Page 78 of A Wanton Adventure
Sebastian glanced to his side to see the man leisurely knocking balls across the billiards table. He shook his head. “I’m rot at it.”
The man laughed and grabbed his drink, walking over. “Thomas Easton.”
Sebastian shook his hand. Why did his name sound familiar?
He remembered. He was the man Messina mentioned in connection with the Calverts. A few days ago, Diana received word from the count that the Calverts weren’t in Tuscany. She’d been disappointed. Perhaps this man could help Diana meet them.
“I have heard of you from Count de Messina. He was hoping to introduce an associate of mine to the Calverts?”
He nodded. “They decided to travel to Damascus because of a new historical find. I’m headed there soon.”
“When you have a moment, I would like to introduce you to Lady Hensley. She is part of a club called the Historical Society for Female Curators. They are looking to put together some antiquities exhibits.”
The man lifted a brow. “Is this associated with the London Society of Antiquaries?”
“No. They don’t allow women.”
Easton laughed. “Still? What a bunch of old, stodgy men. Rose Calvert tried to submit a proposal for a lecture there once, but they turned her down. Something about it not being fitting for a lady to do such work.”
“I bet she was livid.”
“Furious. Lady Hensley leads this club?”
“She is part of a board consisting of five women.”
“Unfortunately, I will have to decline the introduction. I will not be attending the dinner. I stopped by to speak with someone quickly and snuck in here to grab a drink before departing, but if you send a letter to the Hotel de Trevian, I can carry it to the Calverts.”
Sebastian was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to introduce Diana but happy the club would still be able to make a connection with the Calverts. “Thank you.”
“So, are you here to enjoy a respite in Livorno?” Easton asked.
“As part of raising funds for the curator club, I agreed to join a leisure cruise to test out new ports. Both Lady Hensley and I are writing a column about it in two London newspapers.”
The man grimaced. “You’re a reporter then.”
“Hell no, but I’m a partner in the curator club. In London, I own a gentlemen’s club called the Den.”
“You are Sebastian Devons!”
Sebastian nodded, realizing he had never provided his name. Easton laughed. “You won your club’s property off, my friend, the Marquess of Merry.”
It was a small world. Sebastian chuckled. “How is Merry? I used to receive letters from him, but not anymore.”
“He’s well. Doesn’t go by his title anymore. We do business together often. He will be in Damascus with the Calverts.”
Sebastian smiled. Merry traveling to Damascus seemed so far-fetched for the young man he met long ago. He’d seemed so green when they played that card game that allowed Sebastian to take ownership of his estate. The property now housed the Den.
Sebastian never told anyone, but he had offered the estate property back to Merry. The young lord had laughed and explained losing it was the best thing that had ever happenedto him and then he’d disappeared from London. Oddly enough, Sebastian had received letters and various gifts from Merry as if thanking him for taking the estate off his hands. It had been many years since he received the last one.
“The owner of the Den here in Livorno,” Easton said, amused.
“Please tell Merry I said hello and I wish him well.”
“Any interest in going to Damascus?” Easton asked.
Sebastian’s eyes widened. “Are you joking?”
He smiled and shrugged. “Merry talks fondly of you. I think he would find it entertaining.”
