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“There is no need for concern” She reement A small drop of port will do no harm”

Gesturing to the waiting footlasses The servant placed the crystal vessel on the s Matthew’s curious gaze scanned the unfamiliar decanter

What, did he really think she’d be foolish enough to fall prey to Boden’s scheh to ame A few drops would di an amorous advance should the need take him

“Instead of port, I wonder if Iother than the drink he’d ta “You’d prefer brandy wouldn’t you Parker?”

The red-haired gentleout”

“Well entlemen shall enjoy a brandy”

They all accepted their respective glasses Matthew stared at her as he brought it to his lips

“Trust me,” she reiterated It was a lot to ask from a man who trusted no one “The liquor will have no effect on your ability to play” She turned to Boden “Many a drunk has played carelessly at the tables”

Boden snorted “Indeed, hence it’s only right we all take a drink”

The sneaky scoundrel

It took a tremendous effort not to jump up and punch him on the nose

Little did he know that she’d watched hi learnt that he’d drugged the port at Holbrook’s card game, and that he’d presued for both decanters to be changed On Anne’s advice, the small ah to ant lord’s mind

After raising their glasses in a salute to Fate, the gaan

Boden’s tactic in all previous games was to let his opponents win the first few tricks As per their earlier conversation, Priscilla was to play low, particularly if playing her strongest suit, while Mattheould divert suspicion and mix up the play

Priscilla and Mattheon the first four tricks — Boden and Parker-Brown the next four The slight movements of hand and face were harder to detect when seated around the table To stare at theplay would seem odd With so much at stake, the pressure to focus took tremendous effort Indeed, the tension in the air was like a heavy weight pressing down on her shoulders