Lady Alex's Gamble by Evelyn Richardson

corners of the eyes of an otherwise young man, he was a soldier who had seen action somewhere in some sunny clime. He looked to be as out of place as Christopher was, but now Teddy was pulling him toward another table, where they were waiting for him to 78
    Lady Alex's Gamble
    by Evelyn Richardson
    make a fourth at whist, and Christopher soon forgot the kindred spirit at the table in the corner as he put his mind to work on the cards in front of him.
    Meanwhile, the younger man in uniform. Captain de Montmorency, was keeping an eagle eye on the play in front of him. Having at last capitulated to his sister's request that he provide her with an entree to White's, he had sought out General Scott, who not only had his consistent and tremendous winnings to recommend him as a mentor, but also had been a crony of their father's as well.
    "How do you do," he welcomed Alex in his blunt way.
    "Knew your father in his wilder days, damn fine card player. If you're anything like him, you'll be more than a match for the fellows here. Why, I beat 'em regularly, almost as regularly as your father bested me. We missed Alfred sorely when he left us." And with no more ado, he had seen to it that Alex was admitted to that venerable temple of chance, the gaming room at White's.
    Alex had strutted into the crowded gaming room with a confidence she was far from feeling. However, a covert glance at those lolling around the green baize-covered tables reassured her that many of the players were much the worse for wear, if the number of empty bottles around were any indication, while others bore the dazed look of those who had been staring at the cards too long to make much sense out of them anymore. She had taken her seat at a table where the general had waved to several acquaintances and introduced her to Sir Gerard Chumleigh as a partner who would not fail him. Alex had settled in nicely and was soon experiencing 79
    Lady Alex's Gamble
    by Evelyn Richardson
    gratifying success that she took pains to keep moderate at first.
    Having adopted her sponsor's well-known rule for success at the gaming table, Alex had eaten only boiled chicken and toast, and had drunk water so her mind would be clear when she took her place at the table. It was unlikely, given the raffish crowd that her twin ordinarily consorted with, that anyone in town would be at all familiar with his reputation. But just to be on the safe side, she always had a bottle of port beside her, which Tony, whose job it was to ensure the proper setting for their charade, would consume or dispose of while Alex adjusted her speech and movements accordingly, allowing her eyes to glaze over, her words to slur, and her motions to become more erratic as the evening wore on. Even she was not able to capture the full extent of Alexander's bluster and braggadocio, but it seemed unlikely that the types of characters her brother was friendly with would wander into White's. They were more inclined to frequent the less savory companionship of the gaming hells. Besides, if she were to adopt his offensively loud manner, it would attract attention to herself and perhaps also call attention to the fact that she rose from the table each evening a winner—a situation better left unnoticed if she were to continue her scheme.
    There was one, however, who did notice. Lord Wrotham, bored with beating partners too foxed or too stupid to offer much challenge, soon left his table and strolled over to the one where Tony stood guard. "I'm Wrotham of the First Hussars," he introduced himself, appraising Tony with the eye 80
    Lady Alex's Gamble
    by Evelyn Richardson
    of an experienced commander. He liked what he saw. Fairhaired and boyish though he might be, Captain de Montmorency possessed the steady gaze and self-confident bearing of someone who had been tested often, and who'd met each test with success. The green eyes were alert, observant, and vivid in a face weathered by constant exposure to the elements.
    "Captain de