Lily (Song of the River) Read Online Free PDF Page A

He smiled and extended his right hand. “Jean Luc Champney.”
    “Well, Mr. Champney, I’m Blake Matthews.” The man had a firm handshake. “If you’re looking for an honest game, you’ve come to the right place.”
    Another man joined them, a rueful smile on his face. “That’s right. No cheating allowed.” He turned his pockets inside out. “That will not guarantee you a win, but you stand a better chance here than at any other place under the hill.” All three of them laughed.
    Jean Luc was so glad he’d decided not to stay home. This Matthews fellow was quite likable. For a moment, he envied Blake’s lifestyle. How exciting to sleep all day and entertain all night. From the looks of the lavish spread, the man had plenty of money to spend in making his guests comfortable. The fancy pastries, fresh vegetables, and huge platters of roasted meat reminded Jean Luc of the party his family had hosted to introduce him to the local planters. “What type of game do you offer, Mr. Matthews?”
    “Poker.” The other man’s smile warmed. “Would you care to join us?”
    “I’d be delighted.” He jangled the coins in his pocket. “But I don’t know if I brought enough money with me.”
    “I understand.” Mr. Matthews waved a hand toward the buffet tables. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Please help yourself to food and libation. And don’t forget where we’re moored if you decide to come back another day.”
    Jean Luc was impressed when the man didn’t try to coerce him into playing. He was not a cardsharp looking for easy prey. A servant offered him a glass of champagne. Jean Luc accepted and stood sipping the bubbly liquid as he watched several cardplayers take seats at the round table.
    Mr. Matthews sat on the far side, allowing him to have his back to the wall. Many a gambler had met an untimely end from a bullet in the back. At least Mr. Matthews’s position meant he stood a better chance of not being caught off guard.
    Jean Luc watched the card game progress. Finally deciding he could gamble as well as most of the men playing and better than others, Jean Luc sidled up to the table. “Is it too late for me to join?”
    Mr. Matthews looked up and nodded toward an empty seat. “Not at all.” He introduced Jean Luc to the other players. “Sit down, and I’ll deal you in.”

Chapter Four
     
    B lake Matthews reached for a boot and tugged it on. As he pushed his left foot into the other boot, his eyes lit on his soiled clothing piled in a corner. He would have to make the trek up to Natchez today to drop them off at the washerwoman’s shop. He didn’t trust the women in Natchez Under-the-Hill to do a proper job, and he had learned early on that appearance and personality were as important as his skill with cards. His subsequent addiction to cleanliness had paid off nicely, drawing in fastidious, rich customers who were ready to wager large sums at his table.
    A pleasant feeling brought a smile to his lips. Thanks to a particularly generous client last night, he was no longer a nameless gambler eking out a living between port cities. He supposed he ought to feel a little guilty for fleecing the young man of his property.
    But he wasn’t in the business of raising youngsters. All of them had an equal chance at winning or losing. The only edge he held was an ability to read his opponents from their gestures and expressions—and that he remained sober when most of the men were at least half-lit. But he neither dragged them onto the
Lucky Lucy
nor poured liquor down their throats. And he ran an honest game.
    Still, he shuddered to think about the scene that had likely occurred in the Champney household when Jean Luc had confessed his loss to his parents. Blake shrugged. He’d probably done the young man a favor—he wouldn’t soon forget the dangers of drinking and gambling.
    Blake drew on his brocade vest and thought about how his life was about to change. He was a businessman now. He was the