She looked a little doubtful. What he said was excessively polite, but the tone he used held a tinge of light mockery which baffled while it intrigued her. “J-jaded spirits usually seek the c-card-room, sir,” she remarked.
He was gently fanning her with the cabriolet-fan he had taken from her hand, but he paused, and said with a quizzical look: “Ah—and so sometimes do enthusiastic ones, do they not?”
“S-sometimes,” admitted Horatia. “You have heard all about me.”
By no means, ma’am. But when I learn of a lady who never refuses a wager, why, I desire to know more of her.”
“I am certainly very p-partial to games of chance, sir,” said Horatia wistfully.
“One day you shall play your cards against me,” said Lethbridge, “if you will.”
A voice spoke immediately behind them. “Do not play with Lord Lethbridge, Ma’am, if you are wise!”
Horatia looked over her shoulder, Lady Massey had entered the saloon through a curtained archway, and was standing leaning her hand lightly on the back of the couch.
“Oh?” Horatia said, glancing at Lethbridge with new interest. “Will he fleece me?”
Lady Massey laughed: “Why ma’am, I to tell you that you are talking to the most hardened gamester of our times? Be warned, I implore you!