My Once and Future Duke (The Wagers of Sin #1)(86)

Still . . . Sophie had met many liars in her life. Some she’d seen through at once, and some had got the better of her, but she learned something from every encounter. When someone was caught in a big enough lie, he usually lied again to hide it. If Jack had led her on, saying he wanted to marry her when in reality he planned to marry another woman, there was no reason to think he’d be honest with her now. Georgiana said Lady Sidlow believed it to be a very longstanding betrothal, which meant she ought to be able to find independent confirmation . . .

Her heart sank as the answer came to her. Philip. She would have to ask Philip, tonight at Vega’s.





Chapter 26




She climbed the club steps earlier than usual that evening. Jack usually arrived later, as Philip kept his word and stayed away from her. Sophie had been grateful for that at first, but tonight she walked through the entire club looking for him.

When she finally spotted him, lounging in an armchair with a glass in his hand, she walked right up to him. “Good evening, Lord Philip.” She dropped a curtsy.

He sat up straighter, then leaped to his feet and bowed. “Mrs. Campbell. What an absolute pleasure.” One of his mates nearby snickered, and Philip made a rude gesture at him. “Let us talk somewhere else.” One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Since I presume you’ve not come to invite me to play hazard again.”

“Never hazard again,” she said lightly as she took his offered arm. “I only wanted a private word, if I may.”

“Always,” he said. They walked through the still--quiet club until they came to an unoccupied sofa. Sophie seated herself, and Philip sat an arm’s distance away. “What troubles you?”

“I would like there to be peace between us,” she said.

His brows descended. “Have we been at war?”

“I don’t think so,” she said honestly, “although things became a bit tense.”

He heaved a sigh and stared across the room. “Was I really that obnoxious to you?”

“Well . . . yes.” She gave a little nod as he glanced at her in astonishment. “You followed me about like an angry thundercloud, scowling and muttering. It would strain anyone’s nerves.”

“I am sorry for it.” He dropped his head and ground his palm against his forehead. “I was so worried when my brother swept you away—-the thing is, I know him, and you don’t. You said I made a spectacle of you, when he was the one who carted you away like a prize of battle.”

This was what she wanted to discuss, but her mouth still went dry. She wet her lips. “What do you mean, you know him and I do not?”

He gave a sharp huff of bitter laughter. “I know him! Have my whole life. He used to be a capital fellow, open to adventure and daring. Sometimes I think that fellow must be deep inside him still, but he never shows it.”

She thought of the pencil drawing at Alwyn House, of a young Philip laughing in the tree. It was difficult to fight back the urge to defend Jack, to say that he still had that adventurous, caring side, and that he would prefer to be close to his brother rather than constantly at odds. “Why not, do you think?”

“Because he’s the bloody duke, obviously.” Philip’s eyes flashed. “Too important to come out to the theater or a boxing match. Too noble to play cards or do anything sporting. He’s become a raging bore—-well, until that night, clearly, when he seemed pleased enough to toss aside all his vaunted dignity and decorum.”

“Not all of us are carefree, with an income and the freedom to do as we please.” Philip shot her a sharp look. Sophie smiled artlessly. “I mean you’re very fortunate you haven’t the responsibility for a dukedom. It must be . . . demanding. I only know about running my small household. There must be so much more to an estate.”

“There is.” Philip gave a gusty sigh and leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “I know there is. And you’re right, I am fortunate not to be the duke, for I’m no good at being responsible.” A devilish smile played at his mouth. “I’m terribly good at being adventurous, though.”

She laughed. “Well do I know it! Although I suggest you try being less daring at the tables.”

“You too?” He eased a bit closer on the sofa, stretching out his legs. “Someone told me the other day I ought to improve my play at cards. Have you any advice? You seem to do quite well.”

“Hmm.” She tilted her head as if in thought. “I suggest you avoid hazard. It’s the devil’s game.” He laughed. “The rest is practice. Study the rules, learn the odds of each play, and keep your mind on the cards or the dice—-not on flirting with your opponent,” she finished with a speaking look.

He laughed again. “Well, it didn’t help me.” He shot her a sideways look. “It never would have, would it?”

She hesitated. He didn’t mean at hazard. “No. Not with me.”

“Did that happen before or after my brother swept you away?” He asked it simply, directly, without suspicion.

“Before,” she said lightly. “Long before. You’re far too adventurous and daring for me, you know. I fear I’m really a dreadful bore at heart, as well.”

Philip looked at her. Suddenly she realized he knew, somehow, about her and Jack. “You’re nothing like him, Sophie.”