Page 23 of Kiss a Rake at Midnight

“I win!” Huxley scooped his winnings toward the table’s edge.

Disgruntledmutters echoed around the table.

Unexpectedly, after pocketing his haul, LordHuxley scooted his chair backward and stood with his hand extended.

“My dear Mrs. McKinney, walk with me, would you? I’m fair parched.”

Ashalf a tumbler of brandy remained where he sat, Siobhan doubted he was thirsty.

Swervinga nervous glance around the room, she forced herself to remain composed. She wasn’t supposed to have to accompany Huxley anywhere.

Notonce had LordHuxley spared a glance for his wayward wife, who still hadn’t reappeared. Neither had Fletcher.

Didthat mean things were proceeding well?

Siobhanrefused to consider just what that might entail.

Chandlermet her roving gaze and inclined his head as he and another security guard inconspicuously maneuvered their way through the crowd in her direction.

Stallingfor time, she dropped her reticule, intending to notice its loss when halfway across the room and forcing his lordship to retrieve the dainty pouch. It only contained a handkerchief, a few coins, smelling salts, a small jar of rouge, and one very sharp hat pin for protection.

“Mrs. McKinney, you’ve dropped your reticule.”

Huxleywas more observant than Siobhan gave him credit for, and that disconcerted her.

She’dbest not underestimate the man again.

“Why, yes, I have.” She pressed a hand to her chest and blinked at him. “How remiss of me.”

Hislordship bent over and, wheezing like a winded racehorse, retrieved the scrap of fringed cloth. Once he’d returned it to Siobhan’s care, he extended his arm. “Shall we?”

Herheart beating a frantic staccato, she placed her fingertips atop his forearm.

Hemustn’t detect her reluctance.

“What part of Ireland do you hail from, Mrs. McKinney?” He took a circumventive route toward the room’s perimeter—in the opposite direction of the refreshments.

“OutsideDublin, my lord.” At least that was true.

“Ah, there you are.” Wearing a broad smile, LordDarius approached. “Forgive me for deserting you, Mrs. McKinney and for imposing on you, LordHuxley.”

“I quite enjoyed myself,” Siobhan lied.

Huxleygave her the willies.

“It was no imposition at all.” Huxley puffed out his jowly cheeks. “I enjoyed Mrs. McKinney’s company immensely. Will you return tomorrow, dear lady?”

Siobhanexchanged a glance with LordDarius.

“I should like to very much.” She gave the viscount a coy smile. “But only if you shall also be here, my lord.”

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, she piled it on thick.

Afamiliar dark head across the room drew her eye.

Fletcherhad returned.

LadyHuxley had not.

Whatdid that mean?

DidSiobhan want to know?

Hespoke to guests as he weaved his way toward them.

“Huxley.” Fletcher nodded. “Your lady requests you take her home. She’s developed a megrim.”

“Of course she has,” Huxley grumbled, not the least sympathetic to his wife’s plight. “Never knew a woman to suffer so from headaches, and half an hour later, she fully recovers.”

Hebent over Siobhan’s hand and placed his thick, moist lips on the back of her glove.

Shebarely suppressed a shudder of revulsion.

“Until tomorrow, Mrs. McKinney.”

“I look forward to it, your lordship.”

Onceout of earshot, Fletcher murmured, “Meet me in my office in fifteen minutes. I have acquired some rather interesting information.”