Page 8 of Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses
“Looking for me?”
Yes. No.“I was in search of a book to read. I couldn’t sleep, but then I seldom can after a ball. All the excitement of the evening is still whirring through my brain. Perhaps you’d be up for some cribbage.”
He made a face as though she’d suggested needlepoint. “I’m on my way out.”
“Home or elsewhere?”
“Elsewhere.”
“As I’m unable to sleep, I’ll go with you then, shall I?”
He gave her a patronizing grin. “It’s not the sort of place ladies usually visit.”
“Is it one of those questionable places you mentioned earlier? I know you think me dull, but I’m actually quite adventurous. Do you know when Tillie would go out at night to be with Rexton, I’d often sneak off to the Twin Dragons.” The establishment was a private club offering wagering, spirits, and dancing that catered to men and women.
“This place is nothing at all like the Twin Dragons.”
“Then I’m even more keen to go. I enjoy partaking in new experiences.”
His gaze wandered slowly over her as though he were marking every line, dip, and curve. “You’re not dressed for going out.”
“I can be. Give me half an hour.”
“I’ve yet to meet a woman who can get properly dressed in half an hour.”
“I can. Give me a chance. When Tillie returns I’ll have no freedom whatsoever.”
The sensual curling up of his lips stole her breath. His expression told her they were on the verge of doing something truly wicked. “Be quick about it.”
She released a tiny squeal and hopped before making a mad dash into the hallway.
“Grab a wrap with a hood,” he called after her. “We’ll need to be sure you’re not recognized.”
Chapter 5
“Is this a brothel?”
She didn’t sound scandalized, merely curious. He didn’t know what had prompted him to bring her here. Granted, it was where he’d planned to come before she showed up in the library begging to go with him on his adventure. He did wish he hadn’t insisted she keep the hood of her pelisse raised. It shaded her face from him, and he desperately wanted to see the blush he was certain was presently warming her cheeks.
“Ah, you are a mistress of deduction. What gave it away?” he asked.
She snapped her head around, lifted her face to his in order to hold his gaze, causing the hood to fall back just enough that the dim lighting allowed him to see the curiosity in her eyes. “They’re not wearing frocks. Only corsets and skirts which show a good deal of ankle.”
“Saves time. I suppose you can wait in the parlor while I—”
“Monchère, it’s been a while.” The voice was throaty, the accent French.
He turned to the buxom woman with hair a red shade he doubted nature had ever created. She was no longer in the blossom of youth, her face reflecting a life that had known a good deal of hardship. Still, he took her hand, pressed a kiss to the pudgy fingers. “Madame Elise. I fear I have neglected your establishment for far too long.”
She tossed her head Gina’s way. “Who is your lovely companion?”
“Let’s simply refer to her as Miss H.”
“So you want something a little different tonight. Is it to be one girl for the two of you to share or one for each of you?”
“One for each of us,” Gina said, stepping forward.
Andrew stared at her. Had she gone mad? When he had insinuated he was going to get on with business while she waited, she was supposed to return to the carriage in a huff or at the very least announce he was to take her home. He’d brought her here to teach her a lesson: adventures could carry consequences, especially when she didn’t know where the adventures might lead.
