Ruby’s Gamble by Lana Williams

Author:Lana Williams [Williams, Lana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-03-26T22:00:00+00:00

THAT AFTERNOON, GIDEON stood in the cargo hold of an anchored ship alongside Douglas. The clerk’s skills had caught Gideon’s notice prior to his realization that Douglas was Ruby’s brother. Now, he requested Douglas to assist him even more frequently. The man was sharp, conscientious, and willing to learn. But no matter how much Gideon tried, he couldn’t discount the fact that he was Ruby’s brother.

Thus far, Douglas seemed uncertain whether he liked Gideon’s personal interest in his family, let alone his sister. He’d glowered as only an older brother could as he watched Ruby emerge from Gideon’s carriage two days ago. The next day, his manner at the office had been especially cool until Gideon requested his assistance with several projects. From what Gideon could tell, Douglas relished the challenges yet remained skeptical as to why he’d been selected for them.

In all honesty, Gideon wasn’t sure either. Was he trying to win over the clerk? Yes. Did he think Douglas was better suited to act as his assistant than most of the others in his office? Yes.

He sighed. Such was the mad logic of his thoughts when it came to anything involving Ruby.

He forced his attention back to the task at hand and counted aloud the wool bales stowed on board.

Douglas consulted his list in the faint glow of the lantern he held. “Yes, that’s the correct number,” he advised Gideon.

“Excellent. Let us verify the wooden wool presses next.”

Douglas tipped his head. “I believe I saw them over here.”

Gideon followed Douglas along the narrow aisle between crates and wool bales, pleased when the number of presses matched as well. While he trusted Nash to make certain all was as it should be, part of his duties while in London included verifying the cargo himself.

Done with the inventory, Gideon led the way toward the ladder. “Extinguish the lantern before we go up. I don’t want to risk a spark.”

Douglas complied then followed Gideon up the ladder. Other workers moved about as they loaded the ship. Shouts, footsteps, and the scrapes of crates echoed throughout the vessel.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” The hushed voice caught Gideon’s notice as he reached the top of the ladder.

Two men stood in the stern, their backs to Gideon.

“Did you tell your wife?” the other asked.

“Tell her that we’re about to lose the roof over our heads? Hell, no. Especially not with another babe on the way.”

“Does that make five?”

Though Gideon didn’t care to eavesdrop, the location of the men left him little choice.

“Six.” The man sounded less than pleased.

“I can’t imagine having six mouths to feed,” his companion said.

“Nor can I. Even with the oldest boy working, I don’t see how we’ll make it. And now with me losing money in that damned lottery…I don’t know what we’ll do.”

“I lost some money in it, too,” the other man confided. “But I only bought two tickets. If I had money to spare, I’d give it to you.”

“Maybe I can find extra work.” The man shook his head.

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