Wicked Wager Read online

  “Adrian always told me that no man would buy a horse from a woman. He said we’d get much better prices if we had his man handle the transaction.”

  “I suppose there’s something to that.” James fell silent again, as if he’d apparently run out of topics for small talk. Penny took this opportunity to yawn and stretch back against the squabs. “I’m a bit sleepy. Do you mind if I nap?”

  “Of course not.”

  She wasn’t tired at all, but it was a strain to live by her wits. Besides, she needed time to plan her strategy once they reached London. Her main scheme was to be so profligate in her spending that Revington would become convinced having her as his wife would cost him more than the income Horngate could provide. She’d seen the look on his face when she’d mentioned buying a new wardrobe. He obviously hadn’t considered that having a wife might be expensive. Well, the greedy gamester was about to learn otherwise.

  Chapter Three

  “Miss Montgomery, wake up. We’ve arrived at the inn.”

  Penny feigned awakening. “What station is this?”

  “It’s Petersfield, miss,” James said. “I hope they can accommodate us. It looks rather crowded.”

  In the purplish twilight, she made out the dark shape of the inn, with lights winking from nearly every window. The barouche pulled into the yard full of carriages and rigs, and an osteler came up to hold the team. Revington jumped down from the driving box; James climbed out of the carriage and offered his hand to Penny.

  Revington scarcely glanced at her before striding toward the inn. James took her arm. “Allow me to escort you, miss.”

  ****

  “One room? That’s all you have?”

  The innkeeper shook his head at Marcus. “’Fraid so, sir. You’re lucky I saved it back for someone of quality like yourself. Could have filled it several times over, but I guessed there might be someone coming along who’d be willin’ to pay extra for their accommodations.”

  The balding man gave him a shrewd look and Marcus felt a muscle twitch in his jaw. The bastard was going to charge him double; he knew it. “But there’s three of us.” He gestured to Penny and James, who’d just come in. “I really don’t see how we’ll manage.”

  “Oh, it’s quite a large room, sir. With an adjoining parlor. The gentleman and his wife…” He nodded to Penny and James. “They could take the bed, and you could sleep on the settle in the parlor.”

  “The lady is with me,” Marcus corrected him.

  The innkeeper shrugged. “Then you and she can have the bed and the other man takes the settle.”

  “I suppose so,” Marcus snapped. He was rather dismayed with the idea of sharing a bed with Penny, but it was certainly preferable to sleeping with James.

  He returned to where Penny and James were waiting. “The innkeeper only has one room left. Apparently there’s some sort of fair going on, and the place is crammed full.” He looked at Penny. “He says it’s a big room, with an adjoining parlor where James can sleep. But it means we’ll have to share a bed. It’s a bit awkward, since we’re not wed yet, but…”

  “I’m sure we’ll manage.” Penny shrugged.

  Marcus motioned. “If you’d like to go up and change.” Remembering that she only had one dress, he added, “Or at least tidy up a bit. I’ll have the innkeeper show you the way. James and I will wait for you in the taproom.”

  ****

  Penny felt unsettled as she followed the innkeeper’s wife up the stairs. She’d agreed to share a bed with Revington because she could tell the idea discomfited him. But she was none too happy about it. She didn’t think he’d attempt intimacy—not with James in the next room. But even so, she wasn’t comfortable with the thought of being so close to him. To have his big male body mere inches from her own. How would she ever sleep?

  Of course, having to sleep with her would be another inconvenience for him. Perhaps with what else she had planned, he’d finally give up and take her back to Horngate. Please, please let this work! Let him realize what a trial it would be to have me as his wife!

  ****

  “Admit it, Marcus, it feels good to relax and drink a brandy.” James settled back into his chair in the taproom. “We’re too damned old for such foolishness as driving all night.”

  Marcus gave his friend a black look. “You’re not the one who has to negotiate the awkwardness of sharing a bed with her.”

  “You might as well get used to it, since she’s going to be your wife.”

  “Most married couples of my acquaintance have separate bedchambers, let alone beds,” Marcus responded icily. “The only time they’re forced into such close proximity is for the purpose of begetting an heir.”

  “Are you going to attempt to consummate the marriage tonight, or wait until you’re officially wed?”

  “Wait, of course. There’s no reason to take things to that point until it’s absolutely necessary. Besides, you’ll be sleeping in the adjoining parlor.”

  “From your tone, you’d think it was going to be a great trial to bed Miss Montgomery. Frankly, I don’t understand your distaste. Her wretched attire aside, she’s actually very attractive.”

  “Yes, she is,” agreed Marcus.

  “You needn’t look so glum about it.” James laughed.

  Marcus leaned back and shook his head. “Frankly, this whole marriage business has been disconcerting.”

  “Well, you aren’t committed yet. In the morning, you could return Miss Montgomery to Horngate and forget the whole thing.”

  “Yes, I could.”

  “You’re considering it?”

  “Don’t look so bloody hopeful, James. But you’re right. I have considered abandoning the whole notion of collecting on Withersby’s debt. You know why I won’t?”

  “You’re so taken with Miss Montgomery that you can’t imagine living without her?”

  Marcus raised his brows. Some remarks didn’t deserve comment. “I’m going through with this for two reasons. I refuse to let a worthless wretch like Withersby get the best of me, and second, I’ve decided Horngate is exactly what I’ve been missing in my life.”

  “Horngate, not Miss Montgomery?”

  He let this pass as well. “I’ve earned a fair amount of money gambling, and I’m able to live well, if not extravagantly. But I’ve never owned property. My townhouse is rented, as were my apartments previously. As long as my brother Reginald lives, I have no claim on the family holdings, not even a hunting lodge or cottage. Horngate is likely the only chance I’ll ever have to own property free and clear.”

  “You could buy a townhouse, or even a small estate. Or you could gamble for another property.”

  “No, it’s Horngate I want. It feels like a-a home.”

  “It is. It’s Miss Montgomery’s home. What about her? Do you intend to banish her to the barn once you’re wed?”

  “Of course not. It’s a good-sized house, and she appears to spend a great deal of time off with the horses. We’ll share.”

  “A business arrangement, as you’ve said.”

  “Exactly. All I have to do is get through with the awkward marriage business and the rest of it will fall into place.”

  “I have a suspicion it isn’t going to be quite so easy.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  James shrugged. “I don’t know. Something about talking to Miss Montgomery. She’s no fool.”

  “You think she has some clever plan to convince me not to marry her?”

  “Maybe. And I can’t truly blame her. Withersby has used her badly in this.”

  “Which is all the more reason she’ll be better off once she’s married to me,” argued Marcus. “I’ll deal with her much more fairly than that bastard has!”

  “Perhaps you should discuss the matter with her. Negotiate her capitulation, if you will.”

  “There’s no need for that. She’s agreed to the marriage already.”

  “Has she?”

  “Why, yes. All she’s asked is
that it takes place in London, be a proper wedding, and that I purchase her a new wardrobe.”

  James raised his brows skeptically. “I don’t know. I think you’re making assumptions that may end up being proven wrong.”

  “I see. A few minutes of conversation with Miss Montgomery and you claim to know her mind. Expert on women, are you, James?”

  “No, certainly not. I merely think that this marriage business is much more complicated than you believe it is.”

  Marcus was getting irritated. It didn’t help that Miss Montgomery hadn’t come down yet. She only had one change of clothing. How long could it take for her to ready herself for dinner? He turned back to his companion. “So, tell me, how do you intend to approach the matter of matrimony?”

  “Well, when I do marry, it won’t be to settle a gambling debt. I’m going to find the perfect wife.”

  “And what qualities will this paragon possess?”

  “I prefer fair hair…and blue eyes. She should be well, smaller than Miss Montgomery and with some”—he cleared his throat—“nice curves here and there.”

  “Miss Montgomery has nice curves.”

  “Indeed she does,” James agreed. “Those trousers she wore when we met made that quite obvious.”

  Marcus felt a stab of jealousy. Once Miss Montgomery was his wife, he wouldn’t let her go around in such shameful attire. He didn’t want the whole world to know what a nicely rounded bottom she had. And those long, long legs… With effort, he forced his mind away from the thought. “What else?” he asked James. “What other attributes do you seek in a wife?”

  “Well, she doesn’t have to be rich, but a nice income or some property would certainly be welcome. And I don’t require that she be proficient at music or art, but I insist she know how to manage a household. She should also be frugal. I don’t want a woman who runs up outrageous bills.” James gave a shudder. “I can’t abide profligate women.”

  “Well, I’m fortunate in that way, aren’t I? My new wife is clearly not a spendthrift, at least in regards to clothing or personal effects.”

  “Either that, or she’s had no opportunity to purchase things for herself. If Withersby controls all the finances for the estate, he may have her on some pitiful allowance.”

  Marcus frowned. It disturbed him to think his bride-to-be had been ill-treated. It also alarmed him to realize she might make up for past deprivations with his money.

  They continued to discuss James’s requirements in a spouse. As his friend recited his prerequisites in exacting detail, Marcus began to enjoy himself. He’d wager odds ten to one that James would end up marrying a woman who was nothing like his ideal. It should be amusing to watch his fantasy crumble away.

  Then his thoughts turned to his own future spouse. “Where can she be?” He got to his feet. “I guess I’ll have to fetch her.”

  “I’ll wait here.” James hoisted his second glass of port.

  Marcus climbed the stairs and went down the hall to the door the innkeeper had directed him to. He knocked softly. There was no answer. He knocked again, more briskly this time. Again, no answer. He took a deep breath and opened the door.

  The parlor was empty. He entered the adjoining bedchamber. There was no one in that room either. What the devil!

  He went to the water closet down the hall and knocked. Nothing. Miss Montgomery had vanished. He hurriedly retraced his steps down to the taproom. “She’s gone,” he told James.

  “Gone?” James rose unsteadily. “How can that be? Are you certain you didn’t miss her?”

  “If she isn’t in the room and she isn’t down here, then where the hell is she?” He was angry, but also a little worried. What if something had happened to her? He really should have gone up much earlier and escorted her down to dinner.

  James echoed his fears. “I hope someone didn’t accost her on the way to the dining room.”

  “Damn,” Marcus muttered. “I’ll go talk to the innkeeper.”

  The innkeeper hadn’t seen her. Nor had the innkeeper’s wife. Marcus decided to go outside and speak to the ostler. The man nodded in response to Marcus’s query. “Aye. I seen her. A young woman, tallish, in a green dress, headed down to the stables, she was.”

  Marcus got a lantern from the osteler and circled behind the inn to the outbuildings. He found her in an open area between the stalls, talking animatedly with a group of stable hands. Seeing him, she smiled and stepped forward. “Are you looking for me? Sorry. I came out to look at the horses and got caught up talking. I’ll come in now, of course.”

  For a moment, he couldn’t think what to say. He’d been beside himself with worry. Now, to find her calmly conversing with a group of roughly dressed stablemen… “You’re damned right, you’ll come in now,” he muttered as she moved beside him. “What were you thinking? Don’t you have any common sense or decency? Anything could have happened to you!”

  “We were merely discussing horses. I’ve spent most of my life around men like that. I can assure you they would never do me any harm.”

  “What of your reputation!” He felt his face growing hot with fury. “If we’re to be wed, you must understand how a lady should behave. And that doesn’t include openly associating with servants, especially of the male sex!”

  For a second, he sensed her resentment, then she smiled sweetly. “Of course. I had forgotten I’m soon to be Mrs. Revington. It does take a bit of getting used to, you know.”

  They were outside now, with only the lantern for illumination. The light from it caressed the planes of her face, the high cheekbones and wide-set eyes, her slightly parted lips. James was right. She was very attractive. No, beyond that. At this moment, he’d have to describe her as beautiful. He reached out wanting to touch her face, then quickly caught himself and moved his hand down to grasp her arm. “It’s time to come in now. If we don’t join James for supper soon, he’ll drink himself into a stupor.”

  Neither of them spoke as they returned to the inn. Marcus felt like a tongue-tied fool. This woman had the most startling effect on him. He’d been genuinely panicked when he couldn’t find her.

  And furious when he found her with a group of stablemen. Could this fierce, raw feeling inside him be jealousy? But how was that possible? Miss Montgomery was nothing to him, merely a means to an end.

  ****

  Walking beside Revington, Penny couldn’t help recalling how, for a moment, the lines of his normally harsh face had softened, and his fierce eyes had become warm and tender. He’d looked as if he meant to kiss her!

  This whole scheme to have him find her in the stables and be horrified had gone completely awry. Instead of disgusting him, her actions had somehow made him more possessive. Even now, the way he held her arm as they walked made clear his claim upon her.

  They turned the corner, and their bodies brushed. She felt his hard strength. Once again she was reminded of Hero, and the exhilarating and yet comforting sensation of powerful muscles responding to her own movements as she rode him. Would it be like that when Revington took her to bed?

  At last they were at the doorway to the inn, and she could pull away to enter ahead of him. She sighed with relief.

  James was waiting for them in the taproom. The solicitor did look a little bleary-eyed. “There you are,” he said. “I’d ’bout given up on you.”

  Marcus didn’t respond. Neither did Penny.

  Dinner was a quiet affair. James appeared on the verge of nodding off, while Revington was coldly silent. Penny couldn’t help watching him surreptitiously as she ate, admiring the dusky smoothness of his skin glowing in the candlelight, the graceful movements of his strong hands. She also couldn’t help remembering the feel of his hand on her arm.

  Dangerous, that’s what Marcus Revington was. Not only because he had the power to take Horngate away from her, but because he had the means to weaken her determination to thwart him. Her goal was to convince him not to marry her. To do that, she must keep to her plan. She couldn’t melt whe
n he looked at her as he had in the brief moment outside the stables. Nor could she allow him to kiss her.

  Still, she couldn’t quite keep from imagining what such a moment might be like. His well-shaped lips pressed against hers, his strong arms around her, her body held against the warmth of his. The image her mind formed was tantalizing, intriguing…and it had the potential to lead to her utter ruin.

  She took a deep breath. This last escapade of going off to the stables had angered him, but she doubted it was enough to cause him to give up on marrying her. Perhaps an awkward night sharing the bed would do the trick, although that was unlikely. Revington wasn’t easily discouraged; it looked like she had to go to London with him after all.

  She finished eating, then rose and announced she was going up to bed.

  “Goodnight,” responded Marcus. “I’ll be up in a while.” James also bade her goodnight.

  As Penny made her way to room, she considered the next part of her plan. Once they were in London, she’d start by spending an exorbitant amount of his money in the shops. Then cajole him into taking her to places where they’d be surrounded by people. In those public circumstances, she should be able to convince him that as a wife she would be an embarrassment and a nuisance. He was a practical man. He would see the light and send her back to Horngate.

  ****

  “Waiting for her to fall asleep, are you?” James asked as soon as Penny was gone.

  “And for my temper to cool,” responded Marcus. “I can’t believe what she did.” He shook his head. “When I found her, she was conversing with a bunch of stablemen. Even for a sheltered country girl, her lack of awareness of her social position is appalling. I blame Withersby for that. He obviously encouraged her hoydenish ways in the hopes she’d never wed, and he could retain control of Horngate.”

  “If that’s true, you shouldn’t be angry with her.”

  “I’m not. I know it’s not her fault. But I will be glad to get her to London where I can surround her with the proper influences to help her realize her status as a lady.”

  “Hmmm,” said James, rising. “I thought you were sending her back to Horngate as soon as you’re wed.”