If she could pretend she was far less aware than what was accurate, she’d have time to recover more fully, perhaps regain her physical strength.
Yes.That could work.If she allowed one of these men to win her without causing trouble, he’d take her with him, would he not?She’d be removed from this room and escorted elsewhere, away from a crowd she had no chance of winning against.Much better to wait until there were only one or two people around.And if they underestimated her, then she would have the upper hand, if only for a brief moment.
Fighting the instinct that screamed for her to try and get up, she forced herself to remain completely still as the curtain was swept aside moments later.
Barely daring to blink, she allowed herself to peer out from under her lashes while murmured sounds of delight filled the air.A roomful of masked individuals, softly illuminated by candlelight, gave her their undivided attention.
She allowed a soft groan, made her head loll sideways.Closing her eyes completely, she blocked them out and focused on looking as though she remained unconscious.
“As promised,” said Mr.Grover, “I present to you the crowning jewel of this evening’s event.So rare and exquisite is she, her brother chose to hide her away from the world.He’ll insist she marry a high-ranking peer unless he’s given a reason to let her wed someone else.Imagine the connection — the status – a gentleman could acquire, simply by claiming her innocence.
“Unless of course one is merely seeking a bit of sport — another notch in one’s bedpost, so to speak.”This comment earned a series of low chuckles.“Or, if one is seeking vengeance against the Duke of Wrengate for some slight or other, this would also be an excellent means to an end.
“That being said, she is not the only item available this evening, so I do hope you won’t be too disappointed to know that she will be auctioned off last.However…” Mr.Grover added, raising his voice to silence the protests.“To help you prioritize your spending, I can reveal that the opening bid for her is set at twenty-thousand pounds.”
* * *
James Murry wasted no time on the women he found inside The Willow Rooms.All seemed to be of a higher caliber than the ones found at The Gilded Lady, their overall appearances matching those of upper-class ladies.Pricy and clearly meant for the Mayfair clientele.
Though James spoke to them all politely and with respect, he made it equally clear that he wasn’t there to enjoy their services.
“I need to speak with whoever’s in charge,” he told a brunette and a redhead who’d made their approach.
The brunette gave him a quick head-to-toe inspection.“Why?”she sent Kip a sidelong glance and frowned.
Choosing to gamble that these women opposed the abusive treatment of their own sex, he told them plainly, “Because I need access to The Albion, so I can rescue a young lady before her abductor sells her to the highest bidder.”
It seemed he’d gambled correctly.Both women sucked in an audible breath.
“Sounds like a virtue auction,” the redhead murmured.
“It is,” James confirmed.
A knowing look passed between the two women, and then the brunette told him, “Wait here a moment.”
When she returned, she was accompanied by an older blonde woman whom the brunette introduced as Mrs.Greene.
She extended a gloved hand to James as though she were Queen Caroline herself.Sensing that this must be the bawd, he produced a bow and pressed a quick kiss to her knuckles.
“And you are?”Mrs.Greene asked once he’d straightened.
He looked her squarely in the eye and noted the sharp look he found there.“Mr.James Murry, valet to Mr.Adrian Croft.”
The edge of Mrs.Greene’s lips twitched.“You might have led with that when you arrived.”
“I thought the danger faced by a young woman was more important,” he said.
She knit her brow and dipped her chin.“Quite right.Irene here tells me you are requesting access to The Albion.”
“Correct.That is where the auction is being held, but getting in undetected poses an issue.I cannot risk recognition.”
“And once you’re in?”Mrs.Greene inquired.
“The event itself is masked.Once I’m inside, I can put my mask on, and no one will know who I am.”
“Very well.”Mrs.Greene spun on her heels and proceeded toward a hallway.“Follow me, Mr.Murry.I’ll escort you myself.”
“Thank you.”James started after her while gesturing for Kip to come along too.“I’ll make sure Mr.Croft compensates you for your assistance.”
