page16 (1/2)

“Of course,” Gareth said gallantly, rising to his feet and offering her his arm “I need to save Lord Somershall, after all,” he said, once they had moved several paces away

Her eyes snapped to his face “I beg your pardon?”

“If I were a betting man,” he said, “I’d lay the odds four-to-one in your favor”

For about half a second she looked confused, and then her face slid into a satisfied s man?” she asked

He laughed “I haven’t the blunt to be a betting man,” he said quite honestly

“That doesn’t seem to stop most men,” she said pertly

“Or most women,” he said, with a tilt of his head

“Touché,” shepeople, aren’t we?”

“And what about you, Miss Bridgerton? Do you like to wager?”

“Of course,” she said, surprising him with her candor “But only when I knoin”

He chuckled “Strangely enough,” he said, guiding her toward the refreshment table, “I believe you”

“Oh, you should,” she said blithely “Ask anyone who knows me”

“Wounded again,” he said, offering her his ht I knew you”

She opened her mouth, then looked shocked that she didn’t have a reply Gareth took pity on her and handed her a glass of lemonade “Drink up,” he murmured “You look thirsty”

He chuckled as she glowered at hilass, which of course only lare