Page 31 of Murder at the Debutante Ballby

“I already have.”

He opened his eyes only to wince and close them again. “He’ll be hurt. Believe it or not, he does have feelings.”

“He’ll bounce back when he realizes how incompatible we are. In time, he’ll thank me for not encouraging him. He’s more suited to a girl with a similar background to his own. Someone born to this.” I indicated the beautiful room around us.

But Floyd wasn’t listening. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his mouth set in a grim line. He sighed heavily.

I perched on the edge of the sofa beside him. “Floyd, what’s wrong?”

“I’m tired.”

“I know it’s more than that. Something’s upset you. Philip said you came home in a bit of a state last night.”

“Bloody Philip. He shouldn’t have.”

“He was worried about you. You should be thankful you have people here who care about you.”

His chin wobbled and he pressed his fingers into his eyelids. I gave him a moment to compose himself then gently prompted him. “I’ve done something that I regret,” he finally admitted.

“Have you killed someone?”

“No! Bloody hell, Cleo.”

“At least I got you looking at me. So you haven’t killed anyone. Let’s see… Have you slept with someone you shouldn’t have?”

That produced a faint smile. “Probably, but that’s a reason to be happy, not…this.”

“Have you stolen something?”

“No.”

“Slighted someone’s good name?”

“Definitely not.”

“Lost a fortune?”

He made a whimpering sound.

“Try not to worry. I know it’s hard to do, but you must cut your losses and not attempt to win it all back. You can begin again, but youmuststop gambling. I’ll help you break the habit, if you like.”

He shook his head over and over. “It’s not that. It’s not simply that I lost a fortune. It’s that I lost a fortune I don’t have to someone with a reputation for breaking the knees of people who owe him.”

“I see. And you’re rather attached to your knees.”

“This isn’t a joke, Cleo. He’s a very dangerous man.”

“Tell me what I can do.”

He sighed. “Nothing. I made my bed, now I must lie in it.”

“I admire you for taking responsibility for your predicament.” I was sincere. Not many young men born into privilege would admit their failings. “But don’t be stubborn and push away help when it’s offered to you.”

“Thank you, but you can’t help me. No one can. Anyway, I’ve found a way to pay him back. I have a meeting lined up with a financier who’ll loan me what I need.”

“At what interest? How long will you have to pay the financier back? And what will happen if you don’t?”

He frowned. “How do you know about interest and loan terms?”