It all Began with a Wager

© Lora Darling

As overheard by a waiter at White’s while replenishing the drinks of London’s four most notorious rakes…

“I daresay we need to liven this season up, gentlemen. What say you all to a little wager to test our much touted skills?”

“What have you in mind, Simon?”

“I’m sure you’ve all laid eyes upon Lord Convy’s fetching little niece from the country? Ah, I can see by the gleams in your eyes that you have. I wager one of us can bag the little chit before she is even given a chance to wear out the soles of her finest dancing slippers.”

“Hear! Hear!”

“I say Geoffrey has the best chance at her. What woman can resist--”

“No! I’ll take your wager, Simon, and any of you who interferes will taste the tip of my sword.”

“Whoa there, Ackerly, no need for such dramatics. She’s all yours. My good man! Yes, you. Bring the betting book ‘round, we’ve a wager to record. One Lord Ackerly to seduce one delightful Miss Angelique Deveraux…”