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Charlotte loved to gamble. She found her luck lay more at the roulette table than it did when it came to love. Excited to throw off the stuffiness of the ball atmosphere, she brought Albert to a private club. Her former husband didn’t mind dropping a few pounds during cards, and any roll of dice or spin of the wheel exhilarated Charlotte too. The one prerequisite, of course, is that she possessed the good sense to quit when luck turned against her at the tables. She had every intention of keeping her fortune intact, unlike her father who often lacked self-control.
Naturally, gambling was considered a terrible vice in the eyes of the morally upright. By the distressed look on Albert’s face as they entered the gaming room, he was not pleased.
“You do know the National Anti-Gambling League is determined to put a stop to these establishments. Frankly, I applaud their campaign to end this vice.”
“It’s part of our culture and tradition, Albert. Aristocrats have little else to do with their riches if you haven’t noticed already. They would rather lose what they have gambling than give any of it to the needy.”
“Exactly my point. Gambling corrupts,” Albert complained. He glanced around the room, perusing the crowd.
Charlotte halted and looked at him. “So what do you do with your riches, Albert? You don’t even know how to give a measly crown to a poor flower girl without expecting change in return.”
“Well, I—”
Charlotte cut him off, not interested in his excuses. “Oh look. The Prince of Wales is here,” Charlotte exclaimed. Without hesitating, Charlotte sauntered over and flashed the prince a broad smile while displaying a curtsy that showed her bulging assets. He returned her gaze with admiration. “It is so good to see you, Your Royal Highness.”
“My favorite widow,” he beamed, eyeing her up and down. “You do look stunning tonight. Your husband is no doubt missing you in the afterlife.”
“You tease,” she innocently replied, batting her eyelashes. “May I introduce you to Lord Beckett? He is my companion this evening.”
“Companion you say?” the Prince of Wales queried, observing Albert with interest.
“Yes, a friendly companion whom I’m introducing to vice-filled entertainment.” Charlotte flashed a toothy grin at Albert, putting him on the spot.
“Your Royal Highness, it’s a rare pleasure to meet... to meet your acquaintance.” Albert nervously stumbled over his words, bowed, and appeared flabbergasted at the introduction.
“I give you a royal decree, Lord Beckett, that you do not offend Lady Charlotte. It is my rare pleasure to call her a loyal subject whom frankly I adore.” The Prince of Wales wrapped his arm around Charlotte’s waist. “Shall you play cards with me this evening?” He leaned into Charlotte and grinned mischievously. “I have been told my gambling is becoming a scandalous pastime for the monarchy and am being pressured by the prime minister to repent.” After letting out a hearty laugh, he squeezed Charlotte’s waist. “What do you say? How about a game of baccarat?”
“If you would be so kind as to excuse me, I had planned on taking Lord Beckett for a few spins on the roulette wheel.” Charlotte eyed two beautiful women standing near the prince, looking a bit disgruntled she had drawn his attention elsewhere. “Besides, you are surrounded by loveliness as always.”
“I deserve nothing less.” He grinned, eyeing the women. “Go then, and spin. The best of luck, young lady.”
“And to you.” Charlotte gave a quick curtsy, and Albert followed with a bow. A moment later she had grabbed his forearm and tugged him away like a dog on a leash, heading straight for the roulette wheel.
“Think of a number, Albert, and whether it will be red or black.”
“Whatever for?”
The poor man looked stunned and confused after meeting the prince. She was quite sure he hadn’t expected that happenchance.
“And open that wallet of yours so we can purchase some chips.”
“Purchase your own chips,” he replied bitterly. “I’m not gambling my money away to make you happy.”
“Did the Prince of Wales not give you a command? Shall I go over to him and give him an earful about how you are a disgruntled companion who knows nothing about enjoying pleasure?”
Albert nervously glanced in the prince’s direction. “You have created an unfair playing field to your advantage.” He shoved his hand into his inside pocket. “How much?”
“A hundred pounds should suffice to get us started.” Charlotte opened her palm before him.
“A hundred pounds?” He moaned. “That’s outrageous.”
“You do have a hundred pounds with you, don’t you?” Charlotte waited with an upturned palm.
“Here,” he snapped, shoving the bills in her direction. “If you lose a penny of it, I expect you to pay me back.”
“Do you now?” she drawled. “Watch me double or triple it, and I’ll keep the profits.”
They approached the gaming table after purchasing chips. “All right, Albert, what number fancies you?”
Albert studied the table and the numbers in red and black. “Twenty-one red,” he remarked.
Charlotte let out a sigh. “Not my choice.” She placed her bet on black eight. “I prefer this one.”
“Then why did you ask me?” Albert angrily stated, grabbing one chip. “I said twenty-one red.” He slammed it down on the gaming table, drawing everyone’s attention.
“He’s not in a good mood,” Charlotte remarked to the dealer who raised his brow.
“Place your bets,” the dealer announced. A few remaining gamblers chose their numbers.
Albert watched the wheel intently as it spun the white ball. When it finally came to a halt, Charlotte squealed with delight as the dealer called the result. “Black eight.”
“I can’t believe it,” Albert lamented in a wail. “How did you know it would land on that number?”
Charlotte shrugged her shoulders. “It’s luck, Albert. Just plain old luck.”
“Place your bets.”
Charlotte put her chips down on the next number that tickled her fancy. She felt excited and assured tonight would bring a decent return. Albert, on the other hand, would no doubt lose if he continued to play. The poor man was such a miserable sod. Did he even know how to have any fun? She sincerely doubted it.
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