Fortune's Son by Emery Lee Read Free Book Online Page A

presume that you have never been to a public masquerade.”
    â€œWhy would you say such a thing?”
    â€œBecause Belsize House by morning is a place of genteel company and breathtaking vistas, but by night takes on quite another character altogether. It is the milieu of sharpers, harlots, scoundrels, and rogues.”
    â€œBut I was invited to accompany a perfectly respectable party from Leicester House. With the prince and princess in attendance, what harm can befall me? I would like you to meet me there.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œTo play, of course. If we arrive separately, no one will know we are together.”
    â€œYou propose for us to play as confederates?” he asked in astonishment.
    â€œWell… yes, I suppose. Did we not do so, in a manner of speaking, at Marylebone? I can provide the capital—”
    â€œCouch stake,” he corrected.
    â€œPardon?”
    â€œThe initial wager is the couch stake, my lady.” He smiled indulgently. “Are you quite certain you wish to pursue this course with so little knowledge of gaming?”
    â€œBut that is precisely why I have you. With your extraordinary skills, how can we lose?”
    â€œWe? Now it’s a partnership?”
    â€œPrecisely!” She beamed up into a glowering face.
    â€œNo. I don’t think so, my lady.”
    â€œWh-what did you say?”
    â€œI said no.”
    â€œI heard you.”
    â€œThen why did you ask?”
    â€œBecause you said no!” She scowled in petulance. While most men of her acquaintance were effortlessly led by the nose, Philip, she realized with dismay, would not be as easily manipulated as she had thought.
    â€œI’ll be a very apt pupil,” she insisted.
    He answered with impatience, as if addressing a simpleton or a child. “The point isn’t whether or not you can learn the skills, but your naïveté about those who habit the tables. Only years of experience and particularly keen senses allow one to identify those who would place you at a disadvantage. There are many who prey on the inexperienced, particularly upon members of the frail sex.”
    â€œBut are you not one of that same society? The very ones who prey on the inexperienced and the so-called frail sex?”
    His expression revealed his resentment at the insinuation. “It appears you grossly misapprehend my manner of play, Lady Messingham.”
    â€œI saw you at the hazard table. The punters who endeavored to set you had little chance.” She moved gracefully to the silk damask sofa, where she perched and patted the seat beside her billowing skirts. She turned her face to him, attentive but dubious. “Pray explain yourself.”
    Philip moved to take his place beside her, feeling as ungainly as a virgin schoolboy. What in hell was wrong with him? Then, there it was again, her scent. His nostrils flared to take it in.
    â€œYou were saying…” she prompted expectantly.
    He looked blank for an instant and then mentally shook away the descending fog. “Er… I was saying that you misunderstand me.”
    â€œIn what way is that? Are you not a professional gamester?”
    He looked uncomfortable and then carefully chose his words. “The question is not so easily answered. While I don’t deny taking my living from the green tables, I assure you that I endeavor to maintain… certain standards… in my play.”
    â€œDo you indeed?” Her half smile accompanied by a lift of her finely shaped brows bespoke disbelief.
    â€œFirst of all, I endeavor never to sit down with a lady, or even with a man who has already over-imbibed. I find no allure in taking from those so disadvantaged. These players present ready targets, pigeons for plucking for those less scrupled, but I am not of their ilk.”
    â€œI would like to know in what way you consider women disadvantaged ?” she bristled.
    â€œI only mean to say that ladies, suffering