“The skill is to find your opponent’s weakness.” Jessica spoke as if she were the sanest person in the room. “I lured you into making a mistake. Blent said men have a particular strategy that is easy to predict.”
Yes, Blent was a fountain of knowledge.
; D’Angelo laughed. “She had you all hot and bothered when the conversation turned to the anatomy of mermaids. And I imagine the constant swigs of rum didn’t help.”
Sloane gave a sly grin. “Now I’m aware of your strategy, Miss Draper, let’s see how you fare when I’m sober. We shall have a rematch after breakfast tomorrow, and you may confide your teacher’s secrets.”
Jessica’s amusement faded. “I would never betray a confidence. There is nothing between loyalty and disloyalty, sir. One is faithful to one’s word, or one is not. That’s what I keep explaining to Dr Goodwin, but he is forever making excuses.”
Oh, Goodwin was undoubtedly unfaithful.
Sloane relaxed back in the chair. “Perhaps Dr Goodwin tries to see the good in everyone. Even those who have behaved abominably.”
Jessica hugged her arms and shivered. “Blent said people who lie don’t deserve a second chance.”
“I waver between both points of view.” Sloane narrowed his gaze. “Are you suffering from the cold again, Miss Draper?”
D’Angelo moved to stoke the fire, but the room was already so hot it was suffocating.
Sophia hurried to her sister’s side. “You complained about feeling the chills earlier this evening. Perhaps we should retire. And you need a good night’s sleep if you wish to beat Mr Sloane at chess tomorrow.”
Sloane stood and strode to the bell pull. “I’ll have Mrs Brogan bring you a tisane, something to keep the cold at bay.”
“I pray it tastes better than Mrs Friswell’s restorative. The concoction is vile. But it works wonders when one feels they can do nothing but sleep.”
Sophia glanced at Finlay. The narrative he read in those worried blue eyes conveyed suspicion. To his knowledge, the only medicinal remedies Jessica ingested were prescribed by the doctor, not Mrs Friswell. He saw a flicker of something else there, too. A need to escape. A need for peace. A need he knew well.
Sloane flashed a wicked smile. “A dash of rum banishes the bitter taste of some herbs.” He bowed. “Until tomorrow, Miss Draper. I shall, no doubt, spend a sleepless night considering my strategy.”
D’Angelo laughed. “I would concentrate on calming your pulse whenever someone mentions mermaids.”
Sophia’s watery smile held barely a hint of amusement. She draped her arm around Jessica’s shoulder and rubbed her sister’s arm affectionately. “Come. Let us retire. You can tell me all about Mr Sloane’s weaknesses.” She turned to their host. “Good night, Mr Sloane. Mr D’Angelo.”
“Good night,” the gentlemen said in unison.
“Good night, Mr Cole.” She stopped before him for a heartbeat that felt as long as seven years. “Thank you for an enjoyable evening.”
The urge to follow her upstairs, to steal a kiss, burned like the devil.
He bowed. “My pleasure.”
A few days ago he might have spouted nonsense about duty, about his obligation to the Order. A few days ago, he hadn’t made love to the woman who haunted his dreams. Now, love and loyalty to Sophia overshadowed his commitment to Lucius Daventry.
He watched her leave the room, his hungry gaze following the gentle sway of her hips. The further she walked, the more fierce the primal tug. Parting brought deep sorrow. It was the reason he’d avoided her company the last few years.
Finlay released a weary sigh. He turned to his friends to find both men gaping. “Why the slack jaws? One would think I was standing naked and gripping my ballocks.”
Sloane shook his head and tutted. “At times like these, I long for Ashwood’s rationale.”
Having wed Miss Dunn less than a week ago, their colleague was enjoying the delights of married life before returning to take another case.
“Ashwood has more pressing matters on his mind than Dr Goodwin’s treachery.”
D’Angelo arched a brow. “I believe Sloane is referring to your love for Lady Adair, not the devious goings-on at Blackborne.”
“I see.” There was little point denying the truth. “Am I so transparent?”