The Decadent Duke by Virginia Henley Page A

hundred guineas. Francis took another trick with his last trump. Georgianna Devonshire discarded in desperation, and replenished her hand with a new card from the deck. She was still unable to take another trick, and as a result lost the whole amount of the pot to the winner, Francis.
    â€œOh, Loo, you have the devil’s own luck.” Loo was her pet name for Bedford, since he loved the game and usually won. She stood up. “The game of loo is a jinx to me; I don’t know why I play!”
    Francis got to his feet and came around the table. “The pleasure of your company is reward enough.” He lowered his voice. “You owe me nothing, my dearest lady.”
    â€œLoo, you forget that discreet loan of six thousand a year ago. I’m distraught that I’ve not been able to pay you back one penny.”
    I don’t forget, Georgianna. I know Devonshire has refused to pay any more of your gambling debts, and I am realist enough to know you will never be able to pay back the money I lend you.
    Their attention was diverted by some new arrivals. “Ah, it is darling Prinny and—” The Duchess of Devonshire’s jaw literally dropped when she saw that the Prince of Wales had the Duchess of Gordon on his arm. She floated across the room, her flowing gown billowing like a sail, her immense coiffure threatening to topple.
    â€œYour Highness ... Your Grace ... I am honored.”
    While Prinny kissed Georgianna’s hand with reverence, Jane spoke up. “The honor is mine, I assure you. It’s been far too long since I visited Devonshire House. If I stayed away longer, the gossips would begin to insinuate that we are rivals.”
    â€œAh, you have read that dreadful piece of trash by Surr. The man should be pilloried! There is not the least rivalry between us, as anyone with a soupçon of intelligence would know.”
    â€œThat is why I accepted His Royal Highness’s offer to escort me to Devonshire House. It will display our friendship to the world at large and give the lie to that scurrilous novel.”
    The Duchess of Devonshire gave her hand to Charles Fox, a man of enormous charm and warmth. “I welcome you with open arms, my lord, since you are the only man of my acquaintance who gambles more recklessly than I.”
    â€œAnd with the same devastating results.” Fox kissed her hand. “I stand a greater chance of breaking another leg than breaking the bank, Your Grace.” Two years ago he had broken his leg in the Devonshire House gardens, competing in a silly race.
    Francis Russell crossed the room and greeted his friends.
    â€œLoo, here are some worthy partners for you. I shall change games and try my luck at faro with my friend Jane.”
    Francis had been lured, not by his friends, but by the young beauty who stood quietly behind her mother. “We meet again,” he murmured as his eyes undressed her.
    â€œYou look nothing like your brother,” Georgina blurted.
    â€œYou know John?”
    â€œNot intimately. Why are you called Loo?” she asked innocently.
    â€œBecause I always win at lanterloo.” Damn, one whiff of this female and I’m aroused. He was amazed that he felt lust for one so young.
    â€œThen gardez-loo!” Georgina murmured, and her eyes brimmed with wicked amusement.
    The Duchess of Devonshire suddenly noticed Jane Gordon’s daughter. “Georgina dear, you’ll find my daughters and Caroline in the music room.” She summoned a footman wearing scarlet and sepia livery, gave him instructions, and Georgina followed him up the marble staircase.
    On a devilish impulse she turned around and looked back. Just as she suspected, Bedford was gazing after her with a hungry look of lust on his face. “I’ll be damned. I think I’ve made a conquest,” she murmured. “One Russell detests me ... the other fancies me!”
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“Dorothy, it’s Lady Georgy!” Harriet