Lady gambit, p.1
Lady Gambit, page 1
Lady Gambit
Rogues of Fortune’s Den
Book 3
ADELE CLEE
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Thank you!
About the Author
Books by Adele Clee
Copyright
‘The madness of love is the greatest of heaven’s blessings.’
— Plato
Chapter One
Fortune’s Den
Aldgate Street, London
“Including the vowels Tindell wrote last night, the man’s debts run to ten thousand pounds,” Aramis said, glancing at his ledger. “I shall visit him today to ensure he knows he’s not welcome in the club until he’s settled his account.”
Delphine Chance sat at the dining table, observing her four brothers as she slowly sipped her tea. She rarely attended the family meeting held at ten o’clock each morning. She had no interest in business matters. Mr Tindell would find himself in the Marshalsea. Next week, they would sit discussing another faceless man addicted to the turn of the cards or roll of the dice.
But if she meant to attend her secret meeting with Mr Flynn this afternoon, she had to know her brothers’ whereabouts. She could not outwit them. They were strong, intelligent men, a product of a life spent surviving on the streets. Now they were as rich as Croesus, with resources aplenty. A lady needed more than a strategy if she hoped to evade suspicion.
Her eldest brother Aaron—known as the King of Clubs to those who frequented the gaming hell—sat at the head of the table, scanning a page in his leather-bound diary. “Meldrum is late with his payment. We must remind the arrogant lords of the ton that they receive no special privileges here.” He set his dark eyes on their youngest brother, Theodore. “Speak to Meldrum. Tell him he’ll incur a five percent fee if he fails to pay within the next three days.”
Delphine gave an inward sigh of relief.
Aramis would visit Mr Tindell near Chelsea Common. Theodore would be occupied with Lord Meldrum. Aaron had an appointment at the solicitors and the bank. That left Christian.
“You haven’t forgotten I’m at the museum today?” came Christian’s well-timed question. “It’s Isabella’s lecture on Egyptian mathematics. I’ll not let those with a contempt for female scholars mock her work.”
Christian would walk over hot coals for his wife.
Nothing would drag him away from the museum.
“And I’m at the modiste’s at two,” Delphine said, thankful there was no one to act as her chaperone. “I cannot miss the appointment.”
She prayed the mysterious Mr Flynn would attend this time. One would expect a former Bow Street runner to be reliable.
Aaron arched a curious brow. “Today? I’ve no record of the appointment. You usually inform me two weeks in advance.” He flipped to a page in his diary. The one where he noted all her movements. When she ate and slept and breathed. “There’s no mention of a visit to Miss Darrow.”
Delphine kept her composure. She’d spent the last two days standing before the looking glass, rehearsing her reply. “We had a slight disagreement at last week’s fitting. I had to leave to arrange Aramis’ wedding breakfast but agreed to continue the discussion today.” She forced a frown. “I told you about it when you accused me of acting strangely.”
Having sent word to Mr Flynn, informing him to enter Miss Darrow’s premises via the yard, she had battled disappointment when he’d failed to show.
Aaron rubbed his chiselled jaw as he studied her. “When I asked what was troubling you, you said it wasn’t worth mentioning.”
“You have more important things to worry about than ladies’ fripperies, but I said I needed to return today.” Guilt flared. She hated lying to the people she loved. They were her brothers by choice, not blood. That made them all the more exceptional. The last thing she wanted was to hurt them, but she was beyond desperate for answers. “It was when Miss Lovelace arrived. Perhaps your mind was engaged elsewhere.”
The lady had a profound effect on Aaron.
He denied it most vehemently, of course.
Indeed, the mere mention of the woman who owned the ladies’ club across the road had Aaron firming his jaw. “Be assured, there isn’t a woman alive who could distract my mind.”
Aramis snorted. “I recall saying something similar once. Love has a way of catching a man unawares.”
Quick to intervene before anyone else offered words of wisdom, Aaron said, “I consider Miss Lovelace our competitor. The less said about her, the better.” He pinned Delphine to the seat with his intense gaze. “Theo will accompany you once he’s dealt with Lord Meldrum. Send word to Miss Darrow and inform her you’ll be late.”
Late? Mr Flynn would not wait.
Her throat tightened.
Aaron’s lack of trust in her was a bitter pill to swallow.
Yes, dissolute lords might take her hostage in the hope of having their debts cleared. Yes, men looked for ways to hurt her brothers. But she was almost six and twenty—well, she wasn’t exactly sure how old she was. Aaron had guessed her age when he found her alone and injured in an alley all those years ago.
“I’m not a child anymore. I’m a grown woman.” At times, he still treated her like a ten-year-old urchin with no clue as to her identity. “I told Miss Darrow I would be there promptly at two, and I intend to keep my word.”
Aaron closed his eyes briefly. “As a grown woman, you know why I insist on taking every precaution when you leave the house.”
The pressure of keeping his family safe was taking its toll. More so since both Aramis and Christian had married.
“Then I shall take Sigmund.”
Their trusted man-of-all-work was as strong as an ox. Skilled in combat, he could ward off an army of rogues. He wouldn’t linger in the shop but would wait on the street, guarding the front door.
Aaron was firm in his stance. “I’ll visit Meldrum. The man needs a sharp shock. Theo will ensure you arrive at the modiste’s on time.” He covered his heart with his hand and softened his tone. “I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because of the choices I have made. Power and wealth come at a price. One I refuse to let you pay.”
She was already paying a hefty price.
She was like a helpless butterfly trapped in a glass jar.
Aaron sighed deeply. “Please understand the need for rules.”
“You don’t want Lord Meldrum ruining me to punish you,” she said, yet wondered if he had another motive for keeping her prisoner.
No one mentioned the parents she could not remember. But what if Aaron had found them? Were they gin swiggers who’d sold their daughter to feed their addiction? Were they part of a criminal fraternity? Were they heartbroken, and Aaron feared losing the sister he’d raised?
Hopefully, Mr Flynn would find the answer.
She glanced at Theo. If anyone had to accompany her, she would rather it be him. His handsome looks and playful manner would have Miss Darrow tripping over her own feet. The modiste would keep Theo entertained, giving Delphine time to talk privately to Mr Flynn.
Aaron slammed his diary shut, a sign all conversation was at an end. “It’s settled, then. Theo will accompany you to the modiste’s. I’m sure he would rather engage in flirtatious banter with Miss Darrow than listen to a scoundrel’s pathetic excuses.”
The modiste was waiting at the door when the carriage stopped outside the fashionable shop on New Bridge Street. The sudden tinkling of the overhead bell echoed the woman’s excitement.
Miss Darrow gripped Delphine’s hands and drew her over the threshold, out of Theo’s earshot. “You said you were hoping to come alone. You should have warned me you were bringing your brother. I’d have worn my best dress.” She glanced at Theo’s commanding figure as he stood on the street talking to their coachman. “I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge by an errant donkey.”
Delphine chuckled. It was the first time she’d laughed in days. “Theo is more interested in what lies beneath the creased muslin. Besides, his gaze rarely moves from your lips.”
Miss Darrow patted her fiery red curls and grinned. “I might be flattered, but the King of Hearts collects them and breaks them. I would prefer to keep mine intact.”
It was Delphine’s cue to laugh again, but she knew a deep sadness lay beneath Theo’s carefree facade. He didn’t break hearts. He was always clear in his intentions. He simply refused to allow a woman to hurt him again.
“You must keep him occupied while I speak to Mr Flynn.” She checked over her shoulder to ensure Theo was still outside on the street. “Theo cannot know I’ve hired an investigator.”
If her brothers learned she was searching for her parents there would be hell to pay. They would caution her against such folly. Remind her she had been left alone in the rookeries. That no one had come forward to claim her.
Miss Darrow pursed her lips and said in her usual eloquent tone, “Are you sure this is the road you wi sh to take? I would sooner upset the devil than Mr Chance.”
She referred to Aaron. The arrogant lords of the ton thought the devil was Aaron’s protege, not the other way around.
“Given time, he will understand.”
Guilt coursed through her when she thought of the sacrifices Aaron had made to protect his family. He would always be her brother, her hero, a man she trusted and admired. Nothing would ever change that. But the dreams were becoming more frequent and vivid. The desire for answers nagged her night and day. She believed Aaron kept her in a gilded cage because he feared the truth, too.
Was it not better to know than to live with uncertainty?
“Once Mr Flynn has gathered the evidence, I shall present it to my brothers. Then we will decide what to do as a family.”
Miss Darrow gave a little shrug. “Let’s hope they don’t blame Mr Flynn for encouraging you. He takes no prisoners. It will be one hell of a war if they come pounding on his door.”
Delphine’s pulse rose a notch. She knew next to nothing about the ex-runner. He could be a beastly devil. A fat-bellied oaf who found answers in the bottom of his tankard. Professional men kept an office and had a clerk to deal with appointments. They did not do business from the corner table in the local tavern.
Still, Mr Flynn came highly recommended.
Aramis’ wife Naomi had mentioned his name. Mr Daventry, a family friend and skilled investigator, had slipped Mr Flynn’s card covertly into her hand and confirmed he could be trusted.
“Aaron cannot blame Mr Flynn for doing his job. A man must earn a living. Doubtless he has a wife and children to feed.” And money to keep refilling his tankard at the Old Swan in Long Lane.
Miss Darrow gave a bemused grin. “So you’ve never actually met Mr Flynn? When you asked me to deliver a note to him, I presumed he must have had dealings with your brother. That you’d met before.”
“No. I shall leave you to make the introductions.” She gripped Miss Darrow’s hand. “I cannot thank you enough for helping me with this problem. It’s above and beyond what anyone would ask of their modiste, but I hope you see me as a friend. If I can return the favour, all you need do is ask.”
Miss Darrow smiled and patted Delphine’s hand gently. “You might invite me to tea.” Her gaze moved to the door. “Preferably when your brother Theodore is at home. I might add a love potion to his beverage. Having such a man at one’s beck and call must be thrilling. I’d wager there’s never a dull moment in the day.”
Delphine laughed, though she could not imagine Theo pandering to a woman’s whims. “You’d need potions by the dozen to win my brother’s heart.” But if Aramis had found love, there was hope for them all.
The tinkling of the overhead bell drew their attention to the door. Theo strode into the modiste’s shop with his usual confident swagger.
“Now I know why you’re not paid by the hour, Miss Darrow. You spend more time gossiping than sewing on buttons.”
“And what else have you to do, Mr Chance, but play nursemaid?” the modiste said in the same playful manner. “Perhaps you would prefer to wait in your carriage. I will escort Miss Chance out after her fitting. I wouldn’t want you to die of boredom in the chair.”
“You sound keen to get rid of me, madam.”
Delphine’s heart thudded in her chest.
She did not want to rouse Theo’s suspicion.
“Miss Darrow is merely teasing you.” Delphine linked arms with her brother and escorted him to the elegant sofa. The one with a view of the road, not the fitting rooms. “Make yourself comfortable. I shall be no more than half an hour. Then you can take me on a ride around the park. It’s such a beautiful afternoon.”
Hopefully it would remain that way.
Theo snatched the newspaper off the side table. “Today’s edition of the Herald.” He gave Miss Darrow one of his heart-melting smiles. “I’m impressed. You certainly know how to keep a man entertained, Miss Darrow.”
The modiste arched a brow. “If you’re so easily entertained, sir, one wonders why you’re not married.”
His smile died for all of a heartbeat. Was he thinking about the night Lady Lucille Bowman refused his suit and announced her betrothal to a man they all despised?
Quick to fill the awkward silence, Delphine said, “Well, let’s pray we can reach a compromise on the gigot sleeves.” She moved towards the corridor leading to the fitting rooms. “Creating the sloped shoulder is à la mode this season, but I prefer a tailored style.”
Miss Darrow looked on as Theo made himself comfortable and opened his newspaper. “Coffee, Mr Chance?”
Theo’s gaze slid over the modiste’s figure. “Indeed. A man might become accustomed to your hospitality, Miss Darrow.”
“A lady must strive to keep her clients happy, sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” She turned on her heel and escorted Delphine into the narrow corridor, drawing the thick curtain behind her. “You should undress to your undergarments, or it will look suspicious,” she whispered, pointing to the last door at the end of the hall. “There’s a dressing gown on the chair. It will protect your modesty.”
Her undergarments!
Had Miss Darrow lost her mind?
“I mean to greet Mr Flynn in a professional manner.” She would not have a strange man ogling her stockings. “I want him to take my request seriously. Besides, if Theo finds me in a state of dishabille with Mr Flynn, there’ll be a dawn appointment.”
Miss Darrow appeared oddly disappointed but then jumped to attention as she remembered something. “I’ll fetch the gown I’m working on. It should fit you nicely, though I’m still making alterations to the neckline.”
With little time to spare, Delphine nodded. “Very well.”
The gown in question was not her favoured blue but pale gold silk. It belted at the waist with a pretty diamanté buckle, accentuating her curves. The puffy gigot sleeves fell off the shoulders, the décolleté skimming the upper arch of her breasts.
She stared at her reflection in the looking glass, hardly recognising the woman staring back. Clothes were her armour—a means of protecting herself from criticism. A way of forging an identity when her lineage was questionable. Every pelisse had padded shoulders to create a strong silhouette. Every bodice synched her in, forcing her spine straight.
She studied herself again.
This was not the vision she usually presented to her peers. This was the gown of an optimistic woman. The dress of someone who believed the world was a magical place. A woman who knew men found vulnerability attractive.
Miss Darrow faffed with the skirts and puffed the sleeves.
“I’m not holding court,” Delphine joked, trying to stem her tears. She had never looked so feminine, so unburdened. “One would think Mr Flynn is a member of the nobility.”
“He is! His father is the Earl of Retford.” Miss Darrow straightened the buckle, looking quite pleased with her efforts. “Mr Flynn was born on the wrong side of the blanket. He has no airs and graces. He’s a straight-talking gent, much like your brothers.”
Mr Flynn was the son of an earl?
Her throat tightened.
Panic fluttered in her chest.
A working man posed no threat. But her self-assured facade would falter when pitted against a gentleman of refinement. Like the pompous peers who graced her brothers’ club, did Mr Flynn thrive on making a woman feel inferior?
She should cancel the appointment. Hire someone who would keep his disparaging remarks to himself. But before she could speak, Theo called Miss Darrow and made a teasing remark about the lack of hot beverages.
Everything happened quickly then.
Theo popped his head around the curtain as she entered the corridor with Miss Darrow. Shocked to see her wearing something other than blue, he gasped. “Good Lord. You look divine. Miss Darrow has excelled herself.” He gazed at the modiste with glowing admiration. “How the devil did you persuade her to wear gold?”
Aware Mr Flynn might arrive at any moment, Miss Darrow acted quickly. “Shoo, you wicked devil.” She chuckled and waved her arms, encouraging him to retreat. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.” Glad for an excuse to engage with Theo, the modiste ushered him back to his seat.
