A Wicked Wager (Avenging Lords 2)

The mere allusion to the baron’s hunt for the letters drew Juliet’s gaze to her father. Lady Greystone had rejoined her husband, leaving Hannah and the baron muttering quietly between themselves.

They were the last people she wanted in her home. Now that they were here, she should make every effort to uncover more clues.

“Forgive me, Mr Dariell. I shall leave you in my husband’s capable hands for I must speak to my father.”

“Of course, madame.” He smiled. “And have no fear. A kind heart offers immunity to a viper’s venom.”

The comment went some way to easing Juliet’s anxiety. “Even so, I shall have a care when my sister extends her fangs.”

Sucking in a deep breath, and after receiving the tender touch of Devlin’s hand on her arm, Juliet crossed the room to greet her father.

They finished their little tête-à-tête as soon as they witnessed her approach.

“Shouldn’t you go and see what’s delaying dinner?” Hannah spoke as if Juliet were still a servant in her household.

“I’m sure it won’t be much longer.” Noting the sour look on Hannah

’s face, Juliet chose to be blunt. “I’m surprised you came. No doubt you have a host of people longing for your good company tonight.”

Sarcasm was lost on Hannah, but Juliet enjoyed the newfound freedom that permitted her to speak her mind.

“What? And have everyone bombard me with questions about you?” Hannah turned up her nose. “Everyone wants to know about my father’s secret daughter,” she said, her tone more a high-pitched screech. “Everyone wants to know about the woman Devlin Drake won in a wager.”

What about me? she might have said.

“And would you not welcome the attention, Hannah?” Oh, Juliet intended to wring this conversation for everything it was worth. A kind heart only went so far. “After all, it would make a change to tell the truth for once rather than have to invent sordid stories of scandal.”

A scarlet blush tainted Hannah’s cheeks. “As you spent most of your time in the scullery, Juliet dear, I hardly think your opinion qualifies. And regardless of your present status, you will call me Miss Bromfield.”

“Of course. And you will call me Mrs Drake.”

Hannah huffed.

“Perhaps you should join Lady Greystone, Hannah. It does no harm to make yourself appear more amenable.” While the baron spoke to the spiteful creature at his side, he kept his keen gaze trained on Juliet.

“But I don’t want to—”

“Go,” their father commanded. “I want five minutes alone with your sister.”

The baron offered Juliet his arm. Once, she would have been thrilled by the prospect of walking with her father. Now, the thought filled her with dread.

“Shall we step out into the hall?” the baron continued. “I think a little privacy is called for. After all, I did not come all this way to sample Drake’s best brandy.”

Nerves knotted in Juliet’s stomach. Oh, it was foolish to think the baron would do her harm in her own house. Not when he needed her cooperation. Besides, with a burning curiosity to discover the truth, she had no choice but to accept.

But it seemed fate had other plans.

Withers entered the drawing room to inform them that dinner was served.

The baron cursed beneath his breath. “Just find those damn letters.” He tugged on her arm and drew her closer. “I know they’re here. Ambrose told me so.”

“Perhaps he lied.”

“They’re too incriminating to destroy.”

The baron did not have an opportunity to say any more. Indeed, Devlin approached and did not leave her side for the rest of the evening. His friends monopolised the baron’s attention until it was time to retire.

“We’re sleeping together tonight,” Devlin whispered in her ear as they followed their guests upstairs to bed. “Although sleep will be the last thing on our minds.”