"You're obsessed, Cori. You've got to stop soon. Gambling can be a disease for some. They just can't ever quit."
"That won't happen to me," Corinne said with confidence.
With the last pin in place, forming a severely tight coiffure, and dressed in lavender velvet with long sleeves and a high collar, Corinne was ready to go. She withdrew her money from a locked drawer, then looked about for her purse. When she couldn't find it, she frowned. Her expensive little knife was in that purse, and she always liked to carry it with her, especially at night.
"Have you seen the green silk purse I had with me today, Florence?"
"No."
"Then I must have left it in the carriage today. I'm sure I had it when we left the cafe."
"You haven't said very much about what happened today," Florence remarked.
"Because there was nothing to tell. I had a very boring time."
"Oh?"
"Don't 'oh' me," Corinne said irritably, hearing the doubt in Florence's voice. "Just get me another purse. I'm late enough as it is."
Soon, concealed to her satisfaction, Corinne tiptoed through the house as she had countless other nights, and slipped out the servants' entrance. And there, waiting a block down the street, was faithful Russell, ready for tonight's escapade.
Smoke gathered above the room like a heavy blanket, from the many cigars, cigarettes, and pipes of the gentlemen present. The smoke could not escape the room, for the windows were tightly closed and heavily curtained. To the passerby, the house looked like any other, but to the occupants inside, it was a hotbed of excitement. Fortunes could be won or lost here, and love affairs could continue in the strictest of privacy.
Corinne had never investigated the upper regions of the house. She sometimes wondered what it was like up there, but she had never found out. Russell had tried to get her to go up with him a few times—for a private drink, he would coax. But she was no fool. She knew what he wanted. But he just didn't have the power to make her want it too.
It made Corinne sick one night when a girl's screams were heard from upstairs, yet no one downstairs moved. No one had gone to the poor girl's rescue.
Why, anything could happen on the second floor, even murder, for the two parts of the house were completely separate. It was a rule that no two couples could leave the gambling hall at the same time. That way, if a couple wished to slip upstairs for a few hours before going home, no one could witness it.
Corinne could see the sense in that rule, but it irked her, for she could just imagine the men in the gambling room speculating, when she left, on whether or not she went upstairs with her escort. It was a constant embarrassment to her.
Nine round tables filled the brightly lit room. The house did not supply dealers at each table, but the house did very well by collecting money from each player before each new game was played. Different games of chance were played at different tables. Corinne often preferred faro, a game in which each player took turns being the banker, or blackjack, the deal passing with each new twenty-one. She had learned to judge the odds well in the latter, and was ecstatic whenever she was dealt a blackjack, the desired ace and face card which paid double and gave her the deal. But though she did well in blackjack, she liked the poker tables best of all. With a little trickery, she could bluff herself a winning hand.
Corinne loved to bluff in poker. She wore elegant, yet prim gowns for the express purpose of keeping her figure from distracting from her face. Her expressions fooled many a player. Once they caught onto her, though, she would change tactics and fool them again. Even Russell could not tell when she was bluffing.
Tonight Corinne felt lucky. She had already won three hands out of the first five. The others at her table, three gentlemen and a brashly dressed young woman, did not show exceptional skill. Russell went to play blackjack once he was assured that the men at Corinne's table were interested in cards, and not in her.
"Draw poker," the dealer called, and dealt five cards to each player.
The other gentleman next to Corinne opened, and after she examined her cards and found a straight possible, she called. One other player called, and when it was Corinne's turn to draw, she took one card to fill her straight. It was not the card she wanted, but a slight raising of her eyelids said it was. The opener checked to her one card draw and Corinne bet the limit, then sat back and waited. The other player did not hesitate to fold, but the opener took a few minutes to make up his mind before he, too, dropped out.
Corinne threw in her cards and raked in the chips. She won quite a bit during the next hour, though with good cards rather than bluffing. She was enjoying herself immensely until Jared Burk sat down at her table.
She was stunned to see him sitting there across from her, dressed in black evening attire, grinning sardonically. Corinne was mortified that he had found her here, after she had told him she would be spending a quiet evening at home. What must he think? Was that why he was grin-ing?
"Maybe my luck will change now, with new blood in the game," said one of the players.
"Perhaps," Jared replied smoothly. "But it is hard to entice lady luck away from a—lady."
Corinne felt her cheeks flaming. She had detected the sarcasm in his voice.
"Five card stud," Corinne called in a stiff voice that was not lost on Jared. She dealt the cards quickly, putting an end to conversation.
From that moment on, Corinne lost. Every bit of her winnings and the money she had brought with her was transferred across the table as the hours passed. Corinne became furious with herself. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't concentrate on the game. She didn't look at Jared, but she could feel Ms eyes mocking her. It infuriated her so that she could hardly see the cards she held, and had to be repeatedly reminded when it was her turn to bet or call. What must he think?
The final straw was looking at three kings in her hand, knowing she could finally beat Jared, and not having the chips left to bet with. She would not give Jared Burk the satisfaction of seeing her sign an I.O.U. to finish the hand.
'This hand is not worth betting anyway," she lied, with a smile to cover her frustration. "I think I've had enough for tonight."
Feigning boredom, Corinne left the table and crossed to the long bar built against a wall. She ordered a straight whiskey. She wasn't used to hard liquor, but why not? There was a first time for everything.
She had nothing better to do than sit there and get drunk. Russell was winning and would not want to leave yet
"So this is how you spend a quiet evening at home, Miss Barrows?"
She turned to find Jared beside her, leaning smugly against the bar, his winnings in his hat. He swung the hat slowly to and fro.
"It's not evening, Mr. Burk," she said caustically, her temper surfacing. "It's almost morning."
"So it is."
She glared at him, but he was not deterred. "I see you're angry with me," he said. "I'm not surprised, though. Most women are poor losers." "And most men!"
"True. We have that in common, don't we? For I'm a very bad loser myself."
She knew that he did not mean only at cards. She took a swallow of her drink, then nearly gagged as the fiery liquid seared her throat.
"So now you will drown your sorrows?" he taunted her. "I thought you had more spirit, Corinne."
She frowned. "I did not give you leave to use my first name, Mr. Burk."
"Isn't it time we stopped being so formal?-" "I think not," she replied haughtily. Jared smiled. He looked away from her for a moment and his eyes fell on Russell. The man was obviously an utter fool, Jared thought contemptuously. He should have more sense than to bring his intended bride to an establishment like this. And then to leave her to her own devices! Why, anyone could whisk her out of here, and Russell Dray-ton wouldn't know of it for some time.
"Would you like me to escort you home?" When Corinne glanced at him suspiciously, he added, "Since your fiance is otherwise occupied."
&nbs
p; "No thank you," Corinne said coldly. "I don't mind waiting for Russell."
"Perhaps you would like a small loan, then," he offered. "So you can continue to play? I did so enjoy your company at the table."
"You mean you enjoyed winning my money!" she replied bitterly.
He shrugged, then grinned, his eyes dancing. "That, too." "I never borrow money when I come here, Mr. Burk." She lied convincingly, but kept her eyes averted. "I set my limits and stick to them."
"Very commendable," he said drily. "Is that why you're wearing no jewels tonight? Afraid you might be tempted to gamble them away?"
She couldn't help smiling at his perception. Did the man know everything?
"I did get a bit carried away the first time I came to an establishment like this," she admitted. "I lost a valuable diamond broach on the turn of a card. Since then I have left my jewels at home."
"You talk as if you come here often,"
She was stung by the condemnation in his voice. "I do," she replied defiantly. "I can afford to."
"But can you afford to have it known?"
Corinne frowned. "Is that a threat, Mr. Burk? Are you implying that you will make it known?"
"I wouldn't dream of tarnishing your good name," Jared assured her.
"But you feel that I am doing so by coming here?" When he shrugged, she continued angrily. "No one knows me here, Mr. Burk. And if someone did, they would say nothing out of respect for my father."
"But you take that risk?"
"I come here to gamble. I gamble in that respect as welL Besides, it's really none of your business, is it?"
Jared acquiesced with a slight nod. "I will say no more. But I still offer you a ride home." When she started to refuse him again, he added, "Once I leave, Miss Barrows, you will be swarmed by gentlemen wanting to make the acquaintance of a beautiful woman whom they will presume is alone. There is no need to put yourself through that"
"I can take care of myself," she said, her proud nose rising in the air.
"Forgive me. I only assumed you wouldn't want that kind of attention. Perhaps I was wrong."
He was utterly infuriating.
"I don't relish being bothered, Mr. Burk. I just feel I should wait for Russell."
"Why?" he asked pointedly. "He's not even aware that you are waiting." Then he conceded graciously, "Though I'm sure he would come to you if he were aware of it" She knew he didn't mean it
"Is it my presence that is stopping you from accepting my offer?" Jared suggested in a soft tone. "You're not afraid to be alone with me again, are you?"
"Certainly not!"
"Well, then?"
Corinne looked at her empty glass. She had convinced herself earlier that she had nothing to fear from this man, so why was she hesitating?
"Very well," she smiled agreeably. "If you will just give me a f ewminutes to tell Russell that I'm leaving."
"Is that really necessary?"
"Why, Mr. Burk," Corinne teased lightly. "You wouldn't want my fianc6 to think I had deserted him?" She leaned closer and whispered, "He might think I've gone upstairs, and then cause quite a scene looking for me."
Corinne laughed softly at the startled look on Jared's face before she moved to Russell's table. Let Jared Burk think whatever he wanted, she didn't care for his opinion anyway. And it had been such a pleasure to shock him, to see that arrogant look leave his face for a momentl She felt much better now.
She waited patiently for Russell to finish his hand before she attracted his attention. He was reluctant to leave his table, but he came to her anyway.
"Russell, dear, I didn't want to interrupt you and take you away from your game, but it would be remiss of me not to tell you that I'm leaving."
"Leaving? Why?"
"I lost my money rather quickly."
Russell looked back at his own winnings. "I can't leave yet, Corinne. My luck's been too good tonight. If you need some more money—"
"No, Russell, you know I never borrow from you. Besides, I am rather tired. And you needn't leave your game. Mr. Burk has kindly offered to take me home."
"Burk is here?" Russell frowned, and looked about the room, spotting Jared waiting at the bar. "I don't like that man, Corinne. He seems too much the adventurous type to me, or more like a mercenary."
"Don't be ridiculous, Russell," Corinne scoffed. "He may give the impression that he's ruthless, but he's perfectly harmless. And he is going to be a partner of mine very soon. Father feels we need his money, so I can't very well be rude to him, now can I?"
Russell looked back at his winnings once again, an avaricious gleam in his dark gray eyes. "I suppose not. But do be careful, Corinne."
"What do you mean?"
"I know how you flirt when the mood suits you. I wouldn't trifle with Burk if I were you."
She ignored his warning. "It's strictly a business relationship, Russell, no more."
The enclosed carriage Corinne found herself in was not quite so large as the one Jared had used to take her to lunch in, nor was it as comfortable. Corinne nearly swore aloud when a bump in the road almost unseated her.
"I must apologize for this conveyance." Jared spoke from the dark interior. "But it was the best I could find on short notice. To tell you the truth, I wasn't too sure the driver would wait as I had paid him to do."
"You should consider hiring your own driver," Corinne suggested impulsively. "That is, if you plan to be here much longer."
"I don't," he replied.
"So you plan to invest your money and run?"
"If you wish to put it that bluntly, yes," Jared answered without hesitating.
"And have you made a decision about our firm yet? Or if you'd rather not say, I'll understand."
Jared smiled, though Corinne could not see it in the dark. "Would I be making a sound investment if I did?"
"Certainly." Pride slipped into her voice. "I've made a fortune over the years myself, so I've been told."
"Don't you know?"
"My money is in a trust, Mr. Burk, that my grandmother arranged for me. It contains the money she left me, plus all the shares she owned in the shipyard. But my father has control of it until I marry."
"With his approval?"
"Yes." ,
"I take it you don't care for those terms?" Jared asked casually. "I mean, considering how fond you are of being independent?"
"I don't mind having to get my father's approval .to marry," Corinne replied. "What I mind is having to wait for my money in the meantime. I mean, there is all that money just sitting there, and my father doesn't give me enough to meet my needs."
"I find that hard to believe."
"My spending money would be sufficient for most women, but it isn't for me."
"Because of your gambling?"
Corinne gasped. He was so perceptive it was frightening.
"I just want control of my own money, Mr. Burk. Wouldn't you?"
"Yes, but when you marry, you still won't have controL Your husband will."
Corinne laughed softly. "No, he won't."
"I don't understand."
"It's quite simple, Mr. Burk. You see, that's one of the agreements Russell and I have. He understands that I can't tolerate restraint. When I marry, I will be free."
"I see."
And Jared finally did see. In Russell Drayton, she had found herself the perfect husband. Perfect for her.
"If it only takes getting married to get what you want, why haven't you done so yet?" Jared asked curiously, hoping Corinne would continue to talk on this personal level without getting suspicious. "Is Mr. Drayton afraid to confront your imposing father?"
Corinne could see Jared's face only when the carriage passed a street lamp and light filtered in. She couldn't see his expression at that moment, but he did not sound as if he were baiting her.
"The truth is, Mr. Burk, Russell has seen my father about me, but my father refused him."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. My father
will come around."
"He doesn't strike me as a man who changes his mind easily," Jared remarked.
Jared had touched on a sore subject. And he was right. Samuel Barrows hardly ever changed his mind. He had put very few restrictions on Corinne's life, but when he did, there was nothing that could make him reverse his decision. This would be different, though, Corinne told herself. He just had to give in this time.
"When he sees how set I am on this marriage, he will relent," she said with more confidence than she felt.
"Then perhaps I will be invited to the wedding?"
"If you are still here," Corinne said lightly.
"By the way, you left your purse behind today, or rather, yesterday. Had I known I would see you again so soon, I would have brought it along."
"I was afraid I had lost it for good." Corinne was relieved. "I will send someone around to pick it up at your hotel tomorrow, if that will be convenient?"
"It won't be necessary at all. I will return it when I pick you up for dinner tonight."
"I haven't said I will dine with you, Mr. Burk," Corinne replied saucily.
Jared grinned slyly. "Isn't that the least you can do, after I left a perfectly good winning streak back there just to bring you home?"
Corinne laughed, actually enjoying the banter. "You make yourself sound like a martyr. I didn't ask for your services, you know. In fact, you were quite persistent."
"I suppose I'm just chivalrous at heart, unable to resist a lady in distress."
"Is that what I was?"
"Weren't you?" he countered.
"Very well, I will have dinner with you tonight—if you tell me how you happened to be at the club. It's not exactly a public spot."
"My lawyer told me about it," Jared replied easily. "In fact, if he hadn't been along, I probably would not have gotten in."
"You mean he was with you, and you just left him?"
The carriage came to a stop just then. "I'll go back for him."
Corinne smiled. "You really have gone out of your way just to bring me home, haven't you?'
"I enjoyed it," he said casually, and opened the door. He made sure he got out first to help her down.