“Because some ladies are meant for fine things and some are not,” Westminster added.
Ellen was certain it was meant to be an insult, but her mouth twitched into a half smile all the same. Perhaps that was true, but not in the way the duke meant it. Perhaps some women were meant to fiddle away their lives on balls and fashion shows and on keeping up appearances with the rest of society while others, like her, were meant for more serious endeavors. If those were the standards by which Westminster judged society, then Ellen was the one destined for things that she considered fine after all.
Lady Margaret had nothing further to say to her father. She scowled like a petulant child, then turned and stomped back into the room she’d come from, which must have been the library.
“Forgive my daughter for her behavior,” Westminster said, addressing Lord Cathraiche and Prince Petrus predominantly. “And now, if you will follow me, Montrose and the rest of my guests are awaiting us in the billiard room.”
Westminster nodded, then turned to lead their group on. Ellen sent one final look to the library and rolled her eyes before moving with the others.
Just before they reached the door Westminster and the others had passed through, Joseph caught Ellen’s arm and pulled her to the side.
“Are you certain you are ready for this?” he asked, standing decidedly close to her. His face was lined with worry, and with love.
Ellen smiled, raising her hands to cup the sides of his face. “Sweetheart, I believe I was born for this.”
Joseph grinned and blushed a bit, which Ellen found absolutely charming. “You aren’t hurt by Lady Margaret?” he asked. “Or by the cruel things Westminster said?”
“Not at all,” Ellen replied. “Because it occurred to me as the duke spoke that some of us truly are meant for fine things.” Joseph looked uncertain for a moment before Ellen continued with, “You are the finest thing I could possibly imagine. I would choose you over balls and tea parties and fancy, titled ladies with their aloof manners and sneers any day.”
She leaned close and touched her lips to his. It was meant to be simple and sweet, but one taste and she wanted more.
Joseph wanted more as well. He closed his arms around her and tugged her close, slanting his mouth over hers and stealing a much more passionate kiss. Within moments, Ellen’s head was spinning, her body was buzzing with need, and everything she’d ever known about poker and gambling flew right out of her head. All she wanted to do was find the nearest private room and spend the rest of her night there with Joseph.
The sound of someone clearing their throat very close to them shocked both of them out of their bliss. They jumped and pivoted to find Mr. Long standing just outside the door, grinning at them.
“As much as I’d like to allow this activity to continue,” he began, gesturing between the two of them with a smirk, “David is needed in here to slay Goliath.” He winked at Ellen, then popped his head back into the billiard room.
Ellen took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
“Are you ready?” Joseph asked, taking her hand.
Ellen nodded, and together the two of them marched on into the most important game Ellen had ever played.
Chapter Nineteen
A great many things occurred to Joseph all at once as he and Ellen joined the other men in the ballroom. First, Westminster must have taken the entire poker game scheme seriously, because he’d reoutfitted his entire billiard room expressly for the purpose. The billiard table was gone, and in its place was a round table of smooth, dark wood with several chairs around it. He appeared to have hired a professional card dealer as well. A balding man in ordinary clothes sat at one of the places, shuffling swiftly through a deck of cards.
Montrose sat at the table as well, sorting through another deck of cards as though inspecting it. He was dressed as if to attend a ball, but wore a deeply anxious expression. That expression could have been caused by the plainly dressed man who stood against the wall behind him. That man was obviously part of the gang of toughs that stood outside Grosvenor House. This one was likely there to force Montrose to follow through with things. Joseph had no idea how the man had been allowed entrance into Westminster’s house, but that was, perhaps, just another signal that Westminster wanted their scheme to be a success.
The second thing that occurred to Joseph was that he was in way over his head right from the very start.
“Mr. Rathborne-Paxton, Miss Garrett,” Westminster greeted them as they stepped into the room. “How good of you to join us.” He launched right into introductions. “I believe you know Mr. Long and Mr. Montrose. Clearly you are acquainted with your brother and Prince Petrus of Aegiria.”
As he gestured to Prince Petrus—who had taken a seat at the table on Montrose’s left, as though he were actually going to play—Joseph’s gut lurched. Had Francis just said the prince was their brother? Had Petrus truly just confessed that his mother had had a dalliance with their father? It was astounding, remarkable…and again, something he would have to wait to think about until Montrose was vanquished.
“You may not know Lord Cecil,” Westminster continued with his introductions. “Or Mr. Foley. They are business associates of mine who will be joining the game this evening.”
“I did not agree to this many people taking part in this folly,” Montrose growled, shifting agitatedly in his seat. “If ever I needed proof that this entire evening is a trap, this is it.”
Joseph frowned slightly as he and Ellen took seats at the table after Westminster sat. So Montrose knew the game was a trap. But he was there all the same. Not that he could back out now with the man behind him glaring the way he was and the others outside the house. It was enough to make Joseph wonder if they even needed to proceed with the game itself.
As all of the players took their seats and scooted closer to the table, Montrose glared at Ellen, who had taken a seat across from him. “What is a woman doing at this table?” he demanded, sneering at Ellen as though he could intimidate her.
“Miss Garrett has asked to join us this evening,” Westminster said, though he looked deeply uncertain about Ellen’s presence as well.
“She has no business being here,” Montrose snapped. “Women have no place in either gambling or business, and we all know that tonight’s events are a little of both.”
“I am sorry if my presence offends you, sir,” Ellen said, feigning sheepishness. She knocked Joseph’s leg under the table with her foot, then went on with, “I only came this evening as a means of showing support to my betrothed and his family. I could leave if you wanted me to.” She began to rise.