Page 16 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
The irresponsible men who survived, who slithered around in the belly of the beast, became decoys to lure other gullible fools to their destruction. Even noblemen of high rank did not hesitate to fill these ignominious roles, and for each mark they introduced to Crockford’s, they received a recompense proportionate to the spoil that was obtained. To keep up appearances with their fellow members, these ruined lacqueys actually paid their Crockford’s subscriptions with the money they skimmed from others. It was a disgrace. Buckden had fallen prey to one of the decoys, the infamous Lord Bishop. Buckden was more the fool, for he had no notion of the gambling hell he found himself in. Leopold found the establishment and its unsavory practices quite distasteful.
Buckden sighed heavily in resignation, shame heavy in his expression. “How did you come to know of it? I thought I would have more time to turn my fortunes around or put my affairs in order,” his voice tinged with defeat.
Buckden drained his glass and got up to refill it while Leopold took another sip of the fiery liquid that burned his throat.
“I have bought all your debt,” Leopold said matter-of-factly.
Buckden finished his drink in one swallow and poured another before he slumped in his chair, causing it to scrapeacross the floor. Gambling debts were “debts of honor” to be paid before debts to shopkeepers or tailors and such. If Lord Bishop called in Buckden’s debt, he would be ruined because he could not pay.
Buckden’s shoulders slumped, eyes downcast, and he leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk. Leopold would never understand how Buckden had kept his shoulder to the wheel and made such a meteoric rise, only to plummet from the heights of society to the depths of poverty.
Leopold’s voice filled the silence. “As you know, the debt was held by Lord Bishop. You may not know that Lord Bishop is a nefarious character and is intertwined with Crockford’s dealings. He planned to call in your debt and ruin you.”
Leopold did not think it was possible, but the baron sank lower into his chair.
“I do not seek to call in your debt, Buckden,” Leopold explained, smiling slightly.
The baron’s gaze jerked up to Leopold’s face with a dubious look.
“You may be wondering why I bought your debt and why I would not call it in,” Leopold said.
“The thought has crossed my mind,” Buckden said expectantly.
“You have my word that I do not seek your destruction. I have other plans,” Leopold said.
Leopold was not staking a bet on the hazard table, but he was taking a leap in the dark on something much more valuable.
The baron frowned. “Other plans?”
Leopold knew that he had the upper hand in this negotiation. Buckden would not be foolish enough to dismiss him. Lord Bishop would not have been as kind to him. Leopold had rescued Lord Buckden and his family from a far worse fate.
Buckden scrutinized Leopold and raised a brow. “What do you propose?”
“I will not call in the debt, nor will I relinquish the properties to you. Instead, I will have a steward manage the estate, and you will receive an annual income. Miss Corbett has accompanied me to social events for the season, yet she has refused to discuss marriage. I am out of patience. You will speak to her and urge her to accept my offer. I have come to care for her, and she will be treated well. There is no reason for her to fear marriage with me,” Leopold said.
Buckden sat back in his chair and gazed at the ceiling as if contemplating. A mere formality, Leopold thought, because Buckden would not get a better offer. Of that, Leopold was certain. Buckden faced him, and Leopold held his steady gaze.
“I will speak with my daughter,” he replied.
Leopold ought not to want to leave any room for doubt. “See that she understands my position and yours should she refuse.” Those few words exuded Leopold’s power and influence. He was sure Lord Buckden was not in doubt of either. A subtle threat was enough for him to accomplish his goal.
Buckden nodded. “I shall. Leave it with me.”
The baron appeared deflated, but this was not his concern.
“I will see myself out,” Leopold announced as he departed the library. He had other pressing matters to attend to.
CHAPTER 8
Emma’s father had summoned her, and she wondered what he wanted to discuss. She knocked on the door and was admitted to the library. Her father was sitting behind his desk, wearing a grave expression.
“You sent for me, Father?” she asked as she sat across from him.
“Yes, my dear. There is something that I must discuss with you. It is not easy for me to admit, but when your mother passed away, I was indulging in certain vices to help me cope with the sense of loneliness and despair that I felt. I accepted your mother’s death, yet I was consumed with anger. Seeing all my children was a constant reminder of her and our happier days together,” her father explained.
Vices?
Emma was shocked. The image she had of her father was that of a hardworking gentleman. She did not associate him with any of the dreaded vices. Emma had hardly heard anything the baron said after he uttered the word vice. She tried to think ahead and decipher what the baron was trying to tell her. A darkcloud settled over her before she brushed the thought aside as silly superstition.
