Never Wager Against Love by Maureen Driscoll Page A

weren’t so painfully aroused himself.
    “We can talk about this at dinner,” she said, as she
hastened toward the door.
    “If you wish,” said Arthur.
    She departed quickly and he swore he heard her running down
the hall.  He laid his head back on the rim of the tub.  The rapidly cooling
water was exactly what he needed. 
    *                    *                    *
    Dinner was an odd affair, Arthur concluded some time later. 
The food was excellent, courtesy of Dumbarton’s French cook.  On the rare
occasions at university when Arthur had dined at a professor’s home, the fare
had been only a step or two better than what was served to students.  But,
somehow, Dumbarton was living quite well. 
    “Would you like more wine, Kellington?” asked Dumbarton.  “I’m
particularly fond of this vintage.  It comes from a quaint little vineyard in
the Bordeaux region of France.”
    A beleaguered Sedgwick was at Arthur’s elbow, already
beginning to pour.  Arthur nodded at the butler, who simply grunted in reply. 
“Have you travelled extensively in France?” Arthur asked Dumbarton.  If they
were looking for a mole, perhaps they had already found him.
    “Travel is both a necessity and an interest of mine,”
replied the professor, who was slightly foxed from his excellent wine. 
“Whenever possible, I like to explore the world, which has become much easier
now that the wars are over.  And, of course, I can get funding for my trips,
seeing as how I’m one of the university’s most acclaimed professors.”
    “Professor Dumbarton has published several articles which
have received praise from around the world,” said Vanessa, as she smiled at the
annoying man.
    “Have you done much travelling, Kellington?” asked
Dumbarton.
    “Not yet.  Although it’s certainly a dream of mine.”
    “Well, what’s keeping you?” asked Dumbarton, as he motioned
for more wine.  “It’s not like you have a career or a wife and children to hold
you back.  And I’m sure Lynwood keeps that family of yours in line.  What’s to
stop you from travelling the globe?”
    Arthur took a sip of wine, unable to provide an answer. 
What was keeping him from his dreams of travel?   While he didn’t have
unlimited funds, he did have enough to spend an extended period of time
travelling the continent.  And, if he was careful with his spending, he could
go to the Americas or even the Orient.  He’d grown up with such dreams.  What
was keeping him in England?
    Then he turned and looked at the bewitching woman across the
table from him.  Perhaps he’d always known he had unfinished business.  Once he
knew she was safe, he would be free to live his life as he wished. 
    Dumbarton cleared his throat.  “I suppose it’s time we got
down to business, isn’t it?  Kellington, make yourself at home with my wine or
a glass of port.  Vanessa and I shall retire to the study.”
    “While I thank you for your kind hospitality,” said Arthur
smoothly, as he helped Vanessa rise from her seat before Dumbarton could do it,
“I should like to join you.”
    “Splendid,” said Dumbarton, looking anything but pleased. 
“It shall be interesting to watch an untutored mind at work.”
    Vanessa quickly interjected.  “Professor Dumbarton, while
Lord Arthur may be new to the world of ciphers and code breaking, I can assure
you he has a first-rate mind.”
    Arthur was absurdly pleased by the compliment.  He offered
his arm to her then escorted her to Dumbarton’s study. 
    The room was comfortably furnished with leather chairs similar
to those at White’s, as well as a sideboard that was well stocked with the
finest port and brandy.   A bookcase contained souvenirs of Dumbarton’s
travels, including pen and ink drawings of plants native to the Amazon, as well
as what appeared to be a shrunken skull. 
    “Just one of my former students,” said Dumbarton, who then
chuckled at his own