The Wager by Raven McAllan Page B

soon
reasserted itself. "You are not mentioned. The wager says part of the
loser's family or possessions, to be chosen by the victor. I coveted his
hunting lodge near Melton Mowbray ."
    What?
    "Jermyn, you have one not ten miles from
his." She was at a loss, who was this money-grabbing scheming person
disguised as her brother?
    "Yes, well I like his better." Now he
sounded like a sulky schoolboy. "However 'tis immaterial, he won. His
words were 'I will have Catherine. You have forty eight hours to have her agree
to present herself at
Chaloner Court
.' Hell Caty , I could not say no."
    "Of course you could. It is easy, one
word." Her head pounded and she had difficulty forming her sentence. She
rather thought she and her actions were at the root of the wager.
    "I couldn't, for his next words were…'and
if she refuses, I will take everything that is not entailed.' Hang it Caty ; that would leave us with nigh on nothing."
    No, she could not refuse.
    Damn
them both. Catherine knew she
had no option other than attend and see what he had in store for her. But
Chaloner Court
? That
was more than half a day's drive. She thought over his wording. She had to agree to present herself, not be there?
What game was he playing? Was this at
last his revenge?
    "So, I suppose I have no option other than
to give you leave to send him that message and ask when and how. But I tell you
now Jermyn, when I, I, not you have
paid this debt of your honor, I no
longer have a brother. I am ashamed. Of you, and God help me, of myself for
condoning your behavior. If it was not for mama and the children, I would say
hell mend you both. Now please leave me. Until I choose to vacate this house
this is still my sitting room, and I
do not like the way you are spoiling the ambiance." She looked away from
him and at the book in her hands, turning the page with slow deliberation.
      For one
moment she though he would argue, then he spoke.
    "As you ask. I will inform you of any instructions I
receive." It was unbelievable, but he still spoke as if she was in the
wrong, not him. "I believe it will be soon, he was definite in what he
wanted."
    She was in no doubt of that.
     

 
    Chapter Two
     
    Brook Fredericks turned the missive over in his
hands thoughtfully . Had he really believed Catherine
would not call his bluff? But here was the evidence that once more she had come
to her brother's aid. He didn't know whether to be displeased or thankful. When
would she ever let Jermyn sink or swim due to the results of his own folly? If
Brook hadn't been so sure Jermyn was cheating, he would have played fair and
square. As it was Jermyn was so determined to win, his play was careless, and
Brook had little to do to sway the result in his own favor. The hunting lodge
meant nothing to him; he had other houses that he preferred. As a man of honor,
to see the younger man not only cheat, but be prepared
to wager anything belonging to his family, sat uncomfortably with Brook. He
would have thought more of him if he had protested at the end. Instead Jermyn
had said nothing, and only spoke when Brook had said Catherine or anything
un-entailed. Then Jermyn had nodded, "I will tell her."
      The fool, the uncaring,
stupid fool. As much as he wanted Catherine with a desperation that
surprised him, he wanted her honestly, to be told she had been wrong, she
missed him, and wanted his body next to hers. It was a faint hope. Up until he
received the missive, Brook had no thoughts to proceed, other than to leave
Jermyn to stew in the results of his folly for a few weeks. However, receiving
the letter, which stated starkly, Lady Catherine will do as you ask. Please send details, of how
and when. Also, strike the debt as paid in the book , changed his mind.   She was foolish. Did she not know what he
would demand? He smiled grimly. Jermyn Charles was an idiot, his sister
facilitating his idiocy. The debt had not been paid, and until it was, Brook
had no thoughts of permitting either