Beauty in Breeches Read Online Free PDF

while—at least where Miss Fanshaw was concerned—damaging his own. ‘I don’t think so,’ he replied, aware that those around them had fallen silent and were watching and listening with an uneasy, open curiosity. ‘Your father brought about his own death.’ He smiled. ‘It was easy to beat him. He had no skill when it came to cards.’
    â€˜Then why did you allow him to stake Larkhill? You certainly didn’t want it—indeed, you have not spent a penny piece on it since, for it is crumbling with neglect. Do you enjoy taking things from people who are weaker than you—humbling people? In my opinion that is the mark of a coward.’ She took a step towards him and was pleased to see him take a step back.
    Not discouraged and ignoring the gasp that went up from the crowd, he gave a bark of laughter. ‘You call me a coward?’
    She smiled. ‘Only a coward would do what you did. You knew he couldn’t win. You knew his loss would destroy him. Didn’t that worry you?’
    He shook his head slowly. ‘Not unduly. He was a grown man. He knew perfectly well what he was doing when he staked a house and estate that was already mortgaged up to the hilt.’
    Beatrice stared at him in disbelief. ‘I might have known you would say something like that to discredit my father, but I do not believe you.’
    He shrugged. ‘You may believe what you like, but it is true. I do not lie. I did not find out myself untillater—when I had to find the finance to pay off the mortgage.’
    Beatrice looked at him directly, finding what he said hard to believe and wondering what sort of man this Julius Chadwick actually was. ‘My father was a man without deceit, a man you could trust, who had fallen on hard times. And you, Lord Chadwick, took advantage of his weakened state. Larkhill meant more to me and my mother than to be put on a gambling table in a seedy gentleman’s club.’
    â€˜It was a private gentleman’s club,’ he countered, needlessly provocative. ‘There was nothing seedy about it.’
    â€˜A gambler would say that. So now you have two homes.’
    â€˜Three, actually.’
    Momentarily thrown, she stared at him in amazement. ‘Three? How can one person live in three places at once?’
    â€˜I don’t. I travel a lot,’ he stated by way of explanation. ‘Miss Fanshaw, must I remind you that we have an audience. Might I suggest that you lower your tone? You embarrass us both with your show of emotion. I understand your antagonism towards me, which must have increased a thousandfold as you have allowed it to fester over the years. Indeed, I would feel very much the same were the situation reversed.’
    â€˜I’m glad you understand,’ she uttered scathingly, ‘although it doesn’t alter the way I feel. I am not like my father. If you are a courageous man, you will allow me to accept your wager.’
    â€˜If nothing else, you are forward and recklessly bold, Miss Fanshaw.’
    â€˜I always believe in being direct and I enjoy walking on the wild side. I am sure you find it shocking and unfeminine that I have interest in things beyond petit point and fashion, but that’s the way I am.’
    â€˜I do, but in your case I will overlook your unfeminine interests—but will your aunt, Lady Standish?’
    â€˜I don’t doubt she will flay me alive for daring to intimate that I am anything less than a perfect lady. But a perfect lady I am not and never will be. You are staying at Larkhill?’
    â€˜I am. I’ve been out of the country for several months; now I’m back I intend spending more time in London. I found the time was ripe to visit Larkhill, to look over the property and decide what is to be done.’ A subtle smile curved his lips. ‘There are many factors which might influence how long I stay.’
    â€˜Then I hope you enjoy your stay. So,