds her liquor well and plays with grace and skill.” Diana indicated that she wished for another card.
Katherine glanced at the dealer, “I’ll stay.” She glanced at Narissa, then Brooke, before returning her attention to the cards. “I’ve had occasion to associate with Hannah beyond the club walls and agree with Diana. She is a quality lady deserving of entrance here.”
“I agree with Katherine. In fact I first meet the lady at a secret fencing match.” Diana toyed with her cards, closing them in her hand then fanning them back out.
Narissa waved her hand, refusing another card. “Good, I had hoped she would fit in here.”
“Honestly, I find her charming.” Brooke slid her fresh card across the table. “One need not spend much time with her to determine that she is a perfect hoyden without a care for what others think she ought to be doing.”
“Indeed, she is one of us.” Narissa turned her attention back to the game. She watched as first Diana, and then Brooke, flipped their cards over, revealing sixteen and nineteen, respectively. Katherine grinned as she revealed two tens. “I have twenty. Can you beat it, Narissa?”
“Perhaps,” She slowly turned her cards, first the queen and then the ten, revealing a perfect score of twenty-one.
“Ha. I told you not to gloat.” Diana lifted her tumbler, eyes sparkling. “Everyone’s luck takes a hiatus eventually.”
“Stuff it,” Katherine shot back.
Diana smirked before taking a copious sip of scotch.
“I cannot help but wonder what sort of man Hannah’s brother is. Have either of you had the occasion to meet him?” Narissa asked without looking away from her freshly dealt cards. She would hate for them to ascertain exactly how deep her interest in the devilish duke went. Still, she was obsessed and powerless to stop herself from pursuing all there was to know about the man.
“I have not, though I should like to. I have heard that he is handsome and rich beyond measure.” Diana peeked at her cards. “I thought you meet him at Newmarket?”
Narissa scowled. “I did, but only spoke with him for a moment.”
“Mores the pity, he is every bit as handsome as people say. I met him at the Earl and Countess of Harrison's musical last week. He’d come along to chaperone Hannah, and she introduced us. I found him surprisingly interesting.” Katherine accepted an additional card.
“I missed the musical in order to stay in bed with a headache. Perhaps I will meet him at tomorrow’s ball.” Diana motioned for more scotch. “Will you be attending, Narissa?”
Narissa slid her gaze to Brooke. Surely Brooke would have warned her if the duke had accepted an invitation.
“Indeed, I would not miss a ball hosted by Brooke’s family.” She studied her cards, debating. Having an eight and ten did not allow for much room. If she got anything above a three she would bust. She forwent the risk, waving her hand in refusal, and stayed at eighteen. It was still a good hand.
Brooke drained her tumbler of scotch before pinning her attention on Narissa. “There is something you may wish to know…about the ball.”
Narissa caught Brooke’s gaze and she arched an eyebrow. “What is that?”
Before Brooke could answer a commotion broke out near the entrance. Scuffling and raised voices rang out across the gaming floor.
Narissa swung around to face the commotion, her breath hitching.
“You cannot be here.” Josephine’s familiar voice rang out.
“What the devil is this place?” The duke of Blackmore’s deep voice filled the room.
Narissa’s body heated, her blood boiling in outrage. What the devil was he doing here? And how had he discovered her secret?
“Forget what you’ve seen and leave at once,” Josephine ordered, blocking his path.
“The hell I will.” Blackmore’s words were followed by a thud, as ladies at a nearby table fled the area knocking over a chair in the process.
Narissa pushed back her chair and stood, forfeiting her hand to march toward the commotion. Fury consumed her when her glare met the Duke of Blackmore’s. One of her men, Ace, had charged ahead and now held him by the lapels, ready to remove him from the club. She should let Ace drag the pompous ass out and toss him in the alley. It would serve the duke well enough.
“You!” His Grace shot her a seething glare.
She smirked, enjoying his discomfort. “I could say the same.”
She glanced at the women standing behind him. Josephine and a red-faced Hannah. He must have followed his sister. Bloody hell. Narissa closed her eyes for a moment. “Let him go, Ace.”
He did as she bid, releasing the duke and stepping aside. “Do you wish for me to show him out?” Ace asked.
Much as Narissa would like to have him removed, she could not risk turning him out—not now that he had discovered her gaming hell. Bloody hell, what was she to do? She drew in a deep breath and pinned her gaze on the duke. “No, that won’t be necessary. I will handle him from here.”
Blackmore had the audacity to flash his perfect white teeth in an amused grin. “I rather like the idea of you taking care of me, Lady Narissa.”
Ace gave him a slight shake before releasing him. He turned his attention to Narissa. “As you wish.” Then strolled away, but not too far from her.
Narissa turned to Josephine. “Please see that Hannah receives a drink while the duke and I have a chat in my office.”
Josephine nodded, then took Hannah’s elbow.
Hannah glanced up from the floorboards, her gaze finding Narissa’s. �
�I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Narissa said, before turning back to the duke. “Follow me.”
Narissa strolled toward the office without giving His Grace another glance. She had no need to look back, the heavy fall of his boots let her know he followed.
CHAPTER 5
SETH COULD SCARCELY BELIEVE what he had wandered into—a gaming hell full of women. It was absurd to say the least. Nearly unbelievable, and yet here he was witnessing it with his own eyes. The fact that Hannah had snuck off again came as no surprise, but what was she doing here? How had she found such a place? He closed his eyes for a second, gathering his wits.
Seeing Lady Narissa—that had left him momentarily dumbfounded. Why should it surprise him that the vixen was a part of this scandalous place? He could not fathom, for he should expect nothing less given what he knew of her. The woman clearly had no moral compass or sense of propriety, and he’d be damned if it didn’t make her all the more appealing.
The fact only made him wish to ring her slender neck all the more.
He followed her past a row of hazard tables and into a spacious room, no doubt her office based on the large mahogany desk at the far end. Before she could do anything, Seth reached behind him and flung the oak door shut. He would have answers. “What the hell is going on here?”
She stared at him through fiery golden eyes, her shoulders squared, back straight. “I believe you are intelligent enough to answer your own query.”
He flexed his fingers at his sides. “And you are more scandalous than the ton knows.”
“You don’t say.” She shot him a smirk then moved to the sideboard where she proceeded to pour two tumblers of scotch. “Might I add that I am rather proud of it?”
The blasted woman was infuriating. All the same he could not fight the ghost of a grin pulling at his lips. She was unlike any woman he’d ever met. A dangerous combination of wit and beauty mixed with a devil may care attitude that drove him to madness. It was all he could manage to remain standing in place as he desperately wished to take hold of her and shake her senseless—or capture her full lips beneath his.
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