Page 11 of A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal
“Ah… an excellent jest.” Liam breathed a sigh of relief. “As we are all gathered, I believe it is time for us to make our departure. Preferably before Carlton has consumed so much brandy that he will not remember anything of this night.”
Denninson nodded. “A grand plan. I have grown tired of the additional company here, for the gentlemen have turned into roaring louts and I do not care for the crude things they are saying of those two ladies.” He paused. “It is most peculiar what the presence of a lady can do to a fellow’s mind, is it not?”
I was just thinking that selfsame thing—
In that instant of injury to Miss Black, he had not hesitated. Indeed, until he had stepped back into the haze of the gentlemen’s club, it was almost as though he had forgotten every qualm he had about women and had seen only her. Not her entire gender, just her. A lone damsel in need of a savior. And a surprisingly sad one at that.
“Shall we?” Liam led the way out of the club, while Carlton protested vehemently behind him.
“The night cannot be over!” he lamented. “In all my life, I have never been the first one to leave the revels, and I shall not begin now! Let us have just one more tipple, My Friends. Just one more!”
Denninson strong armed him toward the door. “You are not the first to leave, dear Carlton. Lord Westleigh left long before you. Comfort yourself with that notion.”
“Ah yes, buthedeparted with good reason.” Carlton raised an astute finger. “His revels are not finished. He has the delectable Miss Black to take home and—”
“Enough!” Liam interjected. “The hour is late, I am already weary of London after returning only a week ago, and I should like to take to my bed. I donotwish to speak any more about Miss Black. She has already been discussed in great detail this evening.”
Carlton sniffed. “Perhaps you would not be so cantankerous if she were to share your bed, though I hear she is a devious minx who lulls a man to sleep with her Siren song and plenty of good Port, and vanishes into the night before he has even had so much as a taste of her.”
“No. More. Talk. Of. Miss. Black!” Liam barked, though he wondered if there was some truth in that tale. Indeed, her reaction to Lord Westleigh’s insistence outside had been akin to someone who did not care to be touched at all, under any circumstances.
Yes… I do believe it was revulsion that I saw pass across her face, when that brute pulled her toward him.
Filled with an unprecedented curiosity—for who had ever heard of a prostitute that could not stand physical contact, or even pretend to—he almost did not see the figure who stepped into his path, just shy of the front door.
“Lord Keswick.” Mr. Fontaine gave a polite bow. “I hoped to catch you as you were leaving.”
Liam observed the man. “Is something amiss?”
“Oh no, not at all. I merely wanted to thank you,” he replied.
Liam frowned. “Whatever for?”
“I saw you outside, coming to the rescue of Miss Black. There are not many who would have done so and, though she is what she is, that does not mean she ought to be subjected to brutality,” Mr. Fontaine explained. “It may sound odd, but I have a fondness for the girl.”
“Is that so?” Liam shifted uncomfortably, feeling the intrigued burn of his friends’ eyes, boring into the back of his head.
Mr. Fontaine nodded. “Though, I confess, I have somewhat selfish reasons for wanting to see her protected, also. Whenever word gets around that she is in the club, it is always crammed to the rafters. I would not lose that draw because Lord Westleigh cannot comprehend a refusal.”
“Yes, well… I best be going,” Liam said hurriedly, knowing he would be tormented with ceaseless questions after this. However, before he could get through the door, Mr. Fontaine pulled him back.
“That being said, I would be wary of Lord Westleigh from here on out,” he whispered, eyeing the hallway as though someone might be listening. “He is a powerful gentleman with a powerful temper, and I would hate to see you on the receiving end of it. As such, I will be sure to tell you if he is here, the next time you visit, so you may avoid him.”
Liam gave an awkward nod. “I appreciate that, and I shall heed your generous words.”
With that, he ducked out of the gentlemen’s club and hurried toward his waiting carriage. But, as all three friends were sharing the journey and residing at Liam’s townhouse that evening, he could not escape the interrogation that he had been dreading.
“Can it be true?” Carlton hung on Liam’s arm, preventing him from clambering into the carriage. “Has the condemner of women truly become the hero of Miss Black?”
Liam wrestled his friend away. “I do not condemn women. I merely do not wish to be acquainted with any.”
“Except for Miss Black.” Carlton flashed a drowsy wink.
Liam groaned. “Could you harass me in the morning instead? I fear I shall fall asleep on my feet if I do not reach my bedchamber soon.”
“Just so you are aware,” Carlton continued, regardless, “Miss Black does not exchange favors for gallant acts of chivalry. Even with the coin to purchase her time, you would be a rarity if she bedded you. So, my Dear Boy, I believe your bravery was in vain.”
Liam glanced at Denninson, as if to say,“Would you help me with this drunken cretin?”
