Page 112 of From Rakes to Riches

Although hearing she’d been threatened and still might be in danger cleared his thinking. He would share his feelings this evening.

Regardless of this plan, nothing could transpire until after the card game. And he needed to be focused, attuned to every detail at the club. Fremont’s death had uncovered so many unexpected twists and turns thus far, Theodore didn’t want to miss a telling clue.

He entered the club, nodding to acquaintances as he strode toward the card room, noticing the familiar scent of cigar smoke and men’s cologne water. Was the stranger who’d threatened Lola right here in the club with him? He clenched his fists in frustration. The few facts he had?—

dark hair, dark horse, medium build—were hardly useful.

“Huntington. Mowbray.” He approached the two men across the room. When he reached them, Huntington stood up for a hearty handshake, but the baron stayed seated, only sparing a nod in greeting.

“I told Mowbray you’d be joining us this evening,” Huntington said as they settled around the table. “It’s always invigorating to add new blood to the game.”

“Thank you for the invitation,” Theodore said. He was anxious to get to the core of the issue but he knew he’d have to act the carefree gambler and instill a sense of harmless companionship before Mowbray would start talking. The gentleman looked as surly and reticent as when Theodore had seen him days ago.

“Essex is recently home from America.” Huntington picked up the deck of cards and began to deal. “Good you returned in one piece. I hear men over there are savage and uncivilized while women have far too many freedoms. It’s an odd combination.”

“I think you listen to too much gossip,” Theodore answered, pleased his friend had unknowingly initiated a pathway intothe conversation Theodore most wanted to have tonight. “Americans are unique. That’s true. But I found their confidence and outspokenness to be refreshing. I’ve never had difficulty accepting differences.” Lola came to mind and he stifled a smile before he continued. “It was a good trip and I accomplished several interesting investment ventures, although returning home to the news of Fremont’s death was a shock I never anticipated.”

Mowbray rearranged his cards and took a long sip of brandy, but he didn’t readily add to the conversation.

“Yes. Wretched news,” Huntington said as he discarded and drew three new cards. “The two of you were good friends, weren’t you?”

“For many years, yes,” Theodore continued. “It will be a balm to my grief when more is learned about what happened.”

He went quiet, hoping Mowbray would comment or at least concur, but the baron hardly moved. He stared at his cards, only placing them down on the table to push a lock of hair from his forehead and drink more brandy.

“It’s a devil of a mystery,” Huntington said after revealing his points and marking everyone’s score for the round. “Don’t you agree, Mowbray?”

Mowbray raised his head, shook another dark lock from his forehead and commented for the first time since they’d begun playing. His expression was unreadable. “English gentlemen, for all their fine breeding and education, can be just as savage as those American men of whom you speak. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fremont was tangled up in something complicated and desperate, a conflict that ultimately brought about his demise.”

The chilling comment held the table silent for several awkward minutes. Fremont was a likable fellow as evidenced by the huge turnout for his viewing. Complicated and desperate weren’t words Theodore would ever associate with his friend.Quite the opposite. Fremont was always after a bit of simple, good-natured fun. Nothing more.

“That sounds rather grim,” Huntington said at last.

“I suppose.” Mowbray shuffled the deck and began to deal. “I’d heard someone had Fremont tightly in their grasp. Perhaps the situation went awry and his death was a result.”

Theodore eyed Mowbray steadily. What did the baron know? He spoke as if he had factual information instead of repeated rumor.

“I can’t imagine why anyone would cause trouble for Fremont. But I suppose if someone was in a bad way and had money troubles, the situation could lead to desperate actions,” Theodore replied. “It’s my hope that in due time the truth will be told.”

Mowbray finished his brandy but didn’t say more. Huntington eyed Theodore, his brows raised expectantly. Eventually, the conversation progressed to politics and horses. Not another word was said in regard to the murder.

Two hours later, Mowbray collected his coins and left the club. Theodore and Huntington walked to the mews as they discussed the evening.

“I’d hardly call that successful,” Huntington said. “Mowbray’s behavior was odd. His remarks hint at knowledge but he didn’t clarify anything beyond his own opinion.”

“Yes, that was disappointing, although I can’t dismiss his words so easily,” Theodore said as they reached the mews. “Let me know if he says anything of interest during one of your future games. It could be he wasn’t as comfortable with me sitting in or he may have a comment about that very circumstance the next time you play.”

“I will.” Huntington accepted his gray from the stable hand and gestured toward the back exit. “There he goes now.”

Theodore watched Mowbray melt into the night, his black greatcoat flapping against his stallion’s ebony hide as he rode away.

Lola saidgood night to Sofia and her brothers before she went upstairs to her room. Her performance this evening went smoothly. She’d walked the rope with perfection, her mind clear and sense of balance in place. The stranger’s threat still caused her worry, but she wouldn’t allow it to steal her composure. All she could do was continue to be careful whenever she was alone. Her contrary emotions regarding Theodore were already overwhelming.

She changed into a loose blouse and calf-length skirt before she moved to the window and looked out at the night sky. What was Theodore doing right now? She assumed he kept a full social schedule of the Season’s ongoing events as most titled gentlemen preferred to do. Right now, he was probably waltzing across a glittering ballroom with a beautiful debutante in his arms. Afterward he’d escort her home in his sophisticated carriage. Would she allow him a kiss when her maid wasn’t looking? Foolish woman, who wouldn’t want his kiss?

The sound of approaching horse hooves drew her attention from the stars to the street and with it came an involuntary shiver. All Sofia’s warnings made Lola suspicious of shadows. But when a lone horseman came into view, her heart sped up for a different reason. An unbidden smile curled her mouth.

Theodore looked incredibly handsome atop his mount. He stopped when he reached her building and glanced up at the second floor, his smile matching hers when he spied her at the window.

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