"In that case, friends, for the benefit of our French guests, we should start the evening with a simple game? To get us all warmed up?" Lord Hurst suggests, smiling around the table at his guests, still idly shuffling the cards. A little game to get the mind ticking over pleasantly before any real gambling could begin. He flashed a particularly bright smile to Aimé, who was starting tonight with a gift of coins donated from Hurst's own pocket, but it mattered very little. Angélique was hardly poor, nor was Mr. Blake, and enough winnings would hopefully be made tonight. No matter what Aimé had said, Hurst didn't doubt that the boy had enough knowledge of English and of cards to win more than a few fair hands.
"I suggest Speculation. I hope, Monsieur and Madamosielle, that you are familiar with the game? I am sure Mr Blake and I could explain between us, if necessary..." He said, setting the pack of cards down in front of him, next to the pile of coins he would be using that evening. "Unless anyone has any other suggestions?"