“Good evening, Mrs. Dove-Lyon,” she said. “I appreciate your seeing me.”
“You have a need?” the lady said. Her face was obscured by the dark lace of her veil, but her words came out clear enough.
“I wish to see Mr. Dalbert Palmer.”
“Why?”
“I want to buy his registry office. It is run terribly. He abuses his single employee, he takes advantage of his clients, and he never trains them in their intended careers. It’s criminal.” In her time between Mr. Bates’ visit and tonight, she’d visited the office under the guise of looking for work. What she’d found there had set her teeth on edge.
Apparently, it didn’t bother Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
“It’s not criminal. It’s completely legal, though I agree his actions are deplorable. Either way, a purchase offer should be extended during the day at his place of business.”
Lilah took a deep breath. “I intend to gamble him for it.”
The lady was silent for a long moment. Then she set her teacup back in its saucer before turning to his lordship.
“Lord Kittrel, it is lovely to see you again. I cannot remember the last time you came to my humble establishment.” She extended to her hand to him.
As was proper, Aaron stepped forward and bowed over her hand. There wasn’t anything intimate about his actions, and yet Lilah found herself annoyed by the interaction even as he spoke in neutral tones with the lady. “I’m afraid the work of the country takes up all my time. Personal amusements are rare for me.”
“And yet you come here with a lady who means to challenge one of my most loyal customers.”
“I do.” He turned to Lilah. “Miss Rees is true to her word, and her money is good.”
“You endorse her?”
“Yes.”
Absurd to feel warmed by his statement, but she did. And it was far easier to focus on her gratitude toward Lord Kittrel than the anxiety that churned in her gut. What was she thinking to try such a crazy thing? She wasn’t a gambler. She knew how to dust a room and plan meals. And yet, she would never be more than a bastard housekeeper if she didn’t take this risk. And though Aaron was against this, he was here endorsing her. She had to take comfort in that as she waited for Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s approval.
It took a long time.
“How do you gamble, Miss Rees? Cards? Dice?”
“Mathematics.”
She saw Aaron’s eyes widen in surprise. She hadn’t told him of this part of her plan, but clearly Mrs. Dove-Lyon was intrigued. She sat forward in her seat.
“Mr. Palmer is well known for his ability to figure in his head. Indeed, he has often challenged the Abacas Lady to a mathematical duel.”
Even Lilah had heard of the Abacas Lady. She was the mystery woman behind the cage door who kept track of all the den’s money. The click-clack of her abacas was a constant here.
“And the lady has refused, much to the disappointment of your clientele,” Lilah said.
“So you wish to duel him. In mathematics?”
“Yes.”
“What will you put up in return?”
“Five hundred pounds. In cash.”
The woman was silent for a moment, then she set down her teacup. “You have it on you?”
“I do.”
“Then I will allow it—”