Wicked Wager Read online

  “My ‘comfortable life’ here in London has gotten quite boring the past few years. The men I spend time with are usually fools like Adrian Withersby, hardly the wittiest or most accomplished members of society.”

  “I see,” James said, sarcastically. “You’re moving to the country because you seek intellectual stimulation. I’m sure you’ll find the horses at Horngate an endless source of intelligent conversation.”

  Penny couldn’t help smiling. Revington’s reasoning did seem rather flawed.

  But his response was crisp and confident. “I’m sure a successful horse-breeding operation requires much serious effort and planning. Although I know gentlemen are supposed to be above such things, I actually savor the idea of doing real work and facing a challenge greater than guessing what card my opponent will play.”

  “Gads, don’t let anyone in your current circle know you feel this way. Real work—the idea is quite appalling.”

  Penny couldn’t tell if James’s horror was real or feigned. But Revington was clearly serious. So far, she hadn’t known him to jest or make jokes. She’d expected Revington to be a typical shallow and self-involved nobleman—what Tad and the other stablemen called a “swell”. In fact, he appeared to be cut from a different sort of cloth altogether.

  “I don’t give a damn what people think,” Revington said. “I have little respect for most members of the ton. They’re a bunch of overgrown boys and top-lofty blowhards. Of course, my cynical attitude probably results from the circumstances in which I associate with them. Gambling doesn’t tend to bring out the best in people.”

  “It’s probably just as well you have no concern for your social standing,” responded James, “since you’re marrying Miss Montgomery and someone like her is unlikely to attract positive notice from the old tabbies and snobbish matrons who dictate who is worthy of acclaim.”

  “I’m not convinced Penny would be an utter failure in Society. I suspect if she was properly turned out, she might surprise you. This morning, Maggie curled her hair, and the result was rather startling. Penny looked like a different woman, and a strikingly pretty one at that.”

  At Revington’s words, conflicting emotions flared inside her. While gratified to think he found her attractive, improving her appearance might well work against her best interests.

  “It sounds as if you’re becoming rather fond of Miss Montgomery. For all that this marriage began as business transaction, perhaps it will end up being a love match.”

  “Love!” Revington gave a harsh laugh. “Tell me, James, do you know any marriages that are love matches? At any rate, I’m certainly not the sort for such foolishness. There’s as much likelihood I’ll fall in love with Miss Montgomery as there is I’ll become enamored of the orange girl who sells her wares on the corner.”

  “Well, my parents were fond of each other. And I think there’s something to be said for having a tendre for one’s spouse. I hope to at least like the woman I marry.”

  “I see you’ve added another requirement to your long, long list of the attributes your future wife must possess. I can’t wait to meet this paragon, James. I doubt there’s a woman in London who’ll measure up to your standards.”

  “Well, then, perhaps I’ll remain unwed,” James responded.

  “Perhaps you will,” Revington agreed. “Or perhaps your natural tendency for romance will induce you to fall in love with a woman who’s nothing like your paragon.”

  “My natural tendency for romance? I can’t think what you mean.”

  “You insist I’ll come to care for Penny. But it’s really nothing more than a business arrangement. I’d never even have looked at her if it weren’t for Horngate. The property is what I desire, not the woman.”

  “Is that so?” said James. “If you’re so certain, then there’s no reason not to make a wager. I’m not normally a gamester, but I’d be willing to bet that if you spend one month in London with Penny, you’ll fall in love with her.”

  “One month?” Revington let out a groan. “That will seem like an eternity! What the devil are you offering that would possibly make me endure such a trial?”

  “If you end up going through with this and residing at Horngate, you’ll need someone in London to look after your business interests. I’d be willing to do that, at no cost to you.”

  “It’s true I’d need someone to keep an eye on things here. I’d have to continue to rent this house, so I’d have somewhere to stay when I did come to the city. And there are the other investments that would need looking after. I suppose it would be worth my while to agree to this nonsense, especially since I’m quite certain I’ll win. But what about you, James? If I should somehow manage to lose this ridiculous wager, what do you want in exchange?”

  “That’s simple enough. If you come to care for Miss Montgomery, you must forgive her cousin’s debt and release her from any commitment to marry you.”

  “But that’s absurd! If I were to—perish the thought—actually fall in love with her, then there would be no reason for us not to be wed!”

  “Unless she doesn’t want to marry you. It would be her decision then, you see.”

  “I don’t understand, James. What the devil are you up to?”

  “I just want to make things fair for Miss Montgomery. She’s been a helpless pawn in this whole business. I want to make certain she has a say in her future.”

  “Why? Unless you’re in love with her yourself, in which case we have a real problem, as I’m not about to give up Horngate. Even for you!”

  “My motivation isn’t love, but compassion. I feel sorry for Miss Montgomery. She seems like a nice person who’s been used badly by her cousin.”

  Penny winced. While it was touching that James was so concerned for her, she didn’t like being pitied.

  “It’s true you’ve always had compassion for the downtrodden and oppressed. An admirable enough quality but hardly practical. If there’s anything my upbringing’s taught me, it’s that a man has to look out for himself.”

  “Quite true for men, but women don’t always have the same opportunities. I’m merely trying to give Miss Montgomery some say in her life.”

  Both men were silent for a time. Then Revington said, “Before I accept the wager, I want to know how you intend to determine which one of us has won. How, exactly, do you intend to gauge my feelings for Penny?”

  “I presume you’ll be honest and honorable. And even if you do try to lie, I think I’ll be able to discern your true feelings.”

  “Very well. I’ll accept the wager, even if I find the whole matter quite ludicrous. I have no doubt I’ll win.”

  There was another bit of silence when Penny guessed they were shaking hands to seal the agreement. She was on the verge of slipping away when Revington said, “I presume the requirement that I stay in London with her means I must do everything I’ve agreed to already. Take her to see the sights and all that?”

  “Of course. You must continue to escort her to places and circulate in society. Go through all the motions of courting her properly.”

  Revington groaned. “This is going to be a dashedly long month.”

  Penny tiptoed away from the door and made her way up the stairs. Once in the bedchamber, she sank down on the bed, her thoughts spinning. James had offered a way out of her predicament. All she had to do was make Revington fall in love with her. Then, when he asked her to marry him, she could refuse and he’d be bound by his agreement with James to give up Horngate and set her free.

  Was such an outcome possible? The notion of Revington falling in love with her—or with anyone—seemed too nonsensical to contemplate. He was a hardened, cynical gamester, and he’d made his motivations quite clear. He wanted Horngate, and nothing would dissuade him. And his feelings for her were equally clear. He dreaded having to spend a month in her company. Absolutely dreaded it.

  She shook her head, feeling a bit put out by his obvious distaste for her. Of course, she was at least partly responsible f
or his outlook. But now it was time to change tactics. Instead of scaring him off, she somehow had to induce him to fall in love with her.

  She got up restlessly. If, by some miracle, her plan were successful, then rejecting his offer of marriage would be quite cold and unfeeling. She would have cruelly manipulated him for her own ends.

  On the other hand, he hadn’t considered her feelings in this. Since he’d been so heedless of her wishes, why should she worry about hurting him?

  If only Tad were here. He’d be able to convince her to do whatever was necessary to save Horngate and the horse operation. He’d also remind her that Revington was a cold-hearted, selfish “swell” who deserved whatever fate befell him.

  She caught a glimpse of herself in the looking glass above the bureau. Who did she think she was fooling? She wasn’t a sophisticated, elegant beauty like Elizabeth Valant. She probably had as much chance of getting Revington to fall in love with her as Maggie did!

  As she had the thought, there was a knock on the door. “It’s Maggie, miss,” the cook called. “Is there anything you need before I start the evening meal?”

  A thought came to Penny. Although Maggie might not have much experience with curling hair, she struck Penny as someone who was a good judge of character. She might well have some insights into how to induce Revington to fall in love with her. “Come in, Maggie. There is something I need.”

  “Aye, miss.” Maggie entered and stood waiting.

  Penny thought a moment, trying to figure out how to phrase her request…and also how to explain it. Finally, she said, “You know, don’t you, that Mr. Revington and I are to be married?”

  “Aye, miss.”

  “I’m afraid he’s marrying me so he can take control of my property, a farm called Horngate. While it’s common for men of his class to marry for practical reasons, my own parents were quite fond of each other. I’d like to have something similar with my own husband. What I’m saying is…well, Maggie, I guess I want to know if you have any suggestions on how to get Mr. Revington to have feelings for me, rather than simply marrying me for my property.”

  Maggie wrinkled her freckled nose in thought. “I can’t blame you for wanting your husband to care for you. But I worry it’s going to be difficult for you to win Revington’s affections. He’s not the sort to go all sheep-eyed over a woman.”

  “Do you think it’s hopeless?” Penny asked, feeling discouraged.

  “No, not hopeless. You’re quite pretty and sometimes good looks can turn a man’s head. But it’s usually not sweet, girlish beauty that gets them, but something a little more—”

  “Sophisticated?” Penny offered.

  Maggie nodded. “You do know the sort of woman I mean, don’t you?”

  “Yes, yes I do.” Penny recalled Elizabeth Valant and her generous expanse of cleavage. “Your point’s well taken. In fact, you’ve given me an excellent idea.”

  Madame Dubonet had said Elizabeth Valant wasn’t a great beauty, but that she knew how to “turn herself out.” If it was simply a matter of knowing how to dress and present oneself, then there was no reason she couldn’t adopt some of Elizabeth’s methods for herself. No reason at all.

  “Thank you, Maggie. You’ve been most helpful.”

  “Any time, miss. But now I must see about dinner.”

  ****

  “There’s no need for you to go shopping with me for the rest of the things I require for my wardrobe,” Penny announced when Revington met her in the breakfast room the next morning. “I can go by myself. Then you won’t have to endure waiting for me while I shop.”

  Revington shook his head. “I’m afraid you can’t go by yourself. You must have an escort of some sort. I really am going to have to call an agency and get you a lady’s maid.” He repressed a sigh. One more duty—and expense—he’d been trying to avoid. This wager with James had disrupted all his plans.

  “What about Maggie?” Penny suggested. “Couldn’t she act as my maid?”

  Marcus stared at her. The chit didn’t know anything about the rules of proper society. “But she’s Irish. A proper lady’s maid must be French, or at least English.”

  “But she’s done lovely things with my hair. And when I discussed some of the gowns being made for me, she seemed to have a genuine interest in colors and fabrics. Not to mention that we get on quite well. I enjoy her company. Isn’t that also a requirement of a lady’s maid?”

  “Even so, Maggie hardly has an appropriate wardrobe for a lady’s maid. While a maid certainly isn’t expected to be as well-turned-out as her mistress, she must blend in with polite society. Maggie’s mob cap and dark, plain clothing would look quite out of place on Bond Street.” What was Penny thinking? She seemed to have no sense of the natural division between the well-born classes and those who served them.

  “Perhaps I could purchase some nicer clothing for her. Or, that is, you could.” The look she gave him was so sweet and winsome, Marcus felt himself weakening. He had to admit Maggie had done wonders with Penny’s hair. The striking young woman standing before him bore little resemblance to the messy hoyden he’d first encountered. And not having to deal with an agency would save him quite a bit of time. Although if he made Maggie Penny’s maid, he’d have to hire a cook. But Bowes could take care of that.

  “Very well,” he said, “Maggie may escort you. And you have my leave to purchase her a few inexpensive garments.” He fixed Penny with a stern look. “Given that your wardrobe is probably costing a fortune, I trust that you will be frugal with hers.”

  “Of course. Thank you!”

  The smile Penny gave him was so luminous he almost regretted his harsh tone. Really, a few gowns and furbelows were a small price to pay for a property like Horngate. And they would be wed, James’s bizarre wager notwithstanding. What the devil was his friend thinking, betting that he would fall in love? The very idea was absurd. Penny might be fetching, but that didn’t mean he was about to lose his head over her. He might grow fond of his future wife, but that was all.

  With that comforting thought in mind, he went to get Bowes and talk to him about hiring a cook.

  ****

  “You really want me to serve as your lady’s maid? Truly?” Maggie’s eyes were wide with astonishment.

  “Yes. There’s no reason for Revington to hire someone else. After all, you did quite well at curling my hair.”

  Maggie clutched her hands together, looking distressed. “But I don’t have no clothes, that is, any clothes appropriate to being a maid.”

  “I intend to remedy that. I have leave from Mr. Revington to purchase what’s required.”

  Maggie smiled. “Blimey, but you’re a miracle worker. Mr. Revington’s normally right tight with his money. You should see how he’s on me about buying provisions at the market. Always reminding me that it’s just him I’m cooking for and not to be extravagant.” She straightened abruptly. “The market! Who’s going to buy the food and cook it if I’m busy waiting on you?”

  “Revington’s hiring another cook. I suspect he thinks it will be cheaper to pay for kitchen help than for a lady’s maid.”

  “Ah, so that’s how you done it.” Maggie nodded knowingly. “You’re right clever, miss. You appear to have the master all figured.”

  “I wish that were true. Frankly, every time I think I understand what he’s about, he does something to surprise me. At any rate, you and I are going shopping today. Until we get you some new garments, you can wear my old pelisse.” She scrutinized Maggie. “And we have to do something about your hair.”

  “What do you think?” Maggie asked, smiling broadly. “Perhaps we should curl it?”

  Penny laughed. “Probably not. But I do think we should try putting it up. Take off your mop cap and sit down.” She motioned to the chair in front of the dressing table.

  Maggie frowned. “It don’t seem right for you to wait on me.”

  “It’s no bother. Just pretend I’m your sister.”

  Maggie dutif
ully sat in the chair. As Penny started brushing out her curls, Maggie sighed. “I wonder how my sisters are getting on these days. I haven’t seen them in nearly a year.”

  “How many do you have?”

  “Four sisters…and three brothers.”

  “I envy you. I haven’t any siblings.”

  “It’s just you then? What about your parents?”

  “Both dead. The only close relative I have left is my cousin Adrian, but I’d rather not talk about him. What about Mr. Revington? Do you know anything about his family? I understand he has an older brother who’s the heir. Has he ever visited here?”

  “Not that I know of. The master is not much for having people to the house. Except for Mr. Ludingham.”

  “Ah, Mr. Ludingham. What do you know about him? He seems like a very nice gentleman.”

  “Aye. He’s a right genial sort. Spends a lot of time with Mr. Revington, he does.”

  Penny’s thoughts again turned to the wager the two men had made. What was James’s purpose in betting against Revington falling in love with her? Had he done it simply for his own amusement, or was he truly concerned for her?

  As soon as Maggie’s hair was finished, they set out for Bond Street in Revington’s carriage, with the footman Jeremy driving. When they reached the fashionable district, Penny said, “Before we shop for you, I want to go back to Madame Dubonet’s. She’s the modiste who’s making my wardrobe.”

  “What should I do in the meantime, miss?”

  She didn’t want Maggie to hear her conversation with the modiste. “Perhaps you could wait outside. I shouldn’t be long.”

  Madame greeted Penny as soon as she stepped into the shop. “Demoiselle! How lovely to see you again. I’m afraid your clothing isn’t quite finished yet. But it shouldn’t be more than another day or so.”

  “The thing is, I was hoping to make a few changes before then.”

  Madame raised her perfectly arched brows in surprise. “Has something happened? Have you discovered you are enceinte?”