Page 44 of The Charming Words of a Common Scoundrel
Clara wasn’t sure what to say and Addie jumped in and said, “You can get us both a drink.”
The man flashed a smile and scampered off. “That is the Earl of Granville. He is a bloody bore but a polite enough gentleman.”
“This isn’t so bad,” Clara said.
Addie chuckled. “Just wait.”
Before Clara knew it, they were surrounded by gentlemen.All called her the Red Angel. She wasn’t sure where the name came from, but she had no doubt they knew who she was. She stood stiffly, unsure what to say or do. She drank her champagne and watched Addie flirt shamelessly. Clara wondered about Addie’s earlier words. Did Sam care for her? How badly she hoped for that over the last few weeks, but standing here now, it seemed not likely. He was in Liverpool with a mistress. Why had she even held out hope at all? She needed to stop thinking about him.
“Come, let’s go get some food,” Addie said, pulling her back into the house. A plethora of gentlemen trailed behind them. She shook her thoughts away and smiled. Tonight was a night for fun. No more thoughts about her husband.
~
Sam strode to the front door of the Den but was blocked from entering by Devons’ butler Donahue. Sam scowled at him and knew he’d startled Donahue because the man stumbled backwards.
“Good evening, Mr. Kincaide. I am happy to see you, but you are not allowed to enter without a mask.”
“Donahue, I am not in the mood.”
Donahue shrugged and said, “Mr. Devons’ rules and Mr. Miller even stopped by to make sure I was enforcing it.”
Sam cursed, and Donahue’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Sam understood; it was likely the first time Donahue had seen him in such a foul mood.
“Is my wife in there?” he bit out.
Donahue shrugged and said, “I am not sure. Names don’t exist during the Ball of Sin.”
Sam glared at the man. “Donahue, do I seem to be in the mood for any of these games?”
He studied Sam, then finally said, “No, I don’t believe you are, sir. She is being called the Red Angel.”
Fury swirled in his stomach. He moved to enter, but Donahue shook his head. “Sorry Kincaide, no mask, no entry.”
“Really? Can I speak with Devons or Miller?” he demanded.
Donahue shook his head. “I don’t know where Mr. Miller is but Mr. Devons said he was not to be disturbed.”
“Tell him it is me,” Sam said.
Donahue excused himself and Sam paced annoyed that his wife had the name Red Angel. He didn’t think he had felt so angry before.
A gaggle of ladies exited the house and giggled. “I wonder who Devons will pick as his new lover. Perhaps the Red Angel; she has been swarmed by men all night. I wouldn’t be surprised if he whisks her away before the party is over.”
Sam saw red and pushed his way past the footmen who guarded the entrance. He raced up the stairs towards Devons’ offices, scooting passed men and women drunkenly frolicking everywhere. One of Devons’ guards stood in front of his office and Sam stomped his way to him. The guard shook his head and said, “Devons isn’t to be disturbed.”
Sam pushed the man out of the way and swung the door open. Devons looked up from the paperwork on his desk, his glasses hanging off the bridge of his nose.
“Sam, what are you doing here? I thought you were in Liverpool.”
Sam glared at him, “Where is my wife?”
Devons stared at him, confused. “How would I know?”
“There is talk that she is here, and you plan to make her your lover. That will not happen. I like you but you touch my wife, and we will have problems.”
Devons cocked an elegant brow at him.
Their conversation was interrupted by Jack and Mercy entering the room, both wearing masks. Sam was confused to see them. What were they doing here?
