Lady Pamela and the Gambler (The Merry Misfits of Bath 3)

He couldn’t help but wonder if Miss Davenport’s status as an orphan from the country had affected their behavior. He was certain if Lady Pamela, a member of the ton, had been abducted there would have been much more of a hue and cry.

The officer they spoke with indicated that since Miss Davenport had been taken from Bath it was a Bath police issue. Mallory said once Miss Davenport was settled in his sister’s house, he would have her go to the Bath police, but Miss Davenport seemed reluctant to do so. Both men also discussed how important it was to alert the police to Mrs. O’Leary’s part in the incident.

The police had suggested that Nick might suffer from some repercussions for his part in freeing Miss Davenport, and he should be cautious. Although he listened, he knew with his underworld connections he was quite safe.

He patted his jacket pocket where a diamond ring sat, ready for him to put it on Pamela’s finger when he proposed to her. They hadn’t spoken about their future with Pamela lending support and a comforting ear to Miss Davenport. Since she would be leaving for Lady Berkshire’s home in Bath the next morning, he would wait until she was on her way before speaking with Pamela about their future. He couldn’t wait to officially make her his.

Grossman entered the room and bowed. “Mr. Smith a missive has arrived for you. The bearer asked to wait for an answer.”

Nick reached out and took the note.

Mr. Smith,

I request a meeting at White’s at three this afternoon, if that suits. I believe we have something to discuss, since we have a mutual interest in my sister, Lady Pamela Manning.

David, Earl of Mulgrave

Nick frowned. He knew Pamela had a brother, who while maybe not estranged, at least they certainly held no close relationship. As far as he knew she’d received no word or visit from the man since they’d been in London.

“Tell the messenger that I will accept his lordship’s request for a meeting.”

Grossman bowed again and left the room. Nick tapped the corner of the note on the desk.

Nick had to admit to some trepidation when he entered White’s at three that afternoon. Since he had never met the man, he asked a footman to direct him.

Lord Mulgrave stood as Nick approached and held out his hand. “Thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Smith.” He waved to a chair across from him. “Please, have a seat.”

Nick settled in and adjusted his jacket, waiting for Mulgrave to speak since this was his show.

“Would you care for a drink?”

Wishing to get over whatever it was that this man had to say, he shook his head. “No thank you.”

“Very well.” Mulgrave straightened in his seat. “I wish to speak with you man to man.”

Since it was apparent they were indeed both men, the man’s opening seemed a bit superfluous, but Nick remained silent and studied Mulgrave. Mulgrave did resemble Pamela in some ways. Same color hair, not quite as curly, same color eyes, but not with the warmth he saw in Pamela’s. Both had slender builds.

“It has come to my attention that my sister has developed, I guess what one would call a fancy, for you.”

Nick’s brows rose, but he remained silent.

Mulgrave cleared his throat. “I might as well just say it. You are from a disreputable background and upbringing. My sister is a member of the nobility and has been raised as a lady to take her place in Society as such.”

Not only did Nick decide right then and there that he disliked the man, he also wanted to punch him in the face. However, a gentleman did not do such a thing in a gentleman’s club. Perhaps he would invite the pompous arse to meet him at a boxing club. “Go on.”

“She is most likely fascinated with you because she has always been a bit on the shy side, and…strange.”

“Strange?” If the man didn’t hear the threat in his voice, he was more stupid than Nick had first thought.

Apparently, he had noticed because he shook his head a

nd held up his hand. “I don’t mean that in a negative way—”

“—indeed?”

Mulgrave sighed. “Let’s speak plainly.”

“You haven’t seemed to have a problem doing just that so far.”