Page 30 of The Viscount's Unlikely Ally
“I am sure that I will enjoy myself as I always do.”
“Although I will say,” Lord Marchmont said, studying Phillip with a suddenly severe eye. “You have not been behaving as I had thought you might.” His eyes flashed for a moment. “I do not mean to say that you are not a rogue, but rather that you have not been displaying any such behaviors of late.”
Not knowing whether to be pleased or embarrassed that his friend had noticed such a thing, Phillip hesitated before he replied, throwing out both hands.
“Mayhap I have decided to listen to your warnings after all.”
It was a minimal explanation, but it was one that Lord Marchmont seemed to accept, for he smiled widely and then slapped Phillip on the shoulder.
“Well, if that is true, I am very glad to hear it.” His hand fell back to his side. “Might I also say that I have seen you often in company with one particular young lady, recently?”
Phillip’s eyes flared with sudden alarm, only for Lord Marchmont to chuckle.
“You need not fear that I shall judge you, nor warn you away from her. It is only to note aloud that I am pleased to see you thinking so highly of only one young lady that you then draw near only to her… particularly when she pushed you away so quickly at the beginning of your acquaintance!”
Phillip immediately shook his head.
“Do not think well of me for it.” He put one hand to his heart. “I do believe that, had not certain circumstances taken place, I would have continued in my roguish ways.” Seeing Lord Marchmont’s eyes flare, he looked away, unwilling to speak of his struggles at present. “But yes, I suppose in a way, it is a good thing for this particular situation to have taken hold, for it has allowed me to see the consequences of my previous behaviors.”
Lord Marchmont nodded slowly, but held Phillip’s gaze in silence for some moments, perhaps waiting for Phillip to say something more. Phillip did not wish to disclose anything about Lord Anderton, not at this juncture, and thus, he simply shook his head.
“Well, whatever difficulties it is you speak of, I hope that they resolve themselves quickly.” Lord Marchmont offered him a small smile “If you are to find happiness with Miss Madeley, then I wish you success in that endeavor also.”
A somewhat broken laugh came from Phillip.
“I am entirely certain that Lord Prescott will be more than disinclined to accept me, should I seek to court his daughter.” It was not a thought he had given much consideration to of late, but now that Lord Marchmont had noticed his interest in Miss Madeley, it was something that Phillip had to consider. “I will not pretend that I am not affected by her, though I do not permit myself to think much of it.”
Lord Marchmont shrugged.
“Well, perhaps, if you continue along this path, Lord Prescott might be a little more open to considering you,” he suggested, making Phillip smile. “It may take time, but I am sure that, if you prove yourself - and if Miss Madeley is keen for your company also – and she certainly appears to be for she is not pushing you away– then mayhap you do have some hope after all.”
Before Phillip could say anything more, they were then called to the tables, and Phillip glanced to where Lord Yardley, and Lord Sherbourne stood. Seeing them edge their way to the table in the corner, he suggested to Lord Marchmont that they move to the same one. With a nod, Lord Marchmont made his way toward the table, with Phillip following. There were already a few gentlemen seated and Phillip greeted each one by name, treating Lord Sherbourne and Lord Yardley the same as the others, so that he would not make more of their presence. A glance over his shoulder told him that Lord Anderton was now in the drawing room, but was doing nothing other than wandering around the tables, showing no obvious intention of sitting down at any of them.
“Are you not to join us Lord Anderton?” Lord Sherbourne grinned as Lord Anderton strolled towards them. “It is an evening of card playing, is it not? I have heard by reputation that you enjoy an evening such as this!”
Lord Anderton laughed, but shook his head.
“Yes, that is true, but this evening I think I shall watch the first few games before I seat myself.” Laughing again, he tilted his head. “Alas, I am a little fatigued after a night of some excess,” he confessed, forcing a smile that did not touch his eyes. “I am sure you will not mind if I watch, however?”
“No, of course not,” another gentleman replied, looking a little relieved that Lord Anderton was not to join them.
Phillip said nothing, sitting in his seat and aware of his chest tightening at just how close Lord Anderton would be to him.
The face of Miss Madeley came into his mind, and Phillip took a deep breath, finding just the thought of her to be a comfort. What was it she had said to him?
Do just as Lord Anderton expects.
That was all he was to do. He was to behave just as Lord Anderton anticipated and that meant suggesting that liquor be placed upon the table, setting out a glass before Lord Marchmont, and making certain it was always full. Thereafter, he was to attempt to cheat in whatever way he could, in the hope that his other companions would not be aware of him doing so. In addition, he was to focus his attempts on Lord Marchmont, to try to steal as much coin from him as he could. Whether or not the endeavors to force this plan into failure would be successful, Phillip did not know, but he prayed it would be as they hoped.
“Are we quite ready?” Lord Sutton looked around the table, grinning widely as the gentlemen nodded. “Then shall we deal the cards?”
“Wait a moment.” Waving one hand, he garnered the attention of the others at the table. “Before we begin, would anyone like a glass of something to calm their nerves?” He forced a chuckle. “Lord Dalton has some excellent French brandy and some very fine whisky also.” More than a few gentlemen agreed and said that yes, they would like a glass, but Lord Marchmont shook his head. “Come now, Marchmont! A little glass will do you good.”
Phillip grinned and slapped his friend on the shoulder, all the while hating his falsehood. No doubt Lord Anderton was crowing inwardly, delighted with what Phillip was being forced to do.
“I should agree with Lord Marchmont. I do not thinkanyliquor at all is advisable.” Lord Yardley cleared his throat, then shrugged as the others looked at him. “I would advise, in fact, that we keep the table clear of such things. It would ensure that we all keep our thoughts quite clear. Given that there is to be a large amount of gaming this evening and no doubt some high wagering, I think it would be for the best if we did not confound ourselves by imbibing.”
“I quite agree.” Lord Sherbourne nodded. “We should have no brandy or whisky at this table. That means that anyone who loses will not be able to blame liquor for their failure.” Chuckling, he nudged Lord Yardley. “Lord Yardley has been known to use such an excuse before, and I am disinclined to have him complain about it again.”
