Page 11 of The Vagabond Viscount
“How much?” Flynn replied.
The other gentleman put his hand into his coat pocket and pulled out a small cluster of papers. He handed them to Flynn. “They are free. Gratis. A friend has a play on at Covent Garden, and I am unable to attend. When I realized I wouldn’t be able to use them, I immediately thought of you.”
Wonderful. Now I am the charity case of the club.
His uncle Charles Cadnam paid for Flynn’s annual club fees. It was the only birthday gift he ever got, and he made a point of using it to its fullest value. Without his favorite chair by the fire at White’s, Flynn would be lost.
Free tickets to the theatre are too good to refuse. Beggars cannot be choosers.
He took the tickets and tucked them into his jacket. “Thank you, that is very generous of you. I appreciate your kindness.”
“We chaps need to stick together. There are four tickets, so if you have some friends you would like to invite, that would be a great help.” The other club patron gave him a pat on the shoulder and then moved away, calling out to some friends across the other side of the room.
Alone again, Flynn pulled the tickets out from his pocket and examined them. From the title, he assumed it was a comedy.
The Humorous Lieutenant
A play by Beaumont and Fletcher
Covent Garden
At 8pm, January 18, 1817
“I could do with a good laugh.”
Treating friends out to a night of entertainment and food was something he had never been able to afford. This was a golden opportunity, one not to be wasted.
After folding up the newspaper, he tucked it under his arm and summoned a footman. “Could you please fetch me my coat?”
St James’s Street to Berkeley Square was an easy five-minute walk. Flynn wrapped his scarf around his neck and stepped out into the brisk winter morning. He had a spring in his step as he made his way down Berkeley Street.
At Mowbray House, Flynn received a warm welcome from the head butler, after which he was ushered into an upstairs drawing room. He barely had time to take a seat by the fire before a large glass of whisky was handed to him.
The Kembal family and their servants had always shown him special kindness. Mowbray House was a precious refuge, one he was at pains not to abuse by visiting too often.
“Flynn Cadnam, always good to see you,” said Gideon. The Marquis of Holwell entered the room with his usually cheery greeting. He pointed to the butler. “Has Lord Cadnam got a drink?”
The butler nodded. “Yes, my lord. And cook has been informed of his arrival.”
Heat burned on his cheeks as Flynn turned his head away. No matter the time of day, whenever he arrived at the Duke of Mowbray’s home, he was immediately offered a generous drink and food was hurriedly arranged.
Gideon dropped into the burgundy leather chair opposite to Flynn’s. His face was also flushed, but unlike Flynn, his breathing was heavy.
“Are you alright?” asked Flynn.
The marquis chuckled. “Yes, I’ve been trying to get some exercise.” He patted the front of his waistcoat. The buttons held, but they were clearly under strain. “I paid a visit to my Uncle Ewan and Aunt Caroline at Strathmore House late this morning, and instead of taking the carriage, I took a leaf out of your book and went on foot.”
Flynn nodded his approval. “And how was the walk?”
Gideon’s face screwed up in disgust. “Bloody cold. My hands and nose are freezing. I didn’t realize how far it was until I was halfway there. Then because I am a stubborn ass, I walked all the way back here just to be sure I hated the whole experience. I won’t be doing it again anytime soon.”
How many times had Flynn had to endure long walks because he didn’t have any other choice? At least Gideon was doing it through free will. He had a carriage and coins at his disposal.
“I’m sorry I missed you the other night at the ball. Something came up, and I had to leave in a hurry,” said Flynn, changing the subject.
“Yes, I was wondering where you had got to. Victoria said you had arrived, but then you disappeared,” replied Gideon.
Augusta didn’t mention me. I hope she isn’t still angry. Not that I can blame her if she is, I made a mess of things.
