Page 8 of A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal
He truly did not know what to make of this firebrand. “I am certain there must be a laundress who can remedy the situation for you.”
“Oh, you are?” She laughed coolly. “I must have mistaken you for all these other lords, who likely do not know anything of where their soiled clothes go when they are in need of washing. Do you have a recommendation for me, My Lord?”
“Well… no, but—” She did not allow him to finish.
“In that case, unless you are willing to offer the money to purchase a new gown, I won’t take up another moment of your time.” She tossed the useless napkin onto a nearby shelf, and dipped into a low, elegant curtsy. “It has been a pleasure, My Lord. Might I suggest keeping your eyes open, when walking these halls in future.”
Leaving him blinking rapidly, not knowing what on Earth had just happened, Miss Black swept past him in a flurry of discontent.
Across the hallway, the proprietor, Mr. Fontaine, gave him a sympathetic nod. “I see you have met Miss Black. She is usually much more agreeable, I assure you.”
“Why do I feel as though I have just been scolded by a schoolmistress?” Liam shook his head, even more eager to be out of there.
Mr. Fontaine chuckled. “Miss Black can be… impulsive, at times. Do not take it to heart.”
“Truly, I do not know how to take what has just occurred. I am not sure I even know what has just happened.” Running a hand through his wavy brown hair, he continued to the exit, and the sweet relief that the cool night air would offer.
* * *
I should’ve given him a black eye! Then, at least, he’d have an excuse for not watching where he was going.
Infuriated that she had to cut her night short because of the clumsy actions of a rude stranger, Nora hurried back to the room where she had left Julia and Lord Westleigh. After all, she could not remain in the company of fine gentlemen, looking and smelling as though she had just staggered out of a public house.
Finding Julia in the crowd, she grasped for the younger woman’s arm. “We have to go.”
“What? Why?” Julia looked crestfallen. “I was just making headway with dear, sweet Lord Michael over here.”
Nora glanced at the young man she had teased earlier. “My lovely Julia, you would be wasting your time with that endeavor.” She leaned into her friend’s ear. “He’s the second son, and his family have no fortune. He’d never be able to afford you, and you’ve really got to stop giving things away without payment, just because they happen to be nice to you. That’s not part of this business.”
“But why do we have to leave?” Julia discreetly gestured to the rest of the room. “There’s so much potential.”
Nora jabbed a finger at her dress. “Some oaf spilled brandy on me, and I can’t be seen like this. We’ll go to a ball or a party next time, and I’ll make amends for anything you might’ve lost tonight. Though I’ve a feeling it would only have been your heart.” She smiled. “Lord Michaelisvery handsome. I do believe his lashes are longer and prettier than mine.”
“Very well.” Julia brightened, knowing there was much finer hunting to be found at grander events. And, after five years of working together, she knew she could trust Nora’s promises. “Can I, at least, say farewell to him?”
Nora nodded. “Make it swift. I’ll be waiting outside for you.”
“I adore you.” Julia giggled.
“I adore you more,” Nora insisted, with a grin.
As Julia found her way to Lord Michael, and pulled him toward a more secluded part of the room, Nora tapped Lord Westleigh on the shoulder. This discussion would not be as pleasant, nor as easy.
“My Lord, I’m afraid I have to depart. A gentleman knocked into me and my dress is ruined. I would not have your friends think you had brought a common wench to this fine establishment, so I will take my leave,” she explained, already braced for his rebuttal.
He leaned closer, so she could hear him over the din. “If the dress is ruined, then you should remove it as soon as possible. My townhouse is much closer than yours. I would be more than happy to have my laundress do her best with your gown, while you and I have a private gathering of our own.”
“Apologies, My Lord, but this gown means a great deal to me, and I would have my own laundress try to fix it. My mood, I fear, is as ruined as my attire.” She did not want to go home with him, under any circumstances. That was not why she had selected him as a client, though she supposed she had been leading him a merry dance for some months now.
He’s bound to be frustrated, but that’s none of my concern.
“You cannot be serious?” Lord Westleigh looked as crestfallen as Julia had, a moment ago. “Come now, it will be far simpler if you join me at my townhouse. I am willing to pay whatever you ask.”
Nora forced a smile. “You are too kind, My Lord, but I really must return to my own home. Perhaps, we may reconvene next week, or the week after, and see if my mood is improved. If my laundress can save my dress, I am sure I will be in particularlyvigorousspirits.”
His eyes glittered with lust. The currency of every man she had encountered. “Is that so?”
“Oh yes, My Lord.” She grazed her bottom lip with her teeth, knowing he would like it. “Now, I shall leave you with thoughts of that, and the possibilities it may entail. Sweet dreams, My Lord.” She raised up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, before darting away as quickly as possible.
