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he?’
    ‘Immediately,’ replied the Frenchman with immense
satisfaction.
    Adrian sometimes found it hard to equate this new,
business-like Aristide with the fellow he’d first encountered on the other side
of a Parisian card-table.   In the space
of two lengthy sessions, they’d each discovered the other man’s secret.   Adrian had recognised that Aristide Delacroix
was the best card-sharp he’d ever seen; and Aristide had eventually realised
that the reason Adrian rarely lost and could detect dishonest play most men
would never notice was because he had an uncanny ability to count cards.
    Inevitably, the two of them together created a
marriage made in heaven – and Sinclair’s was its natural progeny.
    ‘Lord Nicholas has been immensely helpful in
bringing the place into fashion,’ Aristide continued.   ‘He plays here himself occasionally – but
never so often that anyone would remark on it.   And his brother, the Duke, has been in a handful of times with the
Marquis of Amberley and others.’
    ‘That wouldn’t have been Nick’s idea,’ murmured
Adrian.   ‘Rockliffe has a certain
reputation – of which his brother, like most people, is justly wary.’
    ‘Well I can vouch for the fact that his Grace
plays a fair hand of piquet,’ came the faintly disgruntled reply.   ‘But to resume … Gaspard, our chef, is a true
culinary genius; Jenkins runs the best security system in town; and Madeleine
has charge of housekeeping and spends part of each evening in the more
exclusive rooms upstairs – that being the only place she’s safe from
importunities.’
    ‘In my experience, girls as beautiful as your
sister aren’t safe from importunities in even the most respectable of circles.’
    ‘I daresay,’ remarked Aristide grimly.   ‘But those girls aren’t being guarded by a
couple of ex-pugilists masquerading as footmen.   She refuses to stay out of the club completely, so I set the rules.   And our members know what’s at stake.   The last one who crossed the line was
escorted from the premises forthwith and had his membership terminally revoked.’
Aristide finally took a sip of his brandy. ‘Speaking of which, I’m assuming
you’ll want membership yourself?’
    ‘Naturally.’
    ‘I’ll see to it.   But I’d appreciate it if you’d confine your activities to Hazard and
Pharaoh.   Anything, in fact, that doesn’t
allow scope for your particular skill.   First off, we run a clean house here – and second, it wouldn’t take
Cameron long to become suspicious.’
    ‘Duly noted.   When do I get the tour?’
    ‘In a moment.   There’s something I want to discuss first.’
    ‘Ah.’   Of course.   There would be . ‘I suppose it relates to that request I made of you
some months ago.’
    ‘Yes. I’ve done as you asked.   But I’d like to know how much longer it’s to
continue.’
    ‘I’m not sure.   What is the current liability?’
    ‘Ten thousand, give or take – and little or no
chance of getting it back.   The word is
that he’s mortgaged up to the hilt and the duns are swarming all over him.’
    ‘And yet he still throws good money after bad at
the tables?’
    ‘Yes – in the establishments that will still let
him.   He’s the worst kind of gamester –
addicted and desperate.’ Aristide eyed his partner thoughtfully. ‘Are you
trying to ruin him?’
    ‘Not at all.   He appears to be managing quite well without any help from me.’   His lordship achieved an elegant shrug.   ‘On the other hand, I’ve no objection to
allowing him to ruin himself.’
    ‘That’s what I thought.   Am I allowed to ask why?’
    ‘You can ask. But you must forgive me if I prefer
not to answer.’
    ‘Then I suppose there’s no more to be said.’   Monsieur Delacroix set down his glass and
came to his feet.   ‘The grand tour,
then.   We’ll start with the main
floor.   And when you’ve had a good look
at the place, I suggest you sample the catering by dining