Page 88 of A Bargain with the Rake (Necessary Arrangements 3)

Evie bit her lip. “It is saying that I don’t actually have cards in front of me.”

Gabriel laughed. “Touché. That is easily remedied, however. Do you want to play a hand?”

“But what about work?”

“It is work. Once you learn to trust yourself, you’ll be able to better select the investments.”

Evie shook her head. “You are the devil.”

“And that’s exactly why you married me.”

* * *

For the next fortnight, Gabriel proceeded to visit her every day. They worked a little in the study, or she worked, and he distracted her with questions, comments, and gossip. They had tea with freshly baked buns made by Matilda, his cook, which he brought every day, and then they played Vingt-Un while discussing investment opportunities. Evie had to admit she looked forward to his visits.

Her melancholy was almost gone. Her heart still ached every time she passed her grandfather’s rooms, and a slight pang in her heart reminded her of her unrequited love for the rake she’d married, but overall, she was feeling better. And so what if he didn’t love her? He obviously cared for her. They had an easy friendship, so perhaps love didn’t matter as much as she thought? A lot oftonmarriages had a lot less.

She was catching up with her work, thanks to Gabriel, but she still hadn’t talked even once about Peacehaven. Not with Gabriel, not with her solicitor, not even with her maid. She knew she’d have to lead the renovations for the manor, but thinking of what she’d lost always made her numb. Perhaps she needed just a little more time.

Evie lifted her head from the ledger she was perusing and squinted at the clock on the mantel. It was past eight in the evening, past the time Gabriel usually made his appearance. Evie knew that the time would come when he started coming less and less, but she wasn’t ready for that time to come now.

She stood from the table, took the lone candle, and sauntered toward her room. Perhaps she could do some reading before bed and settle in early this time. She hadn’t gone to bed this early ever since Gabriel started visiting her daily. She’d only put her foot on the first step of the main stairwell when the door burst open, and Gabriel fairly leaped into the hall. The wind blew out Evie’s candle before Gabriel closed the door and plunged the room into darkness.

“Do you always walk around the house in the dark?” he asked, shaking off his hat.

“No, the candle was blown out by your wind.”

“My wind?”

“Never mind. Why are you late?” Gabriel raised his brow, which Evie barely discerned in the darkness. “I mean, what are you doing here so late? And I can see you are finally using the key.”

“I think you butler was tired of serving me. And well, I am late today, because I need your help. Quick, go get dressed.”

“What?” Evie asked but started up the steps. “What kind of help?”

“No time to explain. I need you to wear your finest gown, and please, do not tarry; this cannot wait.”

“All right. Can you at least tell me where we are going?”

“For a ride.”

“A ride?”

“Do not worry; it’s in a carriage. Riding astride across London would turn more than one head. Especially if you wear those breeches you wore when you accosted me in my townhouse.”

Evie blinked. She didn’t have time to process his comment as Gabriel took her by the arm and propelled her up the stairs. Evie hurried down the hall and ran into her room, calling for her maid all the while. What could be the matter?

In about half an hour, Evie settled against the carriage seat and rearranged her skirts.

Gabriel studied her intently from head to toe. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. Now, will you tell me where we are going?”

“Yes, we are going to a gaming club.”

“What?” The words flew out of Evie’s mouth before she had a moment to process her shock.What, indeed.“You cannot be serious,” she said, a bit more composed.

“I am indeed very serious. And honestly, it might have been a better fit if you actually wore your breeches tonight since it’s mostly a gentlemen’s dwelling, but I thought it would make you suspect. Perhaps you could wear them some other time, though.”

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