The Jeweller (The Ballinger Bastards) by Sahara Kelly

Author:Sahara Kelly [Kelly, Sahara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SK Private Label Publications
Published: 2023-09-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Armed with the knowledge that the evening’s game would be played with a marked deck of cards, both the Greybrookes huddled near the table, tossing out suggestions willy-nilly.

“We know the quizzing glass works,” said Wren. “You could easily use that to gain an edge?”

Dominic chewed that over for a moment or two, then shook his head. “I’m not familiar enough with the markings. I might be able to memorise an ace, for example, but a whole deck?”

She had been toying with the cards as he spoke, turning them over and back. “It’s only one suit,” she said suddenly. “Look, Dom. Only the hearts are marked. The rest of the suits are untouched.”

She fanned them out and handed him the glass, watching as he took it and flipped the cards back and forth.

“Damn, you’re right. Only the hearts.”

“Only the hearts what?” Lady Helen marched in and approached the table. “You have come up with something, haven’t you?” She pointed at the glass. “Something to do with that.”

Wren sighed. “You are very astute, my Lady.” She shot a quick look at Dominic, who gave a brief approving nod in answer to her unspoken question. “It seems we must reveal what we’ve discovered.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Ludlow, Mrs Collins? If you have a moment…”

As the small party gathered around the table, she proceeded to demonstrate what she had discovered. Lady Helen could see some of the markings, but neither the butler nor the housekeeper could clearly distinguish the difference in the colours on the backs of the cards.

The evidence, however, was irrefutable. Dominic correctly identified six of the cards Wren held up by using the quizzing glass. Lady Helen identified three by eyes alone.

“I’ll be damned,” murmured Ludlow. “That’s how it was done.” He glanced at Lady Helen. “Apologies for my language, Ma’am.”

“I’ve said worse,” she grinned. “But how clever of Mrs Greybrooke to see it, and Mr Greybrooke to understand the implications. And how clever to set up a game with three gentlemen who might well have eyesight that is less acute.” She folded her arms defiantly beneath her bosom. “So our challenge now is to thwart Lord Hardwicke’s plans.”

“Easier said than done,” Wren observed. “The man is obviously convinced that he will walk away tonight a winner.”

“And we must ensure that doesn’t happen without arousing his suspicions. If he thinks we know of his cheating, and can guess how long it’s been going on…”

“He’ll not be happy if he loses, Mr Greybrooke. Of that, I can assure you.” Ludlow looked troubled.

“And in the overall scheme of things, he shouldn’t be,” replied Dominic. “But what will he do?” He spread his hands wide and raised his eyebrows. “The man’s been cheating, ladies and gentlemen. How can he possibly express outrage if he suffers a considerable loss tonight? It’s all in the turn of the cards, yes?”

“Absolutely.” Lady Helen nodded firmly.

“Of course,” agreed Wren. “But stopping him is our biggest challenge, I believe. We can worry about his reactions later.” She glanced at Dominic.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.