Wicked Wager Read online

  She felt a twinge of embarrassment as he caught her staring. The usual tension between them returned, and she struggled to think of something to say, some small talk to break the mood. She knew very little about this man, other than he made a living gambling. That thought gave her an opening: “You know all about my family. What about you? Do you have any siblings? Are your parents still living?”

  He raised his brows, as if surprised by her question, then responded, “My parents are still alive. They mostly stay at the family estate in Hampshire. Don’t come to London often. I also have a sister. She’s married and lives in Hereford. My older brother, of course, is the heir.”

  Speaking of his family, the tension returned to his face. Although Penny regretted disrupting his pleasant mood, she was also intrigued. Why did talking about his brother make him look as if he’d tasted something foul? “Do you ever visit them?” she asked.

  “Not often. They don’t approve of me…the way I live.”

  “Why is that?”

  His voice was acid. “While gambling is an accepted pastime for a gentleman, apparently making your living from doing so is frowned upon. I don’t know what they expect me to do, live on the pitiful allowance my father’s willing to pay me?” He shook his head. “I’m not about to take a halfpenny from him. I’ll earn my own way, thank you. Even if it is doing something disreputable like gambling.”

  Penny was a bit surprised by this side of Revington. He was obviously quite proud of being independent. And bitter about his family’s attitude.

  He met her gaze briefly. “I’m one of the unfortunates known as the ‘younger son.’ Not a lot of choices for men like me. I can either marry well, live off my family, or live as I wish and not pay my bills.” He raised his brows. “There are plenty of men who do so.”

  Marry well. That was where she came in. She felt a twinge of resentment. This was the reason he wanted Horngate.

  As if he guessed her thoughts, he said, “You may think in wedding you, I’ve chosen the first course of action. But it’s truly not like that. The fact is, I earned Horngate through my own hard work and skill. Once we’re wed, I’m not going to live off your inheritance, but work hard to improve the estate. My family thinks being a gentleman is an excuse to be lazy and worthless, but I have no respect for that sort of man. Nor do I have any intention of living like that myself.”

  Even though his mention of earning Horngate rankled a bit, the rest of his comments pleased her. Like him, she had no respect for men who did as little as possible and benefited from the hard work of others. The men she respected were usually servants and commoners like the grooms and stablemen she’d met this morning. Despite his background, Revington was much like them in that he took satisfaction in working hard and being good at what he did. Indeed, if it wasn’t for her fear that he would take everything away from her, she found she was coming to actually like and admire Revington.

  She quickly pushed the unwelcome notion into the back of her mind. No matter what he said, Revington had no right to Horngate.

  They both were silent for a time, as the boat moved slowly up river. As Revington had promised, the shoreline was becoming more scenic. The clutter of buildings gradually turned to trees and bushes. The sounds of the city: voices, the clatter of wheels and hoof beats, gave way to birdsong. It even smelled better, the scent of meadowland replacing the less pleasant odors of people living in close confinement. Penny began to relax and revel in the natural beauty all around. The red campion and wild hyacinth growing along the river. The sweet call of the thrush and warblers in the trees. The warmth of the sun on her face.

  She closed her eyes and leaned back. Although she was probably getting sunburned, she didn’t care. This was lovely, simply lovely.

  ****

  How different she was from the other women he’d known, Marcus thought as Penny relaxed in the sunshine. Most women would be worried about ruining their complexions or the breeze blowing their hair into disarray. They’d never lean back without a hat or parasol and soak up the sun like a contented cat. Penny clearly missed the outdoors. He couldn’t imagine her living in the city. Which was just as well, since he intended to spend most of his time at Horngate as soon as they were wed. He was beginning to think they’d get on very well together once they were married.

  And he was certainly looking forward to the time when he would have the right to take her to bed any time he wished. Just looking at her aroused him. Today she’d worn a simple printed dress, not formfitting or low-cut at all. But that didn’t stop him from recalling her slim, supple and elegantly sensual body. The feel of her in his arms… Beneath him… How it felt to be inside her… He’d planned for them to have a picnic somewhere along on the shoreline, but with the boatman nearby, there would be no real privacy or chance for him to make love to her. He’d have to wait until they returned to the townhouse, and that seemed a long time off.

  Patience, he told himself. He’d planned this day so they could get to know each other better. And that meant conversing with her instead of lusting after her. With that thought in mind, he scanned the shoreline, seeking a place for the boat to put in so they could have their picnic.

  ****

  Penny floated in a haze of contentment, lost in memories of lazy summer days at Horngate. All at once she realized the boat had stopped. She opened her eyes to see Revington disembarking. He held out his hand. “Here, I’ll help you out.”

  His strong grip pulled her ashore, then he returned to the boat and retrieved the basket of food he’d brought. After saying something to the boatman, he took her hand to lead her up the bank. “I thought this looked like a pleasant spot for a picnic.”

  The feel of his strong hand and the warm huskiness of his voice sent a thrill down her spine. She almost wished that instead of eating, they were planning to satisfy other appetites!

  They walked to a grassy field dotted with oak trees and scatterings of cornflowers and poppies. Revington headed to the largest of the trees, where he let go of her hand and spread a blanket packed on the top of the basket. They sat and he took out the food.

  “It seems you’re well acquainted with picnics,” she said. “Do you do this sort of thing often?”

  To her surprise he colored. “Hardly. I haven’t been on this sort of outing since I was a child.”

  “Who did you go with then?”

  “My sister. My brother was older, and he would have none of it.”

  “Did you get along well with your sister?”

  “I suppose so. She liked to involve me in her games.” He met her eyes, looking sheepish. “When I was very small, she even made me play dollies with her.”

  Penny couldn’t help laughing. “I can hardly picture that.”

  He shrugged. “She’s five years older so I had very little say in the matter.”

  “You don’t see her much these days?”

  “Not much. She’s busy with her family and seldom comes to London.”

  Is that what he would want her to do if they were wed? Penny wondered. Stay at home and tend their children? The thought of it reawakened her resentment. In this relaxed setting, she’d begun to think it might not be so bad to be wed to him. But she had to remember what he would expect of her as his wife. He’d inevitably end up trying to control her. While it would be more pleasant to have him as her gaoler rather than Adrian, she would still lose her freedom.

  “What of you?” he asked. “It must have been lonely for you, growing up without any siblings.”

  “It wasn’t so bad. Some of the staff had children, and the servants themselves were always willing to entertain me.”

  She saw him raise his eyebrows and guessed he was thinking that her unusual upbringing was the reason she saw fit to socialize with servants and working people. He clearly didn’t approve. Well, too bad for him! She wasn’t going to change. Most of the time she preferred the company of ordinary folk to her own class. They were much more genuine and kind, and often more interesting a
s well. She’d rather discuss horses with a bunch of grooms than make polite small talk with someone like Lambson. And she was certainly more comfortable with Maggie than she’d ever be with a “lady” like Elizabeth Valant.

  ****

  Penny had gotten her back up again, he could tell. She knew he didn’t approve of her familiarity with service staff. Well, it was unseemly. He could only imagine what his mother would think of the way Penny treated everyone as nearly her equal.

  His mother. Just the thought of her provoked him. He’d always despised the way she ran his father’s life. He had no intention of tolerating such behavior in his wife. Which was why Penny’s defiant, independent attitude irritated him so much. Yes, she was lovely and desirable, but he couldn’t let her manipulate him the way his mother had his father. Once they were wed, he would see to it that she deferred to his wishes, rather than the other way around.

  They’d finished eating, and he could see no point in lingering. He gathered the remains of the meal. “I guess we should get back to London. I’m certain you’ll want to change and freshen up before we go to the theatre.”

  A look of surprise crossed her face, followed swiftly by a frown. She’d probably like to stay here a bit longer, but he truly hated to be idle, and as far as he was concerned, he’d indulged her long enough. Not to mention he was giving up his evening to go to the theatre with her.

  As he stood and started back to the boat, he felt a stab of resentment. He’d be glad when they were wed, and he didn’t have to engage in this sort of nonsense.

  ****

  Penny followed him to the boat, feeling disappointed and a bit angry. They’d been getting on so well, but then Revington had reverted to his usual distant, impatient demeanor. What had changed his outlook? Was it because she’d reminded him she enjoyed the company of service staff? Did he fear her lack of snobbery would embarrass him? Was that what all this was about—his blasted pride? Well, too bad. If he was going to be a pompous, stiff-necked idiot then he deserved to be embarrassed!

  But as he helped her into the boat, she sought to put aside her anger. She had to remember her goal, to make him fall in love with her. If she could only hide her resentment long enough to win him over, then she could get out of this marriage and go on with her life. She’d never have to see him again.

  Of course, while her mind might rejoice at the thought of that, her body felt a sharp stab of dismay. What they’d experienced together physically was quite sublime. She doubted any other man in the world would ever make her feel that way.

  Oh, why did this have to be so difficult? Why couldn’t the magic they shared when they made love carry over into the rest of their lives? How could a man who was such a tender, passionate lover be such a cold, arrogant bastard the rest of the time?

  As the boat moved swiftly downriver, Penny watched the passing scenery with growing frustration.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Bowes, please have Maggie go up and check on Miss Montgomery. Have her tell Miss Montgomery that it’s time to leave for the theatre.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  Marcus glanced around the library, trying not to pace. What was taking so long? Was it possible she’d changed her mind about going? They’d hardly spoken on the return boat trip or in the carriage ride to the townhouse. That was his fault, no doubt. He shouldn’t have let the unpleasant memories of his upbringing get the best of him. In fact, Penny wasn’t much like his mother at all, and he doubted her actions were directed toward controlling him. Curse it! Why had he let his problems get in the way of enjoying the afternoon?

  He would have to do better this evening, try to be pleasant and courteous. Spending time with Penny was hardly a trial. She was intelligent and straightforward, exhibiting none of the coy, simpering foolishness that many young misses indulged in. He was most fortunate to be marrying such a sensible and appealing woman.

  Appealing, yes, she was certainly that. What he really wanted was to get all this courtship business out of the way so he could take her to bed! Maybe that was part of the reason for his short temper this afternoon. What he yearned to do was take her to some private glen, lay her upon the blanket and make love to her until they were both limp with contentment. Instead, he’d been forced to sit beside her chatting politely about their childhoods. The strain had gotten on his nerves and he’d been much shorter with her than he intended. Now he must make it up to her.

  “I’m ready.”

  He turned to the doorway, and once again her beauty took his breath away. She was dressed in a gown of vivid blue silk. It wasn’t particularly low-cut or elaborate, but it made her fair skin glow and her eyes sparkle like sapphires.

  “You look quite fetching,” he said.

  She smiled, a bit tightly he thought. “Thank you.”

  “Have Bowes get your wrap and we’ll go.”

  “It’s here, sir,” Bowes responded. The butler helped Penny put on a silvery shawl. Marcus took her arm and escorted her out the door and to the waiting carriage.

  ****

  Does he really think a trite compliment can make up for his earlier cold disdain?

  Thinking about it made her clench her jaw. Well, she wasn’t about to forgive him so quickly. At least she hoped she wouldn’t. Why was it that the mere sight and touch of him seemed to cause her resentment and anger to dissolve? It was maddening that she couldn’t despise him. Indeed, most of the time she struggled to even dislike him. But she would give it a real go this evening. She’d not make it easy for him!

  “I understand the play we’re seeing is quite good.” He spoke cordially and his dark eyes regarded her with warmth. “Sarah Siddons is in it. You may have heard of her. She’s said to be very talented.”

  Penny gave him a chilly nod.

  “Due to her reputation, I expect it will be extremely crowded. I should have asked around to see if anyone I knew had a box available. On the other hand, if we sit up front, we’ll be close enough to see the performance.”

  “Do you often go to the theatre?” She imagined him attending with Elizabeth Valant, the two of them alone in one of the box seats, kissing or perhaps indulging in even more scandalous activities. The idea immediately aroused a stab of jealousy.

  He smiled almost sheepishly. “The truth is, I’ve never been to a performance before.”

  “Truly? All this time in London and you’ve never gone to the theatre?”

  “I’m generally not much for such entertainments.”

  “What do you do for diversion?” she asked, archly. “Surely you don’t gamble and engage in business all the time.”

  “I’ve been known to go to the country for hunting or other sport. And sometimes I go to the horse races at Newmarket.”

  Penny nodded. “I’ve heard about the Newmarket races. I’ve wondered how Hero would do.”

  “Hard to say. I’d have to see him in an all-out gallop. And even then it’s not easy to predict how an individual horse will perform in a race. Unless the animal’s been raced before, it’s usually risky to bet on them.”

  “Is that why you go to Newmarket? To bet on the races?”

  “No. I prefer cards. With them I can better control the outcome. There’s an element of skill to winning at cards, while in horseracing it often comes down to luck as much as anything.”

  “Don’t you believe luck plays a part in cards?”

  “Not really. I’ve found you have to make your own luck. You also have to know when to quit. That’s the real key to winning. You can’t be greedy.”

  “I would like to go to races at Newmarket sometime,” she said. “It sounds very exciting.”

  “It is thrilling to see the animals run.” He gave her a look that could almost be called warm. “Perhaps we could attend one weekend.”

  “I’d like that.” She felt her animosity toward him slowly trickling away. The next thing she knew she’d be smiling at him.

  The carriage slowed and then stopped. “Have we arrived?” she asked.


  “The theatre is still some distance away. This traffic is probably from all the carriages headed there.”

  Penny turned so she could look out the back window. A long line of carriages trailed behind them. Although she couldn’t see in front, it was probably the same. The carriage crawled along. Finally Revington said, “We might as well get out here. We probably can’t get much closer.”

  He rapped on the coach ceiling. A few moments later, Jeremy opened the door. “Watch your step, miss,” the footman warned as he helped her out. Revington quickly followed.

  She could barely see the theatre for all the people. In addition to those waiting to get in, there were all sorts of vendors. Some of them had carts, while others carried baskets of oranges, flowers, and various kinds of foods.

  As they waited in a queue outside the theatre entrance, Penny took in the crowd. There were elegantly dressed ladies wearing colorful cashmere shawls, hats trimmed with feathers, ribbons and faux fruits, jeweled necklaces and earrings. The gentlemen wore tall beaver hats and fine frockcoats. There were also more plainly dressed individuals. To her surprise, Penny spied Dickie, one of the grooms from Rotten Row the day before. She recognized him despite the black and gold livery he was wearing. Without thinking, she waved at him. He gave her an uncertain look before waving back.

  “Who’s that?” Revington asked, an edge to his voice.

  “That’s Dickie. I met him when I went riding. I must say I’m a little surprised to see him here.”

  “He’s probably saving a seat for his employer. A lot of the grooms do that so the more top-lofty sorts don’t have to wait in line. But there are plenty of ordinary folk who are here for the show. The price of admission to the gallery is still only a shilling, so even clerks and working fellows can afford it.”

  Finally, the line moved and they slowly made their way into the theatre. Revington paid their admission and bought a program from a young woman with a basket full of them. As Revington led Penny through the crowd, the orchestra started to play. She could hardly hear them over all the people talking.