Free Wicked Wager by Mary Gillgannon Page B

much serious effort and planning. Although I know gentlemen are supposed to be above such things, I actually savor the idea of doing real work and facing a challenge greater than guessing what card my opponent will play.”
    “Gads, don’t let anyone in your current circle know you feel this way. Real work—the idea is quite appalling.”
    Penny couldn’t tell if James’s horror was real or feigned. But Revington was clearly serious. So far, she hadn’t known him to jest or make jokes. She’d expected Revington to be a typical shallow and self-involved nobleman—what Tad and the other stablemen called a “swell”. In fact, he appeared to be cut from a different sort of cloth altogether.
    “I don’t give a damn what people think,” Revington said. “I have little respect for most members of the ton . They’re a bunch of overgrown boys and top-lofty blowhards. Of course, my cynical attitude probably results from the circumstances in which I associate with them. Gambling doesn’t tend to bring out the best in people.”
    “It’s probably just as well you have no concern for your social standing,” responded James, “since you’re marrying Miss Montgomery and someone like her is unlikely to attract positive notice from the old tabbies and snobbish matrons who dictate who is worthy of acclaim.”
    “I’m not convinced Penny would be an utter failure in Society. I suspect if she was properly turned out, she might surprise you. This morning, Maggie curled her hair, and the result was rather startling. Penny looked like a different woman, and a strikingly pretty one at that.”
    At Revington’s words, conflicting emotions flared inside her. While gratified to think he found her attractive, improving her appearance might well work against her best interests.
    “It sounds as if you’re becoming rather fond of Miss Montgomery. For all that this marriage began as business transaction, perhaps it will end up being a love match.”
    “Love!” Revington gave a harsh laugh. “Tell me, James, do you know any marriages that are love matches? At any rate, I’m certainly not the sort for such foolishness. There’s as much likelihood I’ll fall in love with Miss Montgomery as there is I’ll become enamored of the orange girl who sells her wares on the corner.”
    “Well, my parents were fond of each other. And I think there’s something to be said for having a tendre for one’s spouse. I hope to at least like the woman I marry.”
    “I see you’ve added another requirement to your long, long list of the attributes your future wife must possess. I can’t wait to meet this paragon, James. I doubt there’s a woman in London who’ll measure up to your standards.”
    “Well, then, perhaps I’ll remain unwed,” James responded.
    “Perhaps you will,” Revington agreed. “Or perhaps your natural tendency for romance will induce you to fall in love with a woman who’s nothing like your paragon.”
    “My natural tendency for romance? I can’t think what you mean.”
    “You insist I’ll come to care for Penny. But it’s really nothing more than a business arrangement. I’d never even have looked at her if it weren’t for Horngate. The property is what I desire, not the woman.”
    “Is that so?” said James. “If you’re so certain, then there’s no reason not to make a wager. I’m not normally a gamester, but I’d be willing to bet that if you spend one month in London with Penny, you’ll fall in love with her.”
    “One month?” Revington let out a groan. “That will seem like an eternity! What the devil are you offering that would possibly make me endure such a trial?”
    “If you end up going through with this and residing at Horngate, you’ll need someone in London to look after your business interests. I’d be willing to do that, at no cost to you.”
    “It’s true I’d need someone to keep an eye on things here. I’d have to continue to rent this house, so I’d have somewhere to