The Earl's Secret Bargain Read online

  “I don’t believe it,” Orlando said as he straightened in his seat.

  “Don’t believe what?”

  “You love her.”

  “I don’t know. It’s a little too soon for love.” Even as he voiced the protest, his heartbeat picked up in excitement. “But I think you’re right.”

  “You should worry about falling in love with someone who was only supposed to be a bet. What if she chooses Pennella?”

  “She won’t.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “Because we get along as if we’ve known each other our entire lives. I never met anyone like her before.”

  Orlando shook his head. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to fall in love with her.”

  “It’s perfect. This way when she chooses me, I won’t have to quietly end things with her. I can really go through with it and marry her.”

  “And take Pennella’s estate?”

  Toby blinked. He’d forgotten that part of the wager. And the reminder made him hesitate. Pennella always had the best carriage, clothes, and townhouse. He probably had a good fortune to his name. If Toby did acquire it, he wouldn’t have to come into the marriage with Miss Giles with only a title and a rundown country estate.

  Orlando shook his head. “Unbelievable.”

  “No, I won’t take his estate,” Toby relented. Orlando was right. Going that far would be cruel. All Toby had wanted when this whole thing began was to wipe the smirk off of Pennella’s face and do right by the lady. “I won’t take his estate. I’ll play some cards with him and lose the hand so he gets it back. That way, he’ll think he won it back, fair and square.”

  “While I know Pennella would be thrilled to take everything you have-”

  “Which is nothing,” Toby interjected.

  Orlando shot him an amused look. “My point is that Pennella has no conscience about such things, but you’re better than that.”

  “Yes, I know.” Lucky him, Toby thought with a hint of sarcasm.

  “I wouldn’t be friends with you if you were like him.”

  Toby couldn’t recall a time when he heard his friend pay him a higher compliment. “Thank you.”

  The gentlemen adjourned from the other room, and Toplyn headed in their direction. Surprised, Toby straightened in his seat.

  Toplyn pulled up a chair and sat next to him. “Have you heard how high the bet is between you and Pennella?”

  Toby glanced at Orlando, not sure he wanted to know but finding himself intrigued. “No. What is today’s amount?”

  “One hundred pounds that you’ll secure two dances with Miss Giles and a thousand on whether or not you’ll win her hand,” Toplyn said. “I bet my money on you.”

  “Why would you do something foolish like that?” Orlando asked.

  Toby shot his friend a pointed look. Did he secretly believe Pennella was going to win?

  “Sorry.” Orlando shrugged. “I think the whole bet is outrageous.”

  “Though you encouraged it the other day?” Toby asked.

  “Only to get everyone’s attention off the fight you and Pennella were having.”

  “So you think this whole thing is ridiculous after all?”

  “Of course, I do.”

  “You and Roderick,” Toplyn replied with a sigh. “Even Edon won’t place a bet.” In a lower voice, he added, “And I used to bet on everything he did because I was sure to win. I miss the days when he bet on everything he could.”

  “So,” Orlando began, “what you’re saying is that your days of riding on his coattails are over?”

  “I wouldn’t say I was riding his coattails,” Toplyn replied. “But his knack for winning every time did help me amass the wealth my father squandered.”

  Toby wished he had thought to bet on things that Edon did. If he had, he’d probably be in better financial shape, too.

  Orlando shifted in his chair. “You better be careful. Now that you have to place bets without his help, you might lose everything you gained.”

  “Oh, this is the last bet I’m making, and I have a feeling I’ll win.” Toplyn gave Toby a wink. “I happen to know Miss Giles’ father.”

  At this announcement, Toby smiled and glanced at Orlando whose eyes grew wide. Unable to resist asking the question, Toby turned his attention back to Toplyn. “What did her father tell you?”

  “Nothing in so many words. He just said that he believes his daughter looks forward to seeing you again. She has expressed no such sentiment for Pennella.”

  If that didn’t seal it, then nothing would. Toby had suspected Miss Giles reciprocated his feelings, and it delighted him to no end to know she did for sure. He experienced a newfound confidence he hadn’t felt in a long time.

  Toplyn patted him on the shoulder then stood up. “You’re the first person who has put Pennella in his place.”

  As the gentleman left, Toby shot Orlando a wide smile, but Orlando warned, “Don’t let this go to your head.”

  “You have nothing to worry about,” Toby assured him. “The last thing I want to do is be like Pennella. I just want to marry Miss Giles and live happily ever after.”

  “You better hope she doesn’t find out about the wager.”

  “She won’t.”

  “For your sake, I hope not.”

  Toby shook his head. “I didn’t take you for a pessimist.”

  “I’m not, but if word of this wager reaches Miss Giles, she might not marry you.”

  “I’m not going to tell her, if that’s what you think. I know better than that. I doubt Pennella would say anything.”

  “I know you and Pennella wouldn’t tell her.”

  Toby frowned. “You plan to?”

  “Of course not. I wouldn’t do that, but someone might find out and tell her.”

  “The only people who know are here at White’s, and what happens here, stays here.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Orlando stood up. “You want to play some cards?”

  With a nod, Toby followed him to a card table. Orlando’s worries were for nothing. He was sure of it.

  ***

  Regina stifled a yawn as Lord Pennella rambled on about a bullfight he’d watched while in Spain. Her mother, however, was enraptured with his every word. The two of them got along much better than she and Lord Pennella did. But if her mother thought she was going to marry Lord Pennella simply because her mother wished it, she had another thing coming. Fortunately, Lord Pennella wasn’t the only one who was coming by to see her. She had Lord Davenport’s attention as well.

  Just thinking of seeing him that evening made her pulse race with excitement. It seemed like a long time since she’d seen him, but it had only been the other day. Was this what love felt like? The quickened heartbeat whenever that someone was near? The warmth in the face at the mere thought of his name? She’d never been in love before. And she had assumed such a feeling wouldn’t factor into her marriage. But it looked like she just might be one of the fortunate few who would get to have a love match.

  Her mother let out a shrill cackle that made her wince. She knew her mother didn’t intend for her laughter to come out that way, but when she was excited enough, that’s what happened.

  “Surely, you jest,” her mother said, waving her hand dismissively at him.

  “I assure you, I’m not,” Lord Pennella told her then sipped his tea. He settled the cup back in the saucer and gave Regina a wink. “Bulls can be rather defiant creatures when they don’t get their way, and that matador wasn’t about to let it win. He hung onto the bull’s horns and didn’t let go.”

  Her mother laughed again.

  Regina had never heard of anything so ridiculous. She didn’t believe for a moment a man could actually do that without risking serious injury—or worse. If Lord Pennella expected her to believe this particular fighter could stand on a bull’s back and hold onto its horns without getting thrown off, he misjudged just how cynical she could be. What she suspected he was doing was embellishin
g the story for her mother’s sake. The more dramatic the tale, the more her mother loved it.

  Her mother glanced her way, and by the silent message in her eyes, Regina knew she better laugh at whatever ‘witty’ thing Lord Pennella was saying or she’d get a lecture on how rude she’d been. Regina forced out a laugh, hoping it was convincing enough for her mother. By the way her mother relaxed, she was assured it was.

  “Well, now that I’ve told the story about the best bullfight I’d ever seen,” he said as he grabbed the last tart, “I thought you’d like to see the gardens at my friend’s estate. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous this time of year, and being two beautiful ladies, I know you appreciate beauty.” He bit into the tart and shot her another wink.

  Regina resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He was much too obvious. Why couldn’t her mother see how deceptive he was? He was clearly up to something. Regina could spot that a mile away.

  “It sounds lovely,” her mother said, nodding with all the enthusiasm of a young girl in love.

  Good heavens! Granted, her mother wasn’t really infatuated with him, but she was in love with the idea of Regina marrying him. Her gut tightened. If Lord Davenport didn’t propose soon, her mother might somehow figure out a way to get her to marry Lord Pennella instead. She knew Lord Davenport was interested in her, but was he interested enough to marry her?

  She bit her lower lip. That was the real question. She suspected he was. He looked at her in a way that no one else—not even Lord Pennella—did. There was a tenderness in his gaze that made her weak in the knees. But he wasn’t the charmer that Lord Pennella was.

  Her mother rose to her feet and gestured for Regina to do the same. “We’d be delighted to spend the afternoon with you. I, for one, can’t recall a time when I’ve had such a delightful visit. You tell the most fascinating stories.”

  “All true, I assure you,” he said after he finished the last of the tart. He wiped his fingers on the napkin and set it back on the tray. He rose to his feet and extended one arm to Regina and the other to her mother. “I am fortunate to have two lovely ladies spend the afternoon with me. All the gentlemen will be envious.”

  Her mother giggled. “You flatter us too much, my lord.” She paused and added, “Don’t stop.”

  He laughed and assured her he wouldn’t.

  How Regina wished her mother would stop encouraging him! She couldn’t fight the nagging suspicion that if she didn’t do something drastic, she was going to spend the rest of her life being subjected to wild tales and endless gossip.

  This evening at the ball was her best chance. She was going to have to find out if Lord Davenport intended to propose to her. As much as she hated to do it, she didn’t see what other choice she had. Yes. She’d talk to him tonight.

  Chapter Nine

  Regina picked up her fan and waved it. She was hot. Sweat trickled down her back, something she’d rather not think about when she wore an expensive gown. The ball was a success. People were enjoying themselves immensely, and laughter swirled around her as her gaze kept sweeping the room in hopes she’d see Lord Davenport. He said he’d be here, and she had no doubt he would be. But she hoped he would come before Lord Pennella did.

  When she finally saw him enter the ballroom, her heart skipped a beat. There was no denying it. She was in love with him. Maybe their time together had been short, but she couldn’t resist the way he made her skin tingle with pleasure at the mere sight of him.

  Excited, she turned to her mother who was talking to Lady Seyton about the gowns the ladies were wearing.

  “My Regina seems better dressed than over half the room,” her mother bragged.

  “To be fair,” Lady Seyton replied, “not all have a father who is as well off as your husband.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Her mother let out a long sigh. “It’s a shame that my husband has no title. He has more money than some of the titled gentlemen here, I bet.”

  “Oh, indeed. That could work to your daughter’s benefit if she wished. Marriages made for money and titles happen all the time. It’s part of what makes the marriage mart so interesting to watch.”

  Her mother chuckled. “I would have to agree with your astute observation.”

  “Mother,” Regina said.

  “Yes, Regina?” Her mother turned to look at her.

  “Lord Davenport requested a dance with me earlier today.” In fact, he had asked for two, something that delighted her the more she thought about it.

  Her mother scanned the room. “Isn’t Lord Pennella here? I want you to dance with him.”

  “He’s not here yet,” Regina replied, already knowing a big fight was coming over who she’d be marrying. There was no way her mother was going to give her blessing to Lord Davenport when Lord Pennella appeared to be interested as well. Releasing her breath, she added, “It’s only a dance, Mother.”

  Her mother finally nodded. “You’re right. But I do hope you’ll save a dance or two for Lord Pennella.”

  If that was what it was going to take, then so be it. “I will.”

  Her mother relaxed but added, “Don’t get too attached yet. You still have options.”

  Lord Davenport approached, and Regina turned her attention to him. He looked more and more handsome each time she saw him. Maybe he wasn’t as striking as Lord Pennella, but he was definitely attractive in his own right. “Good evening, Miss Giles,” he greeted with a bow. “Mrs. Giles, Lady Seyton.”

  After they curtsied, he asked Regina to dance with him. Though her mother smiled, she didn’t give him the same glowing smile she gave Lord Pennella. Regina took his arm and went to where the couples waited for the orchestra to start the music. She didn’t know how she was going to politely bring up the topic of a proposal. The idea sounded much easier when she wasn’t right in front of him.

  When the music began, he led her in the dance. “You look beautiful,” he told her.

  “Thank you.”

  As she turned, she saw Lord Pennella enter the room. His gaze went to her and Lord Davenport, and she caught a flicker of something in his eyes. Jealousy perhaps? That almost seemed absurd. She got the feeling he didn’t really care for her. He seemed much too enamored with himself. But there was no denying the fact that he wasn’t happy to see her with Lord Davenport. Not that it was any of his concern. She had a right to be with whoever she wanted.

  “I’m glad you came,” Lord Davenport said, bringing her attention back to him.

  “I said I would be here.”

  “Yes, but anything could have prevented you from coming.”

  “No, nothing could have stopped me from coming. I wanted to see you.”

  His smile widened, and she knew she’d said the right thing. “I wanted to see you, too. In fact, I was hoping to see you again. Maybe tomorrow, if you’re not otherwise engaged?”

  Since he mentioned seeing her so soon, she took that as a good sign. “I’d like that. I enjoy our times together.”

  “I do, too,” he softly said.

  Her heart leapt at the way he said those words. Yes, they would have a love match, something envied by many who had to marry for other reasons. “My lord, forgive me if I’m too bold in my speech, but I do hope that I will get to see more of you in the future.”

  “I would like nothing more.”

  That was a promising sign. She tried to think of a way to mention a proposal, but the music came to an end. The whole thing happened much too fast. If it hadn’t been for the uncertainty of what to say, she would have gotten more in. But there was one more dance she could have with him, and maybe in that one, she wouldn’t hesitate to say what was really on her mind.

  “It was a pleasure, Miss Giles,” he said and squeezed her hand. “I’ll dance with you in a bit. It looks like my friend needs to talk to me.”

  She followed his gaze and saw a gentleman waving at him from across the room.

  “That’s Lord Reddington,” he said. “You’ll get better acquainted with him
in the future.”

  Pleased since it implied there could very well be a proposal, she said, “I look forward to it.”

  “I’ll miss you until the next dance.”

  The way he looked at her, as if he thought she was the most important lady in the room, made her face warm with pleasure. “I will miss you, too, my lord.”

  “Toby,” he whispered.

  His name! He’d given her his name. Yes, he was thinking along the lines of a proposal. She just knew it!

  She watched as Toby and Lord Reddington headed down one of the hallways, her smile growing wider. When she danced with him again, she’d ask him if he could talk to her father about marrying her. If he did it before Lord Pennella, then her mother would have a harder time convincing her father to accept Lord Pennella’s offer.

  She headed back to her mother but didn’t find her right away. After searching a little more, she found that her mother was talking to Lord Pennella. She edged her way along several groups of people so her mother and Lord Pennella wouldn’t see her. Opening her fan, she covered her face and came up behind them, hoping her mother wouldn’t look over her shoulder.

  At the moment, her mother was laughing at whatever ridiculous thing he was saying.

  “I do so delight in your stories, my lord,” her mother gushed.

  “Well, I delight in telling them,” he quipped.

  She laughed again and waved her hand at him. “You are much too amusing. I shall swoon from so much laughter.”

  “If you do, I’ll catch you.”

  This set her into another round of giggles, and Regina had to bite back the urge to tell her mother to stop it. She was making a fool of herself by falling all over Lord Pennella. The gentleman truly wasn’t worth it.

  “I have a confession to make,” her mother told him in a lower voice.

  “A confession? Sounds like a juicy tidbit. Do you know how Lady Edon tamed her husband?”

  “No. That is something I don’t think any of us will ever figure out. What I wish to say is that I’d like for you to be my son-in-law.”