Page 18 of Vying for a Viscount
“No.” He cleared his throat. “Enough questions. I would like to invite you somewhere tonight.” He paused, studying her face.
“Go on.”
“It is not your typical place. It is an exclusive club for those who have... Let’s just say there is an extensive application process, and membership comes at a steep price.”
“You have piqued my interest.” She leaned in, her heart beating a tad faster than it was. “Is this a secret club of some sort?”
He grinned. “Actually, you would be correct. It is a secret club only because members can be themselves. Both men and women are welcome. There’s gambling and billiards, and twice a month, there’s a masquerade ball where nobody needs to reveal themselves.”
“If it is so secret, how can you take me there?”
“I’m close with the owner, and he suggested I bring you.”
“Hmmm, why would he do that?” Did that mean Greyson had talked about her? Warmth spread through her chest.
“It doesn’t matter; what matters is that he did. I do not believe he offers guest passes often. I myself just became a member.”
“I see.”
“There’s more. I don’t want you to be shocked to learn that rooms are available for private use. That’s not why I’m inviting you.” He combed his fingers through his hair and groaned.
His composure was falling apart, and she was surprised by it. It was most unusual.
“You’re quiet. Did you understand what I said?”
“Yes. Forgive me. My mind wandered. Yes, I believe I get the gist of it.”
“Will you accompany me tonight? Before you answer, the club doesn’t open until midnight.”
“Midnight?”
“Yes, I suggest you rest up. I’ll pick you up at half eleven.”
Funny, she didn’t remember agreeing to go. But after he described the club, nothing could keep her away. She’d led such a sheltered life, first with her parents and then with Rutherford. It was high time she left the house and started living. “I’ll go if you promise not to leave my side.”
“I won’t leave you alone.” He stood, gathered his things, turned to her, and bowed. “Until tonight.”
“Yes,” she murmured. “Until tonight.”
After dinner, she forced herself to take a nap, telling Jane to wake her at ten so she would have time to prepare for her foray into the world of secret clubs. She had never known such clubs existed, and she planned to enjoy herself.
*
For the restof the day and into the evening, Greyson spent most of his time in his father’s study. He’d invited Letitia to Club Knight that night because his sisters had no social engagements on their calendars for that evening, which he was very thankful for. It gave him a reprieve from his chaperoning duties. He knew he complained about escorting his twin sisters, but the truth was, he enjoyed spending time with them. Once they wed, he didn’t know how often he would get to see them as they started their new lives.
For what felt like the hundredth time, he glanced at the clock. Was it broken? Surely it was later than ten. At this rate, he’d be an old man before the clock struck eleven. When it did, he poured himself a generous measure of brandy and downed it in one gulp, savoring the warmth as it spread down his throat and into his stomach. He needed something to fortify himself, for he risked much by taking Letitia to the club. What if she was horrified? What if she looked at himdifferently, as if he were depraved for wanting to belong to such a place?
At ten past eleven, he made his way to the front hall, knowing the carriage was waiting for him.
“My lord,” the butler, Henderson, said, assisting him into his overcoat and handing him his gloves and hat. “The carriage has been brought around.”
“Thank you, Henderson. No need to wait up. I expect to be very late, or early.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Please mention it to Dalton. I may have forgotten to tell him the same.”
“Yes, my lord.”
