Page 20 of A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal
Infidelity of any kind had never made a jot of sense to Liam. Why would a man and woman swear to bind themselves to each other before the eyes of God, only to betray that by indulging in others? As far as he was concerned, love and loyalty were intrinsically entwined, and marriage was sacred. That was why he would never love or wed another. He would rather be a hermit than have his hopes shattered again.
“Lord Keswick, is that you?” A finger tapped Liam on the shoulder, making him turn.
Behind him, ruddy cheeked and grinning like a lunatic, stood a ghost from his past. Sir Arnold, one of the self-satisfied pair who had delivered that gut-wrenching story of his wife’s trespasses. The fellow had grown fat and jowly over the last five years, the buttons of his bottle-green waistcoat straining over a rotund belly.
“Ah, Sir Arnold.” Liam put on a polite smile. “This is an unexpected pleasure.”
Sir Arnold clapped Liam on the back. “I had heard that you had returned from your hiatus on the Continent. May I say, it is bloody marvelous to have such a splendid young fellow back where he belongs.” He shook his head slowly. “That was an awful business you endured, my good man, and I am glad to see you looking so well.”
“I suppose I owe you a debt of gratitude for informing me,” Liam said stiffly, for there was a part of him that knew he would have been happier to live a while longer in ignorant bliss.
Sir Arnold raised his chin proudly, as though he had just been honored for saving his country. “It is the duty of a gentleman to inform another gentleman when his wife is making a mockery of him. I could not sit by and watch aFrenchwomando such an abhorrent thing to a fine Englishman, who could have his pick of delightful English fillies.”
You would pretend thatyoudo not make a mockery ofyourwife at every bawdy house in London?
Even five years ago, Sir Arnold had been in possession of a colorful reputation when it came to purchasing the charms of ladies of the night. It had disgusted Liam then, and it disgusted him now.
“Yes, well, I have no intention to remarry.” Liam swirled his drink and scoured the crowded hall for any sign of his two friends. They had wandered off to play a game of pontoon, and had yet to come back.
Sir Arnold looked affronted. “But you must, my good man! It would be a tragic shame if you were to waste your most vigorous years in solitude. Everyone would be delighted to hear that you were engaged once again. We were all so sorry that you were treated so poorly, and we would all celebrate your happiness, if you found another bride.”
“Nevertheless, it is not something I care to seek,” Liam replied firmly.
Sir Arnold frowned. “You have yet to find the right young lady, that is all. When one catches your eye, you will soon forget all about that vile French harpy. She got what she deserved.”
“I do not know if that is true, but it has soured my taste for ladies somewhat. Perhaps, after a few more snifters, I might look upon them with a sweeter eye,” Liam lied, determined to make this lout leave as quickly as possible. Nor did he believe that Élodie had gotten what she deserved, though he would not have said that to such a man as this.
“Excellent news!” Sir Arnold clapped Liam on the back twice as hard, almost making him spill his drink.
For a fleeting moment, he remembered Miss Black. He had done his best to keep her from his mind and had thoroughly succeeded, until now. As a droplet of splashed brandy rolled down his hand, he found himself wondering how that unusual woman was faring. He supposed she had shrugged off the unpleasantness of her encounter with Lord Westleigh, and was upon the arm of some other gentleman with coin to pay for her.
Perhaps, that is not the case. Perhaps, Lord Westleigh’s behavior turned her away from that sort of employment. Perhaps, she is out there, atoning for former sins.
He blinked in confusion, for he was not sure why he would concern himself with the state of Miss Black’s immortal soul. What did it matter to him if she continued to sell herself? That was the life she had chosen. A life that gave permission to gentlemen to betray their wives. Even if she ceased her employ, that would not erase all the corruption and sin that her feminine wiles had allowed.
She is none of my concern. None of her ilk, prostitutes or otherwise, are any of my concern. They are all Eves, willing to bite the apple should the opportunity arise.
“I see I have dampened your good humor,” Sir Arnold lamented. “My apologies, Lord Keswick. It was not my intention. I merely wanted to speak with you and inform you that thetonare all on your side. We are cheering for your future contentment.”
Liam forced a smile. “Thank you. I appreciate your words of support.”
Though they are sincerely misplaced.
Just then, Carlton came hurtling back toward the table. Denninson followed behind at a calmer pace, with a gentleman at his side whom Liam did not recognize.
“Have you heard the news, My Friend?” Carlton did not even seem to notice Sir Arnold. “It is all over the gambling hall and, I daresay, London! You would think war had been declared and all the gentlemen have been conscripted to make the charge immediately. There is uproar, Westwood! Utter uproar, and I could not be happier that I am here to witness it!”
Liam frowned. “What in Heaven’s name are you gabbling about?”
“Miss Black has caused a glorious stir!” Carlton enthused. “She has touched a match to the tinderbox, and now the gentlemen of thetonare about to combust!”
Sir Arnold muscled his way into Carlton’s attention. “What do you mean? What has Miss Black done?”
“Apparently, she is threatening to expose every gentleman who has ever paid coin for her company, in vivid and excruciating detail. Fellows are fleeing the gambling hall as we speak, to beg clemency from her.” Carlton gestured to a huddle of men who were trying, rather indiscreetly, to push through the crowd and reach the exit.
Meanwhile, other gentlemen were jeering at the departing cluster, and applauding loudly so everyone would be sure to turn in their direction and witness the furtive escape.
“Make sure to send your wives to the country for a month! That is the only way to save yourselves now, if they have not already seen the scandal sheets!” a young man hollered down from one of the gilded balconies.
