Page 82 of The Fortune Hunter’s Gamble

“You’re only trying to gain my favor so you can lean on me to do what you and Grenville want,” Rowden answered. “Feltham, your luck certainly went back and forth tonight, but you’re still in debt to the Albion for a thousand pounds.”

Humphrey scowled, tapping his cane on the side of the table. “I’ll win it back.”

“Ro—Mrs. Hinton.”

Sophronia was still staring at the last three cards, her expression nothing short of astonished. She raised her face as Rowden addressed her, and the wonder on it was a punch to his gut. He had done this for her: given her hope.

“You’ve won three thousand pounds,” he said, his voice deepening. “I’ll have Will fetch the ink and write you a bank draft. It will be on Hinton’s, of course.”

“Well done, you clever girl.” Amalie patted Sophronia on the back, then removed her muff from the table and tucked her hand into the open end. “You’ve more than enough to set your school up in style.”

“Three—thousand?” Sophronia said faintly.

Bint leaned his head on the baize table, shoulders heaving. Rowden feared the man was about to break into sobs. “Thousands,” he echoed, his voice strained. “What will Mr. Withers say? What will he do?”

“Chin up, Bint, I’ve a suggestion for you.” Rowden handed the trick shoe to Will for safekeeping. “Your debt is to me, as your bank this evening. I’ll erase your losses under a certain set of conditions.”

Bint raised his head, his expression haggard as despair fought with hope. “What conditions?” he croaked.

Rowden shuffled the playing cards as he thought. “I’m looking for sound investments. I’ll forget your debt to the Albion and pay you eight thousand pounds for a share of ownership in Hinton’s.”

Bint’s face turned a paler shade of pea-green. “Own-ownership?”

Rowden nodded. Sophronia poised on her stool, perfectly still, but she nearly vibrated with the force of her attention. “On these conditions,” Rowden said. “That eight thousand goes into the account you hold for Mrs. Hinton, to restore the funds her husband withdrew at his whims.”

He gave the man the stare he used to quell obnoxious patrons and drunk gentlemen. Bint gulped. He understood that Rowden knew what he’d done.

“Second, you will give over the handling of Mrs. Hinton’s accounts to Withers. He will oversee all disbursements of her funds.”

“But Withers—his duties are⁠—”

“The other option,” Rowden said in a pleasant tone, “would be to give control of Mrs. Hinton’s accounts to me, as part owner of the bank.”

“Part owner,” Bint said in tones of despair. “But that means— This is⁠—”

“Think on my offer tonight. I’ll call on you tomorrow.” Rowden handed the shuffled deck to Will and turned to Feltham.

“You’ll forgive my debts too?” Humphrey said hopefully.

“Under one condition. You abandon your claims to any of Mrs. Hinton’s properties. Foxleigh was her mother’s dowry gift and it belongs to Sophronia now. She won’t marry you simply so you can get it back.”

“She might want me,” Humphrey said with great indignation. “I’m a terrific catch, Rowden.”

“Her affections are engaged elsewhere.” Rowden turned to Sophronia, who simply stared at him. Color warmed her cheeks, her lips slightly parted on words she didn’t know how to utter, and she had never looked more beautiful to him. “Should we discuss your winnings, Ro?”

Lady Amalie checked the small watch hanging from the ribbon at her waist. “My my, the time. This has all been great fun, thank you, Mr. Rowden, for the entertainment, but I must be going.”

“I’ll be happy to escort you,” Foster said, but he was shouted down by Humphrey, who jumped to his feet.

“Allow me the very great honor of seeing you home, Lady Amalie.”

“I thank you both.” Amalie smiled sweetly. “But my lover will have my carriage ready for me, and he is egregiously jealous. You can’t imagine.” She rose and sailed away, the picture of female elegance.

Every man watched her but Rowden. He was watching Sophronia.

“Shall I see you home?” Rowden held out his hand to help her rise from her stool. She slid her palm into his and he clasped her fingers. She was solid and real.

“We need to talk about one or two things, you and I.” She met his gaze steadily, but an unaccustomed color rose in her cheeks, and a soft glow shone in her eyes.