A Gentleman Never Does

A Gentleman Never Does Part 6

"We should have played for money." Gareth chided. "I'd have plump pockets for sure by the end of the night." Instead of dealing, He stacked the cards into a deck and set it between them on the table. "What's wrong, old friend?"

Gideon glanced away from the warm concern on Gareth's sharp featured face. "It's devilish warm in here. I'm for blowing a cloud, if you're not interested in continuing the play, that is."

"If playing brings me neither money nor love, then I'm done with it. A kiss is neither a forfeit nor a boon, so I'll accompany you."

It wasn't the best of situations, but at least in the garden no one would question if Gareth were outrageous, and smoking gave them both a reason to be off together. Gideon strolled across the entryway to the ballroom, aware with every step of the warm presence staying doggedly at his side. "I didn't know you smoked," he sniped.

"Filthy habit. Don't know where you picked it up." Gareth shot back.

"University, and you can't tell me you don't recall. It's no worse than that snuff you're always trying to pass off on people."

An elegant hand was waved in dismissal. "I've given it up. Snuff is so passé."

Snorting, Gideon stepped back to let Gareth precede him into the gardens. "We'll have to step into the shadows. The old tabbies will give me the evil eye when I return if they recognize me."

"By tabbies, I presume you mean your mama and your sister? Never mind. The shadows suit my purposes just fine, Gideon."

Gideon paused to contemplate that statement while Gareth grabbed his arm and bent forward fumbling with his slippers. "What are you doing? What purpose?"

Gareth straightened up, dangling his slippers from one hand. "Heels are a trick to manage in the grass. As for my purpose, hand me one of those cheroots and you'll find out."

Uneasy, Gideon lit another cheroot from the one he had already alight and passed it over to his friend. "Let's walk," he suggested, smoothing his jacket where Gareth had clutched it.