Page 41 of How to Capture a Duke

Olivia experienced a sense of excitement as she passed the whist, faro, and vingt-et-un tables crowded with men and masked women hoping to win at a game of chance. The crack of the dice across the green baize of the hazard table drew her eye then the sound of the roulette wheel as the little ball spun and stopped. The casino seemed alive, like a thriving beast with a pulse of its own. Gamblers shouted out in excitement, others groaned in loss, while servers with an embroidered R on their waistcoats rushed about delivering drinks to gamblers.

Olivia had never been one to sit back and let events dictate her life, not when she could have a say. The risks had never frightened her; only quitting had. By meeting both Spencer and Lady Ware, she would make tonight’s visit as most advantageous as possible.

She spotted Lady Ware by the roulette wheel in the back of the casino. Dressed in blue satin with a ruched hem, her mask was dyed the exact shade of her dress and slippers.

Ellie’s words returned to Olivia in a rush. Knowledge, not wealth, is the club’s most valuable asset.

Olivia was determined to use it to her benefit. Lord Ware may oppose the bill, but Lord Dumfries was his lackey. If she could not manipulate Lord Dumfries, then she would do the next best thing.

Olivia approached the table, placed her wager, and the croupier spun the wheel. Lady Ware’s gaze was riveted on the little white ball as it spun and spun then finally came to a stop.

“Red thirty!” the croupier called out.

Lady Ware pursed her lips.

“Perhaps you will have more luck in the ladies’ gambling room,” Olivia said as she sidled up beside the woman.

Lady Ware turned to her. “A ladies’ gambling room? I didn’t know one existed.”

“It’s private. No men are permitted. I believe the odds are better at the women’s tables.”

The lady gave her a curious sidelong look as she gathered her winnings. “Please show me the way.”

Olivia took her arm and steered her away from the roulette table to the corner of the casino and through the hidden panel that opened to the other room.

The room was painted an inviting pale gold with luxurious blue silk curtains that appeared like a waterfall. Olivia knew there were no windows in this room or on the main casino floor. She’d once heard her brother say that if there were no windows in the casino, then gamblers would lose track of time and stay longer and empty their pockets and reticules on the tables. The same trick had been used when Ellie had decorated the women’s gambling room.

All tables of chance were here as well: faro, hazard, whist, and roulette. The servers were a mixture of men and women, but their uniforms were of a different color than those on the main casino floor.

Lady Ware circled the room and her lips parted in fascination. “If I had known of this private room, I would have attended sooner.”

“I have a confession. I’m the owner’s sister.”

The woman whirled to her with wide eyes. “I’ve heard rumors the club has partners. Some say the Earl of Castleton.”

Her brother had owned the establishment. It was now run by her sister and her husband, but Olivia didn’t confirm this fact.

“Yes, I consider myself fortunate.”

“How thrilling. My family is oddly boring compared to yours.”

“Would you like a private tour? I can arrange it at a later time.”

Lady Ware’s eyes shone as she warmed to the subject. “I’d love one. But I must ask, why bring me here and why offer a tour?”

Olivia schooled her features and tried to appear nonplussed. “I like to help women.”

Lady Ware watched her then nodded. “I am happy for it. But I must ask your name.”

Olivia took off her mask. “I am the Duchess of Keswick.”

The lady’s hand flew to her chest. “My God! I had no idea the duke had married.”

“We recently married in the country in a quiet ceremony. Now that you know, will you come to Keswick Hall for tea?”

Lady Ware’s eyes widened even further. Olivia knew the temptation would be great. Ellie had told her that Lady Ware had married up from her lower station and was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She had been denied a voucher at Almack’s when she’d been a debutante. A kiss of death on the marriage mart, but she’d been fortunate enough to attract the attention of Lord Ware. No doubt her father’s wealth had much to do with the match. Her dowry had been substantial. But the lady had a deep-seated desire to be fully accepted by the beau mode. An invitation by a duchess would surely aid her cause.

“Yes, yes, I’d love to come to Keswick Hall.”