Page 59 of The Duke's Vice

Graham took the drinks from the friendly man who offered them.

“You all right, Mrs. Linden?” The man asked.

At hearing the married title Beatrice started coughing again.

Beatrice covered her mouth as her coughs continued.

Graham pushed over a mug of ale. “Here, drink this.”

Beatrice picked up the mug, her wrist wavering under the weight of the glass. She brought the cool glass up to her lips and took in a small sip. She went to lower it when the mug was brought back up to her mouth.

Graham placed his hand on the bottom of the mug and tilted it up, causing more liquid to run down her throat.

“There’s a good girl.” He cooed. “Nice and steady.”

He pulled the mug away after she had a few swallows. She swiped her tongue across her bottom lip. Beatrice watched as Graham’s eyes followed the movement. Being under his scrutiny used to make her uneasy, now she was finding comfort in it. It felt as if she was being watched over, that it wasn’t just her, alone in the world.

“I should have warned you that taking a deep breath in an establishment like this not recommended. Swarthmore does his best to keep it suitable, but between the piss, ale, and smoke, this isn’t the most refreshing air to breathe.”

Beatrice cleared her throat. “Swarthmore?”

Graham looked towards the back of the pub. “The owner’s family name,” he said returning his gaze to Beatrice. “Now that you’ve had something to drink, it’s time to cross of gambling.” Graham said with a wink.

Beatrice looked around the pub. She saw people drinking and dancing but she didn’t see any tables of chance or cards being played.

“Where? Here?”

Graham shook his head as he stood and extended his hand. “Come, Colette. Let’s go see how lucky we are.”

A thrill ran through Beatrice’s body as her hand slid into his. She giggled as he pulled her through dancing couples who continued to shout well wishes to the supposedly newly married couple.

When they reached the door at the back of the pub Graham gave her a cheeky wink before rapping his knuckles on the door three times.

“Do you have a secret knock everywhere you go?” Beatrice laughed.

The door opened before Graham could answer and Beatrice stared at the woman in the doorway as her heart dropped.

CHAPTER 16

“Ah, Thomas! I thought I heard your name being shouted. It’s good to see you.”

The Widow Collins embraced Graham giving his cheek a friendly kiss. Her dark eyes drifted to Beatrice who was trying desperately to remind herself that her arrangement with the Duke did not mean she owned him.

Still, why did he bring her here if the widow was here? Humiliation crowded her senses as she felt the woman’s eyes wash over her.

“Melinda.” Graham started by taking Beatrice’s hand. “My new bride and I have come to extend our gratitude.” Graham said easily as he pulled Beatrice close to him.

Beatrice looked between the two of them, confusion clouding her vision.

A warm smile slid across the widow’s face. “Anything for an old friend, Thomas.” She gave an obvious wink when she said his name.

Melinda stepped aside and ushered the couple in. “No need to thank me, but I’ll take your money any day.”

Beatrice looked back up to Graham who was pulling her into the darkened room. Beatrice squinted in the low light. There were several tables set up, one with a spinning wheel, and others with various card games happening.

Nerves collided with her already agitated state. She turned to Graham, pulling on his shirt, forcing him to lean into her. “I don’t understand what is going on.” Her words were rushed and bordering on hysterics.

Graham pulled her to the side of the door, away from the tables. With a quick glance to make sure everyone was preoccupied with the games, he placed his hands on her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes.