Lizzy beamed, “I gave it away. My aunt was raising funds for one of the charities for orphans and I gave her everything I had. She is a great persuader.”
William leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “And you are a very compassionate woman who looks too beautiful right now. Press your lips together. You are far too tempting.”
Lizzy hid her mouth with her hands and attempted to cease her laughter while William chuckled from behind.
The bell rang and the fight began and Lizzy was enraptured by the fight. She began to cheer for Richmond and soon was screaming out to root for the man and William beamed to watch her enjoy herself.
There were only thirty-second breaks between rounds and the fighters were neck-in-neck in battle to win.
“They both look so exhausted, Will!” Lizzy commented. “How long can they go on?”
“Up to fifty rounds, but they cannot last that long. One will drop soon and I think it will be Gregson.” They watched a few minutes longer and the gigantic man finally fell down and was knocked out completely. “We win!”
Lizzy beamed and jumped into his arms. She quickly let go and stood upright. “You should not be hugging your cousin like that, Will!” She laughed. “How much did we win?”
“Let us go find out.” William guided her to the window where some spectators threw down their receipts in anger but many were grinning in joy. He received his winnings and quickly rushed Lizzy out of the arena and into the hackney. In the privacy of the carriage, William pulled out the entire winnings and handed it to Lizzy. “Our £25 brought us £200. That was a pay-out ratio of one...”
“One to eight! Such an incredible sum!” Lizzy shouted.
“What a brilliant mind, my dear cousin. We must celebrate. I am taking you to a tavern.” He tapped the roof of the carriage. “To the King’s Arms, driver!” William directed.
Lizzy bounced on her seat, “I have never been to a tavern before, Will. Am I to drink a pint of ale? I have only had wine and you know what happens if I have more than one glass.” She handed him back the money.
William closed her hand around it and softly responded, “It is yours, Lizzy. I will turn around so you can... tuck it away safely.” He turned to give her privacy.
“Thank you, Will! I am done.” Lizzy announced. “You know I will be giving it all away again, do you not?”
William chuckled, “I am counting on it, Li...am. As far as the ale, we will have you start small. Take a little sip but make it appear like a gulp and drink it down slowly. Do not forget to speak deeply if you can, but everyone will be too excited from the match that they will not pay attention to us dirty workmen.”
Lizzy laughed heartily and jumped out of the hackney when they arrived. It was an evening full of adventure and it was one of the most exciting times she had ever had.
~*~
“Do I know you?” A gentleman grabbed Lizzy’s arm and jerked her when she accidentally bumped him at the tavern as she was leaving.
Lizzy rapidly shook her head and pressed down her lips.
“You look familiar...” the man commented as he slurred his words. “Dirty face but a pretty boy.”
“Do you have a preference for young boys, sir?” Matthews approached with a fearsome look on his face. “Let go of my nephew, sir. He already apologised for bumping into you.”
The gentleman immediately let go and raised both arms. “My mistake. On your way, lad.” He turned and retreated quickly.
William led Lizzy out of the tavern and they ran into the hackney, holding in their laughter. “Good lord, Lizzy! Bertram nearly recognised you! He saw you dressed as a boy before and I told you that you are a very pretty boy!”
Lizzy fanned her face, “I was afraid for a moment but I am glad you brought Matthews along with us. It was still very exciting to come to a tavern, though! I believe I enjoy ale more than wine and it seems to have no effect on me, unlike the wine. I might have to enjoy it more often.”
William laughed, “Ale is made weaker than wine and is meant to enjoy in larger quantities. I do not recommend taking any alcohol too often, as they are meant to be consumed in small amounts at a time, Lizzy. I would not want a drunkard for a cousin!” They chuckled together and spoke merrily of their evening together.
William walked into Gardiner House with her and stood in the foyer inside. “Thank you for a wonderful time, Liam. You will need a good washing but I hope we can have another outing like this again soon. It was most enjoyable to spend time with my blood-brother.”
Lizzy stepped closer to William and stood inches from him. “I know I do not say it enough, but thank you, Will. Thank you for your kindness and for indulging me with such activities that everyone else would frown upon. Thank you for your care. I could never have imagined a fraction of what I have experienced with you. You have tolerated my antics for so long and you do know me better than anyone.”
William held her cheeks and laid his forehead against hers. “You are more than tolerable, Lizzy, and I savour every moment with you. Truly, I wish you with me always and I will to give you every indulgence. You are very dear to me and I hope you never forget.”
“I will not, Will.” Lizzy smiled, “You are very dear to me as well.”
William released her and stood upright. “Good night, Cousin Liam. I have an appointment with a young lady named Lizzy and we are to visit the art gallery tomorrow. There is an exhibit by Thomas Lawrence at the Royal Academy and it has been scandalous that he is protesting his own
