Page 28 of The Duke of Daring (The Untouchables)
It was a good thing she’d be dressed as a man tonight. He didn’t think he could see her in full feminine regalia again without doing something he’d likely regret.
Or not regret. Life was cruel that way.
At last he saw her come up from the servants’ entry. She hurried toward him, her movements looking more like a woman’s than last time.
When she reached him, he said, “Your gait is too feminine.”
She looked down at her boots. “Really? I’ve been practicing.”
Hell, maybe it was him. Maybe he couldn’t see her for a man at all now that he’d seen her other side. “I’m sure it’s fine. Just be mindful.”
He turned with her toward the main thoroughfare. “We’re not going far. Just to a hell on Piccadilly.”
“Faro?” she asked.
“Or hazard if you like.”
“It’s silly, but hazard seems so much riskier. I know that makes no sense whatsoever because both are games of chance, but I’ve just always been partial to cards.”
He glanced over at her as they walked. “Why is that?”
“Probably because my father always seemed to lose at hazard. One night, he lost five thousand pounds, plus our coach.”
“It’s no wonder you’re in need of funds now.” He cringed, not meaning to be ungracious. “My apologies.”
She flashed him an artless smile. “It isn’t your fault. We manage the best we can with what we’re dealt, don’t we? Yes, I realize that’s a reference to cards.” She chuckled.
Andrew had spent the better part of his life managing in precisely that fashion. He took extra care to try to stack the deck, to use another card reference he’d just heard recently, if at all possible. That meant keeping people from getting too close and filling his life with distractions.
Like Miss Parnell.
Only, she was a distraction he probably didn’t need. But it wouldn’t be forever, he reasoned. Their association would be over soon enough.
“What did you come up with regarding other events?” she asked, jarring him from his thoughts.
He’d given it plenty of consideration. “I think we’ll start with the phaeton racing. The next one is Tuesday.” Three days from now. “You’ll be able to wager on several heats. Just be warned that you won’t win every one.”
“But you’ll guide me, won’t you? I have no idea who’s a better driver.”
“Of course.”
“What do you drive when you race?” she asked.
“A high-perch phaeton. I’m working with someone to design a new one. There are a few modifications I’d like to make to increase my speed.”
“Is that wise? It’s dangerous enough, isn’t it?” She waved her hand. “Never mind. I forgot with whom I was speaking. You’re the Duke of Daring. Of course you want a faster vehicle.”
He laughed. “Don’t move your hand like that. It screams woman.”
He began to worry that everything she did would signify her sex, but again assured himself that this was his problem based on his knowledge. Knowledge that others would not have.
“Damn,” she said. “I’ll do better when we get there. I think I’ve become too comfortable with you.”
Damn indeed. He paused. “Perhaps this isn’t wise in the long term.”
She stopped a few steps in front of him and turned. “What do you mean?”
“Only that it’s a risk every time you go out as you are.”
