Hadrian was not without sympathy for a man in a tight spot, although he himself gambled only on occasion as a matter of social amusement. He had the discipline to know when to cut his losses. But for the past year or so, he’d seen troubling signs in Wymark that wagering was fast becoming an obsession.

“You’re underage,” he pointed out. “You can’t be held liable for gaming debts.”

Wymark looked appropriately scandalized by the notion. “The devil you say! Stiff my friends? I could never hold up my head again.”

“I’m glad you value your honor, at least. If you want to avoid ruin, your first step is to stop wagering. Your second is to sell that blasted stallion. There’s a reason why you were able to purchase him on the cheap. He’s too volatile to ever be a decent competitor.”

“Thunder won’t bring a fraction o’ what I owe.”

“Then make a vow to your father that you’ll stay away from the gaming tables in exchange for him settling your debts.”

“Bah! The old man will only tighten the screws. I’ll never hear the end of it.” He stood swaying, a sly look appearing on his face. “Don’t suppose you’d spring me a few thousand, would you, old chap? Considering we’ll soon be brothers-in-law.”

Wymark didn’t know that Hadrian’s intention to wed Lady Ellen was currently in limbo. Hadrian had informed Godwin after dinner that any betrothal must be put off for a few months in order to allow the girl sufficient time to overcome her shyness. To further complicate matters, the episode with Natalie had cast his once-ordered future into utter disarray. He needed time to think and consider. But his marital plans were too private a matter to discuss with his drunken cousin.

“No loans,” he stated firmly. “It’s time for you to man up and find a way out of this mess yourself.”

Glowering, Wymark trudged to the cabinet for another drink. The fool had been indulged by his mother, Hadrian knew, but perhaps this crisis would be the making of him. Suffering for a time might prove to be the best teacher.

His cousin turned and cast a defiant, resentful scowl over the rim of his glass. “Not so high-and-mighty as you pretend,” he mumbled. “Only a cad would cheat on m’ sister.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Saw the way y’ looked at Miss Fanshawe. The earl might be keen to know you and her were so cozy here tonight. Of course, I might be persuaded to keep m’ mouth shut for—for the right price.”

A powerfully hot vibration shook Hadrian’s core and exploded like a flow of lava. It was like nothing he’d ever felt in his life. Propelled by a red blast of rage, he strode forward to seize his scrawny cousin by his lapels and drag him up off his feet. “I wouldn’t advise you to try to blackmail me, Wymark.”

“N-not blackmail, just—just a loan—”

Hadrian tightened his grip until Wymark’s blue eyes bugged in alarm. By God, he would not allow this young pup to besmirch Natalie’s name. “Let me explain the terms of our bargain,” he said in his iciest tone. “You will not receive so much as a farthing from me. And you will bide your tongue in regard to Miss Fanshawe. Do I make myself clear?”