Page 40 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

The boy glanced down at the calling card in his hand. “The Earl of Ashby.”

Merritt grinned. “Yes, but also, I own the Daily Scandal.”

That seemed to impress him more than any connection Merritt had with Iris. “Excellent paper,” Jasper said.

“Yes, thank you for that assessment.” Merritt considered the best way to broach the subject and decided abruptly and bluntly would be the best way. Jasper didn’t seem to be too keen on making inferences. “I know you have enjoyed the series of articles on how to be a gentleman.”

Jasper nodded. “My sister talks too much.”

Merritt chuckled. “I suppose you could say that about her, but she is concerned for your welfare.”

“Did she ask you to speak with me?” Jasper pressed his hands on the table and made to stand.

“On the contrary, I believe your sister would be rather annoyed with me were she to discover anything about this meeting,” Merritt said.

Jasper leaned back, pacified for the moment. “She has nothing to worry about. I am a grown man.”

“Indeed. I’d dare say a grown man of what, eight and ten?”

“Nine and ten. Only last month.” Jasper tugged at his chin where a hint of whiskers grew. Merritt doubted the boy could fill in a full beard if he so chose.

“Yes, well, as a man, you should know that from time to time we gentlemen can share experiences and give advice.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Go on.”

“Well, I understand you are taking to heart some of the information from the articles.” Merritt leaned forward so that they could exchange a great secret. “It is not known in many circles, but not only am I the editor of said articles, but I wrote them as well.”

Jasper leaned forward as well. “Indeed? Then you have many pieces of advice to share?”

“Precisely.” Merritt had already assessed that explaining the articles were meant more in jest than practicality would not work with Jasper. “But you should know that those pieces were not meant to be taken quite so literally. Drinking and gambling should be done, after all, in moderation. One does not want to waste away one’s mind and fortune in the darkened rooms of clubs when one could be at home enjoying the warmth of softer creatures.” The image of Iris, nude and snuggled against him, flashed through Merritt’s mind.

“Ah yes, women. I have had my fair share,” Jasper said.

Merritt doubted as much, but wasn’t going to call into question the boy’s words. “What I am telling you is, slow down. You do not need to enjoy all the fleshly treats in these first few years. You have plenty of time to lose the family fortune in a game of chance.”

Jasper frowned and waved his hand. “This is how gentlemen behave. I’ve seen it.” He motioned at the room around them. “It is how all these men behave. You also, no doubt.”

“I have had my share of drunken nights, but I’ve never lost a coin in one single game of chance.”

“How is that possible?” Jasper asked.

“I do not play.”

“Well, that speaks nothing of your skill,” Jasper said.

“Do not misunderstand. I did not say that I don’t know how to play; I simply choose not to. I’ve worked far too hard for the funds in my coffers to fritter them away with a deck of cards.”

“My family has a very fine coffer,” Jasper said.

Iris’s brother had a weak character. That much was evident. No wonder she was concerned and willing to put the blame elsewhere so she didn’t have to admit the truth to herself. “Perhaps, but no fortune is never ending. Take care. Gamble less. Drink less. Worry your sister less.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “That is what this is about, isn’t it?”

“What?”

“Iris.” Jasper paused, eyed Merritt. “Are you in love with my sister, Ashby?”

“You are a fool. This is not about your sister. This is about the integrity of my articles. You, sir, are making a mockery of my advice.” And with that Merritt stood and walked away.

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