“But why does Lord Lynche gamble for such high stakes?” Carina asked. “He does not look the gambling type – not like the other guests in the house.”
“If you ask me they are mostly Sir Percy’s friends,” Mrs. Barnstaple said scornfully. “I never thought Mr. Justin would turn out like this. Such a sweet little boy he was and one of the most attractive young men you could imagine when he was at Eton.”
“What changed him?” Carina enquired.
She did not mean to be drawn into this discussion, yet somehow she could not help herself.
“It was after Mr. Giles died,” Mrs. Barnstaple replied. “I don’t think Mr. Justin ever wanted to be the heir.”
“He had an elder brother?” Carina asked in surprise.
Mrs. Barnstaple nodded.
“Yes, indeed, Mr. Giles was five years older and her Ladyship really doted o
