He wished that he could pound the man into the floor tonight, but such an action would be one of great misguidance.
He entered the room slowly, looked about and spotted his prey. He sauntered over and lowered himself into the leather chair beside Lord Turnbridge.
Lord Turnbridge was sprawled out and his cravat was surprisingly askew. He was drinking a great deal already and smoke was curling up from the cheroot held between his fingertips.
In fact, the man looked quite disheveled.
Turnbridge squinted at him. “Good God, it’s you.”
“It is,” he drawled… the man was not at his best, and was clearly prepared to be blunt in his disdain for Tom’s recent good fortune.
“I suppose you should join me in a brandy. Or does your sort prefer gin?”
Tom stared back for a long moment. “I’ve learned to appreciate brandy.”
Turnbridge simply nodded, then leaned back and stared up at the ceiling.
Tom wanted to laugh but not out of humor. His disgust coated him.
Was this the best the ton had to offer?
“I saw you dancing with Lady Elizabeth,” Turnbridge said, his lip curling at the name.
Tom forced his face to remain calm. Apparently, Turnbridge still held her in his thoughts after his failed attack and loss of the wager.
Tom made a quick decision and declared, “She’s a fine piece. Is she not?”
“Indeed, but think not of her.” Turnbridge snorted. “She thinks herself above everyone.”
“Well, she certainly is above me,” Tom said.
Turnbridge sighed. “Yes, I suppose she is.” But then Turnbridge lowered his brown gaze and said slowly, “And don’t you wish that you could just pull her down and rid her of that… just a bit?”
“Remind her she’s just a woman,” Tom replied, bridging his hands as he leaned in, giving the appearance of approval to Turnbridge’s statement. “That’s what the ladies need, isn’t it? Being put in their place?”
Turnbridge pivoted to him surprised. “I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked to hear something from a man of, well, of your origins and all that.”
Tom merely smiled. “We know exactly how to treat ladies where I’m from. It’s you lords who don’t know how to make them behave. A good knock about, and they do whatever you say.”
Turnbridge put his brandy down. “Here, here, someone who finally says what we’re all thinking aloud.”
Tom then deliberately added. “Money allows me the freedom to say what I please.”
Turnbridge tensed with distaste. “We don’t speak about money. It’s not done.”
And the fool fell easily. It was so predictable. The ton loathed the actual discussion of coin… though they were determined to hoard it.
“Not even in regards to a wager?” Tom queried.
“I beg your pardon.”
Tom paused, eyeing the other man then ventured. “I heard a rumor.”
“A rumor,” Turnbridge repeated.
“Yes, a rumor about Lady Elizabeth and a certain wager made in a club.Myclub.”
Turnbridge laughed suddenly. “Oh, I’d forgotten, it was your club.”