Chapter Five #2
The next afternoon, Jules found himself loitering by the ladies’ entrance of the Lyon’s Den. Often, in the evening, there were two women protectors at this entrance, but luckily, early afternoon, they were not in sight.
He paced left and right. He didn’t like the thought of other men having chess lessons with Meredith.
Locked away in that room, anything could happen.
She was unchaperoned, which hardly seemed appropriate for a lady.
But perhaps her family had fallen on hard times and that was why she was working at the Lyon’s Den.
A last resort, a desperate move to make some money.
And then he remembered their sweet kiss and how he’d pulled her close, enjoying the delicateness of her body and her gentle curves. He had been glad they had been unchaperoned then. It wouldn’t have done at all to have that giant Lysander wander in at that moment.
“You idiot, Jules,” he muttered. Likely, he’d ruined everything with her.
If only he could make it up to her somehow.
And he would. Jules had an idea. He didn’t know Meredith well yet, but he did know she had a keen mind and loved to learn. And what did he know about…art? He’d take her to the brand new picture gallery at Dulwich. How could she not be impressed with the sublime and skillful paintings there?
The door opened and a tall, slim woman in a green bonnet stepped out.
He pushed down his disappointment over the fact that it wasn’t Meredith. “Excuse me.” He stepped up to her. “I wonder if you can help me.”
She looked at him and recognition flashed in her eyes.
He had the same feeling. It was the woman with the snake from the other night. Sydney, that was what the snake had been called, though he didn’t know her name.
“Yes, sir?” she asked, holding her purse to her chest.
“I know it’s a most irregular a question, but do you know Miss Meredith Jones?”
“I do, as it happens.” She tilted her chin and narrowed her eyes.
“And perhaps where she is on this fine day?”
“I believe she’s in there.” She nodded at the Lyon’s Den.
“Giving lessons, in chess?”
“Not today. No.”
“Ah, I see. Would you be able to…?” He paused and flashed her a grin. “Would you would be able to get her for me? Tell her she has a visitor calling.”
“Why on earth would I do that?” She huffed out a breath.
“Because I have something to speak to her about.” He took a silver coin from his pocket and slid it into her hand. “Something most pressing.”
“Really?” She raised an eyebrow as she slipped the coin into her purse.
“Yes, she is giving me chess lessons and I have a question about a move. A particularly complicate move involving the king and queen.”
“Can it not wait?”
“No.” He nodded at her purse, which now housed the coin he’d given her. “I am sure you understand.”
She sighed. “I know who you are, Mr. Jules Habsburg.”
“Good, then you will have no trouble remembering my name when you go and get her.” He glanced to the left, hoping none of the guards would appear.
“Well, that might be difficult because I have warned her off you.”
“Why would you do that?” He tried to hide just how irked he was.
“Because.” She wagged a gloved finger at him. “You are somewhat notorious. Always within close proximity of gossip and trouble.”
“Trouble and gossip! Like what, I ask you?” He feigned his most shocked and innocent expression by widening his eyes and sucking in a deep breath.
“The Marlboroughs’ ball, for one.”
“That was nothing, a misunderstanding.” He flicked his hand.
“I hear you are fond of a boxing match.”
Jules frowned. “As are many gentlemen.”
“And there are rumors of a fake piece of artwork doing the rounds. Seems it’s had your name on it.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” He kept the irritation from his voice. “And I would ask that you not spread such spurious gossip yourself… I am sorry. I don’t know your name.”
“Nancy.” She shrugged and stepped back to the door she’d come from.
“I am only telling you what I hear, and I hear a lot in the gaming room. Be careful, and don’t you dare tarnish my friend’s reputation.
She is a lady, but she is from a simple farming community in West Wales and doesn’t know the ways of roguish Londoners who are too fond of port. ”
His mouth hung open. Of all the nerve. When had he ever drunk too much port at the Lyon’s Den? Well, a couple of times, when he’d been on a roll, but not often. Her accusation was hardly fair.
He poked at a stone with his shoe, sending it over the cobbles. He wasn’t so terrible, was he? Not such a scoundrel? All he wanted was to get to know Meredith better. Spend some time with a woman who stimulated his mind and thoughts.
Since his father had died, he’d thrown himself into work and, he’d admit, some hedonistic fun. So what? His father’s banking business paid him a hefty wage without him needing to do more than show his face at board member meetings. He had the time to do as he pleased.
Like today.
Today, it pleased him to see Meredith. He was craving her company.
After ten minutes, the door opened again. Meredith appeared behind her friend. His chess tutor’s hair was pinned up tight and her white dress was heavily sewn with small, red flowers. A red cape rested over her shoulders and she clutched a white umbrella along.
“Here she is,” Nancy said somewhat haughtily. “Delivered as requested.”
“I thank you.” He stepped up to Meredith.
Her cheeks were a little pink, as were her lips. She held out her hand.
He kissed her knuckles over her white gloves and looked deep into her eyes.
She was pleased to see him, he was sure of that, even if her friend wasn’t. But what did that matter? Jules only had eyes for his chess tutor. She was all that mattered. All that he could see.