To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

While tea was served along with a delicious array of biscuits and cakes, the ladies discussed other ways they could aid the poor. Charlotte was stirred and determined to become involved as well.

“Lady Granger and her husband are so inspiring,” Charlotte whispered to Margaret.

“One of our cousins was struggling upon his return, so when Louisa’s soon-to-be husband mentioned his interest in gathering donations to provide aid, I believe she fell in love with him even more.” Margaret glanced fondly at her cousin.

Charlotte’s heart twisted with longing. Hearing of another love match only made her feel more despondent over her own future. Why did Lord Samuelson have to be the man her father was convinced would make her a good husband?

Because it wasn’t about her, she reminded herself. It was about her father and connections and finances. She feared that even if she did manage to discourage Lord Samuelson, her father would select someone else cut from the same cloth.

But she wasn’t betrothed yet. Until then, she needed to gather all the memories she could. Yet the thought caused her to sigh as she couldn’t imagine doing so without James by her side.

~*~

James gathered his winnings from the center of the table before downing the rest of his drink. Odd how quickly his glass seemed to empty this evening. But given the fact that the spirits had yet to dull the ache inside him, he waved for the waiter to bring a fresh one. “Care for another hand?” he asked the other players at the table.

Lord Barrett scowled as he tossed down his cards then stood. “Not me.”

“Agreed,” Viscount Calvert said as he also rose. “You’ll not be taking more of my money.”

“Luck is certainly on your side this evening, Redmond.” Mr. Roberts shook his head as he stood as well.

“It does seem to be.” James glanced at the other men standing around the table. “Anyone else care to take their places?”

Edward slid into one of the empty chairs. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I’ve been right here.” James didn’t welcome the sight of his friend when it only brought thoughts of Charlotte to mind. Where was the waiter with his drink?

“Why don’t we call it a night?” Edward suggested. “I’ll see you home.”

“Whatever for? The evening is still young.”

“Actually, it’s not. Morning has nearly come.”

“Truly?” James patted his waistcoat pocket for his watch but decided pulling it out required too much effort. It didn’t matter what the hour was. He didn’t want to go home to lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, and remember Charlotte’s hurt expression.

Sleep had become even more elusive since his visit to the conservatory with her. Their conversation had stirred up too many memories, reminding him of how much he’d changed and the disorder of his life.

He much preferred evenings such as this where he could focus on cards and drinks, two things over which he had some measure of control.

“Time to allow someone else a chance to play,” Edward prodded with a smile. But the smile didn’t hide the concern in his eyes.

Perhaps it truly was time to end the evening.

“If you insist.” James rose, surprised when the room spun unsteadily. Mayhap he’d had more to drink than he realized. He frowned, annoyed with himself. He normally made it his policy not to drink over much when he gambled. The two didn’t mix, especially when he preferred not to lose money. Thank goodness this night had proved to be an exception. He needed all the funds he could gather if he was going to forfeit the title.

He bid the other players goodbye and stepped outside, breathing a deep breath of the cool, night air. Edward was right. A hint of dawn lightened the horizon, though low pockets of fog remained. Relief filled him at the sight of the breaking day. The worst nightmares came in the deepest part of the night.

“Care to share what has you so determined to drink and gamble away the night?” Edward asked as he joined him.

“No.” He refused to tell Edward that his sister was part of the problem. He had to ignore his feelings for Charlotte and hope they eventually faded. The thought had him rubbing his chest at the ache there.

Edward clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Perhaps we should walk for a time. What do you say?”

“Excellent idea.” Especially since the idea of sitting in a moving carriage for any length of time was unappealing. He frowned as he glanced up and down the street. “Where are we?”

“If you don’t know, it’s definitely time to go home.” Edward chuckled. “I promise to make certain we both arrive home safely. I haven’t had nearly as much as you this time around.”

James looked over his shoulder to study the building they’d just exited, recognizing Bennet’s, a gaming hell he occasionally frequented. Though he searched his memory, he couldn’t think of how he’d come to be there.

The realization was a sobering one.

He knew drinking was only a temporary means of dealing with his issues. The terrible way he felt the next morning should’ve been enough of a reminder not to overindulge. With luck, the lesson this time would last at least a few days. But soon the demons would chase him until he succumbed to the temptation to once again numb his thoughts.

“I'm pleased to hear you won.” Edward kept a steady hand on his shoulder as they walked.

“As am I.” He was working on a few investment opportunities and could use more funds to help secure his future.

James forced himself to look around and note their surroundings. London wasn't always safe even though they were near St. James’s. Two gentlemen, one the worse for drink, might look to be an easy target for a footpad. He brushed his hand against his pocket realizing how many notes were stuffed inside it. Apparently, he truly had significant success this evening.

“Is it true your sister is to marry Lord Samuelson?” The