Page 17 of The Duke of Aces
“But then I would be left out of so very many interesting conversations.” Minerva’s mouth curved into a grin that disappeared moments later.
Drake’s familiar face appeared behind her sister. “What are you two lovely ladies fighting over now?”
“Drat,” Minerva mumbled and then plastered a smile on her face but didn’t turn to face the man Isadora knew her sister was still in love with.
Drake maneuvered his way to stand between them and frowned. He leaned in closer and whispered, “Isadora Malbury, step away from Avondale. You are entirely too close to the man.”
How Minerva could predict Drake’s actions with such precision astounded her. It was a shame Drake was too cowardly to act upon his own feelings for Minerva—they were perfect for one another.
Tom turned to join in the conversation as the sound of fingers snapping caught Isadora’s attention. “Ah, Lord Drake, perfect timing. Might I suggest you see to Lady Minerva? I would hate for her brother, your best friend, Kent, to hear how you allowed those hyenas close to her.” Tom raised his chin slightly to his left.
Isadora whipped her head about to discover Lord Mansville was yet again hovering nearby.
Drake swept his hand wide with a slight bow. “Minerva, Lady Charlotte, will you allow me the pleasure of escorting you the rest of the way to the finish line?”
Minerva and Lady Charlotte each nodded their consent. The trio moved forward.
Isadora was about to take a step to follow when Tom leaned in closer. “Nothing to fear. If Drake fails, my sister will prevail.”
Tom guided her through the throng of onlookers, all vying for the perfect vantage point. She lost sight of Minerva. She could only hope that her sister would refrain from making any rash movements now that Drake was present.
Unable to assist her sister, Isadora faced Tom and asked the question that was top of her mind. “What alerted you to Mansville’s presence?”
“Mansville has a particular habit of slapping his hand against the tails of his coat when he is in the vicinity of your sister. My sister has the hearing of a bat, a fact you should keep in mind at all times.” He looped her arm through his as if he, too, wished to never break contact. “It was Charlotte who alerted me. Two snaps of her fingers alert me that there is danger close by. Three snaps is a request for assistance.”
“What an intriguing system the two of you have devised.”
“It’s not our own, our parents taught it to us.” A sadness washed over his features at the mention of his parents and then quickly disappeared.
Isadora recalled her father discussing with her mama—on one of the very rare evenings her parents both had sat at the dining table together—the tragic event of Tom’s parents’ death, lost at sea. She wanted to console Tom, but her sister Diana was the master of phrases, not her.
At a loss for the words to soothe, Isadora said, “Minerva also has impeccable hearing. I shall have to share with her of Mansville’s habit, so she won’t ever be caught off guard.”
Tom effortlessly led her up a gentle slope until they were standing with a clear view of the finish line. “No need. Charlotte will see to it.”
It was endearing how the Avondales treated Minerva like family.
Family? If she were to lose the wager today, not only would she be scrambling to win Wembly Hall, she’d also be fighting to retain her membership with the Wicked Ladies Salon. Isadora counted down the minutes until the horses were released and her future decided.
Chapter Nine
Tom nearly missedwitnessing the quarter horse cross the finish line first. Isadora’s expressive face had captured his full attention while the horses thundered toward them.
Eyes bright with excitement, Isadora turned to face him. “Well, my lord, it seems like Lady Luck continues to reside on your shoulder.”
His pick had won by the barest of margins. “Perhaps. However, if the course had been a mere three lengths shorter, you, my lady, would have claimed victory.”
“Are you always such a gracious winner?” She tilted her head slightly and narrowed her eyes upon him.
She was examining him like a bug under a magnifying glass, and oddly, he found it flattering rather than unpleasant. What did Isadora see? He hoped a man she could envision a life with. For every additional moment he spent with her, she proved his instincts were correct as usual.
From behind them, Charlotte said, “Tom’s never so civil when he is the victor over me.”
Isadora’s gaze left him, and he wanted to curse the heavens for his sister’s interruption. “Where is Minerva?” Isadora’s finger bit into his arm as she searched the crowd for her sister.
“Unfortunately, after Lord Drake and I successfully convinced Lord Mansville and his lot to leave the races early for more lively activities back in Town, Minerva attempted to dispatch Lord Drake in a similar fashion and failed. At Lord Drake’s refusal to leave, your sister stomped her foot, and it must have landed at an odd angle upon a rock because she let out a cry of pain. Before she crumpled to the ground, Lord Drake had her in his arms and pressed close to his chest.” Charlotte looked at Tom. “He was quite the white knight carrying her all the way to his carriage.”
“Minerva left with Drake? Alone? Did anyone else see them leave together?” Isadora’s gaze fell steadily upon Charlotte, but concern had her voice wavering slightly.
