Page 32 of To Ensnare a Duke

It would be different if we were already in attendance, and the others knew there would be sounds. In the dead of night, however, they would sooner call a night watchman. The very last thing we need is to be found out.

Blazes, but this chit is causing me so much trouble for one who was supposed to be so good. Her brother assured me she would be no issue. Yet, here I am, about to blister her arse for a second time. How is it that the first one didn't stick?

Gritting my teeth, I bang on the door to the back entrance and pray to God this time she'll learn some sense. The door opens a few minutes later, revealing Jeremy. He stands there and crosses his arms, rolling his eyes as he looks at Augusta.

"Is this to be a regular occurrence, then? Are omegas to be showin' up 'ere in the middle of the night demanding entrance?" He glares down at her. "What's your story then? Got some husband in there and you want to stop him from taking his pleasure with someone other than you?"

"N- no," Augusta squeaks before clearing her throat. "I mean, no." This time her voice is a bit deeper, as if she thinks she can fool the guardian of the door.

He tilts his head back and laughs, the sound carrying no mirth in it. "Be gone from this stoop before the madam of the house decides to make an example of you."

I grip Augusta by the arm, keeping her from fleeing. "I wish to see Madame Douleur. It is a matter of great discretion."

He gives an irritated snort in Augusta's direction before allowing us entrance. The little omega, of course, is entranced, and once more I question the intelligence in this plan. The last thing I need is for her to become enthralled with this way of life. Her brother would never forgive me if she became a working girl.

Eyes wide, she stares at the women as they flit about in various stages of undress. A child-like wonder lights up her gaze as she follows their movements with her eyes. Biting back a groan, I rub my hand over my face.

Anger sizzles along my synapses as I watch her grin, oblivious to the impropriety in her actions. She shouldn’t be enjoying herself in this den of iniquity. This isn’t some fantastical lark she should find amusement at.

It’s her actions that brought us here for a punishment. The very last thing I need is for her to think this is a place she can run off to and seek refuge. Gripping my hands into fists, I step away so as to not throttle the chit then and there.

Various girls pass by, their lurid smiles dripping from their lips as they wave their fans in front of their faces, attempting to be coy. As of yet, they have not discovered the true identity of Augusta, and I plan to keep it that way.

"If you know what's good for you," I growl, "you will tip your head so that none may see your face. The last thing you want is for word to get out that you've been seen at such an establishment."

"But you can be seen? It's obvious by the show of attention you're receiving that this isn't your first trip here. Why can I not be in attendance if you are? What sort of place is this that a woman may not enter accompanied by a man?" She waves her hand about to the others who are, thankfully, applying their attention elsewhere. "Are these women supposed to hide their faces? Or can they be known?"

"Why, my girls are known far and wide for their various talents," Madame Douleur interrupts. She drops into a sweeping curtsy before flashing me a wide grin. "Your Grace, to what do we owe this honor? You have been absent of late, and we were quite concerned."

"I'm sure you were," I grind out. "But I must inquire as to which part concerned you the most? The absence of my person or my coin?"

Her laugh dances in the air like a cascading of several spoons, one on top of the other. Normally, it has more of a delicate, tinkling quality to it. Tonight, it lands flat around my ears.

"Your Grace, you are so witty. Of course it is you who I miss. Granted, your coin does not go amiss here, either." She glances down at Augusta and curls her lips. "Have you brought me another plaything? Is she to replace the now esteemed Kitty?"

"Somewhere private, if you please. One that can accommodate teaching someone a much-needed lesson."

"But of course. Your wish is always my command."

Next to me, Augusta bristles, her eyes glittering with what looks like anger. Though, why she's the one upset, I cannot even fathom.

The room the madam leads us to is one of my old haunts. The moment the door opens, I breathe in the familiar scent of wood and leather.

"Is it still to your liking? Shall I bring some linen for you as well?"

"That will not be necessary. That lesson is not for this one."

Again, she looks over at Augusta and tilts her head. "Is she to be trained by you and given to me? Or is she some passing fancy you wish to tup with others unaware? I did not know you had a wife to govern your actions so closely."

"You may speak to me directly," she growls, standing up to give her added height. "I am not some trifle or plaything. I am a-"

The madam narrows her eyes into thin slits. "I know who you are, Lady Hunt. What I do not know is why you are in my establishment with one of the most wicked men in all of London. Do you care nothing of your reputation? How could you be so daft?"

I step off to the side and lean against the wall, allowing the madam to speak to her. Maybe someone from her own gender will allow some common sense to permeate her brain.

"How dare you speak to me this way," Augusta hisses. "After I marched with you-"

"You what?" I roar, pushing off the rough wood. "When was this?"