He contemplated his reply, and he didn’t imagine he had a duty to protect Gregory or to hide his secrets from her. “Yes, he’s a member at my club.”
She looked aghast. “There are memberships?”
“Well, yes. We don’t admit just anybody. It’s quite posh, so the standards are very high.”
“Has Gregory been there very often?”
“Every night.”
“He gambles every night?”
“I realize it’s hard for you to fathom, but it’s a regular mode of entertainment among a certain fast crowd.”
“But. . . but. . . Gregory is so normal when he’s at home.”
“He’s very normal. He simply amuses himself as all his friends amuse themselves.”
“Perhaps he should find some new friends.”
“Perhaps,” Caleb agreed.
“Is he in debt?”
“They all are. It comes with the territory.”
“To whom does he owe money? And how much is owed?”
They’d arrived at a thorny juncture that would take them down a road he didn’t intend to travel with her.
Gregory owed money to everyone, but mostly, he owed it to Caleb. They continued playing, with Gregory anxious to win back what he’d lost, but he never could. Caleb was too skilled, and he had great luck. He was clever with numbers and at calculating the odds. Gregory never had any luck at all.
In fact, Caleb was positive the rash oaf would eventually wager away Grey’s Corner. It had to be why Gregory had invited him to the wedding. He wanted Caleb to view the property, to understand its value. Or maybe he wanted Caleb to see that Gregory had a fine home and Caleb should cancel the debt and let him keep it.
It would have been a viable ploy—if they’d been the least bit cordial—but they weren’t cordial. Gregory was desperate to be able to gamble at Caleb’s club with his chums. If Caleb finally cut him off, he’d be ostracized by the very fellows he’d worked relentlessly to glom onto.
“If you’d like information about Gregory’s finances,” he carefully said, “you should speak to him directly.”
“Oh, I will, but it would be nice if you could provide me with some ammunition before I go into battle.”
“I can’t aid you in that quest.”
“I was afraid that would be your position.”
“How old were you when you became engaged to Gregory?” he asked. “Seventeen? Why did you consent?”
“Why wouldn’t I have? My uncle suggested it, and I’ve known Gregory all my life. He’s always been kind to me.”
“Is that what you’re searching for in a husband? Someone who’s kind?”
“In my book, kindness is a worthy trait.”
“I suppose, although I’ve never had a chance to discover if that’s true or not, and you haven’t exactly explained why you’re marrying Gregory. Nor have you clarified what took you so long.”
She tsked with exasperation. “You can be so irritating.”
“If I’m keen to learn something, I don’t beat around the bush. I delve right to the heart of any matter that’s vexing me.”
She glared like a fussy nanny. “Will this satisfy your curiosity? I never expected to wed. When my uncle raised the prospect, I was delighted—and a tad astonished.”
He scowled. “Why would you have thought you’d never wed? You’re beautiful, educated, and interesting. Any man would be glad to have you.”
“I have no dowry, so who would want me?”
“Just Gregory apparently, but if you don’t have any money, why is he so eager? Is he more altruistic than another beau might have been?”
She grinned an impish grin. “Perhaps he simply likes me more than any other woman.”
“If he likes you so much, why the seven-year delay?”
He stared into her pretty blue eyes until he was drowning in them.
He yearned to mention Lucretia Starling. He yearned to talk about Gregory’s problems with alcohol, how he drank to excess, then wagered what he couldn’t afford to lose. He yearned to point out how unhinged Gregory could be, how self-centered and spoiled.
Yet he wouldn’t climb out on that limb. Her uncle had arranged a match for her—to her cousin. It would give her a permanent home, unless of course Gregory frittered it away. Caleb would have to reflect on that situation.
He liked her very much, and he felt sorry for her. But then, he felt sorry for all the wives who visited him and wept over their husbands’ negligent habits. He was regularly begged to forgive debts, but he was never swayed by sentiment. He couldn’t save his stupid, careless club members, and he wouldn’t presume to try.
Caro might wind up crushed by the weight of Gregory’s calamity. Should he warn her to beware of what was approaching? Or should he mind his own business and butt out?
“Gregory is a dedicated bachelor, Mr. Ralston,” she said, “but he’s turned thirty. It’s time for him to move forward with his life.”
“He’s a bachelor, so he waited seven years?” Caleb’s tone was incredulous.
“My uncle asked me to wed him. We’re a family, and you have a brother who landed you in an ocean of hot water with the navy, so you comprehend why I’d be loyal and behave as is expected of me by my relatives.”
“You don’t have to proceed you know,” he said as he had out on the lane.
“I realize I don’t have to. I want to.”
“Do you?”
The question hung in the air between them, and ultimately, she said, “Why are you so compelled to keep offering that inappropriate comment?”
“I’m merely stating the facts.”
“Will you use insomnia again as your excuse for being rude?”
“No, I’ll confess to being a rude person in general.”
“You’re determined to make me distrust my decision, but I can’t figure out why.”
“Maybe I’m simply worried about you.”
“I doubt that very much.” She slid away and stood. “I have to get back. I’ve been gone for ages, and I’m sure I’ve been missed.”
“Don’t depart just yet. Tarry with me a bit longer.”
“I shouldn’t have come with you in the first place, but I allowed you to drag me away. I must be growing deranged.”
“You like me more than you should,” he cockily said. “It’s a common dilemma that females suffer with regard to me.”
She rolled
