Chapter 8 #2
They started by separating the ladies and the men, and Julian found himself drawn to a table where Asher was already seated with Lord Greymoor.
“Care to join us, Julian?” Asher asked.
“I’d be delighted to take your money,” Julian replied with a grin, settling into a chair.
“We are not gambling for money,” Asher said, fixing him with a look, which Julian shrugged off.
After they played a few rounds, Julian winning them all, Lord Blackthorne suggested they mix company.
Evelyn and Verity approached their table, Evelyn taking a seat next to her husband with a wicked gleam in her eye while Verity held back.
“You are not participating?” Julian asked, turning around as she stood over his shoulder.
“No,” she shook her head. “I’m afraid I’m not much of a card player myself.”
Julian pulled out a chair next to him. “Then do come observe. Perhaps you will bring me luck.”
“I doubt that very much,” she replied with a small smile that did peculiar things to his chest.
The card game began in earnest, with Julian focusing more than he’d like to admit on Verity’s presence beside him. Her shoulder occasionally brushed his when she leaned forward to observe a particularly interesting play, sending an unexpected jolt through him each time.
Lord Eastclere approached their table after about twenty minutes, standing behind Verity’s chair with a proprietary air that Julian instantly disliked.
“Cousin,” Eastclere said smoothly, “I was hoping we might have a word.”
“I’m observing the game,” Verity replied without turning.
“It’s a matter of some importance.” His tone hardened slightly.
Julian felt Verity stiffen beside him.
“I believe Lady Verity has made her preference clear,” Julian said, keeping his tone light despite the sudden tension in his shoulders. “She’s quite engaged in watching me lose spectacularly to the duchess.”
Eastclere’s eyes narrowed. “I wasn’t aware you and my cousin were so… familiar, Hartford.”
“We’re becoming better acquainted,” Julian replied with deliberate ambiguity, enjoying baiting the marquess, even though he knew it might cost him.
Asher looked between them, clearly sensing the undercurrent. “Your play, Julian.”
Julian made his move, deliberately careless, losing another hand to Evelyn. Eastclere lingered a moment longer before withdrawing with obvious reluctance.
The game continued, but Julian’s concentration was shot. After another half hour, he pushed back from the table. “I believe that’s enough for me this evening.”
“Giving up so easily?” Asher teased.
“Tactical retreat,” Julian countered. “Lady Verity, would you care for some refreshment?”
She nodded, rising gracefully. “Yes, thank you.”
As they moved away from the table, Julian guided her toward a quieter corner of the room where a servant was pouring glasses of wine. He handed one to Verity, noting how her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted it.
“Your cousin seems quite determined,” he observed quietly. “Is it truly just the diamond?”
Verity took a sip of wine before answering. “It is the diamond, yes, but also… he seems interested in more, perhaps. As though he has another reason for wanting to be close to me.”
Julian’s brow furrowed. “Did you ever read the letters you found?”
“Yes. Evelyn and I did together. There does not seem to be anything there that could be of any importance, and he doesn’t know about them.”
Julian’s heart skipped a beat. “I see.”
“Lord Julian,” Verity said suddenly, her voice taking on a determined quality, “Speaking of the letters, which I know you have an interest in, although why I’m unsure… I have a proposition for you.”
“A proposition?” He raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself.
She squared her shoulders. “I will allow you to see the letters—”
“You will?” Julian couldn’t hide his surprise.
“—if you agree to help me with something in return.”
Julian’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued now. “And what might that be, Lady Verity?”
She met his eyes directly, a flash of something bold in her gaze that reminded him startlingly of someone, although he couldn’t quite place just who.
“I want you to teach me the art of flirtation,” she said quietly but firmly. “How to draw attention, how to charm, how to… captivate.”
Julian nearly choked on his wine. “I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me.” Her cheeks were flushed, but her gaze remained steady. “You’re known throughout London for your charm and way with women. I want you to teach me those skills.”
Julian studied her face, searching for some sign that this was a jest. Finding none, he asked, “Why would you want such lessons? You’ve always seemed quite content to remain… unnoticed.”
“Perhaps I’m tired of being invisible,” she replied, a hint of defiance in her tone. “And I don’t know how to step into that role of someone who might actually attract a man.”
“Do you wish to marry?”
She shrugged those delicate shoulders up closer to her ears. “If I find the right person. Now, will you help me or not?”
Julian considered her request. Access to the letters in exchange for teaching Verity how to flirt? It seemed an odd bargain, but one that might benefit them both. And if he was honest with himself, the idea of spending more time with her wasn’t entirely unappealing.
“Very well,” he said, extending his hand. “You have yourself a deal, Lady Verity.”
She hesitated only briefly before placing her small hand in his. The touch sent an unexpected warmth up his arm.
“When do we begin?” she asked.
Julian looked at her, smiling wide.
“Now.”