Page 37 of A Rogue to Cherish

Chapter Fourteen

“Aword,” Tom Roberts said in a clipped tone.

It was late on Saturday and the hotel lobby was crowded. Grant had just decided to leave; he’d grown bored, and his friends had long gone home. Being a bachelor was lonely. The revelation had come to him after Henry and Evan left to their wives.

Miles had gone to London on business, which left him alone. Except for the son of his lover.

Grant motioned to the chair facing his and waited for the man to lower into it. He’d never cared for Tom Roberts. Not only because he was an elitist, but also because the man spent most nights in dens of inequity, yet had the audacity to look down his nose at others. Obviously, Tom had garnered his dark tastes from his mother.

Then again, who was Grant to judge, as he too had participated several times at Lucinda’s gatherings and with the goal of more than pleasure.

Tom was short with a round face that had yet to garner the look of maturity even though he had to be in his thirties. With sallow skin from lack of time outdoors and wild curls that resisted any kind of control, he seemed sickly. However, from his bright gaze, it was obvious he remained very alert. “Mother tells me you rarely darken her doorway as of late. I am glad to hear it.”

Since the man asked no question, and Grant preferred not to speak to him about his relationship with his mother, he remained silent and waited for whatever else Tom had to say.

Tom continued, “You must have found other women to sleep with in exchange for money? That is what whores do, is it not?”

The insult stung, but he allowed it to slide off his back since it was spoken by someone engaged in similar, dark pursuits. He nodded. “Indeed. I find that I do not need to entertain her as much.”

“Eventually your looks will fade, and women will stop using your services.” Tom’s lips twisted into a sneer. “A sad ending indeed.”

“Do you know why these types of women will always need someone like me?” Grant asked, leaning closer.

Tom’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t reply.

“Because they are desperate for attention. Their husbands ignore them, and their family the same. Sons and daughters never visit other than when forced, as they eagerly await their mothers’ deaths and, by turn, the inheritance.”

The man’s face turned to stone. “Because you fuck for payment, does not mean you know anything of what happens within the families.”

Grant smiled because he knew how to anger the man further. “Being I have spent more time with your mother in the last months than you have in years, I would beg to differ.”

“Stay away from my family,” Tom bit out a bit too loudly as several men turned in their direction.

“Have a good evening,” Grant said and stood.

Before he could make it to the door, Tom came up behind him. “I mean it. Stay away from my mother.”

There was something akin to fear in Tom’s narrowed gaze. Grant wondered if there was something afoot. He let out a breath. “If it isn’t me, it will be another man. The person you should be demanding change from is your mother.”

Tom shoved him as he passed and hurried outside. All composure gone, he rushed to a waiting carriage and climbed in.

For a few moments, Grant stood out on the road wondering what exactly happened and if he should go see Lucinda. No matter that the woman was somewhat depraved, he had spent a lot of time with her, and there was no doubt that the woman was growing older, and weaker. Her gatherings would not last much longer and she’d find herself alone. A sad ending indeed.

Again, he was reminded that his own bachelor’s life wasn’t much different than Lucinda’s. Both of them were alone.

*

“Mr. Murray,” thebutler at Lucinda’s house opened the door wider and waited to take his hat and overcoat. Grant handed the items to the butler. “Will you please let Lady Roberts know I am here?”

“Of course, sir.” The butler walked away in the strange way that butlers had of moving both unhurriedly and quite rapidly at the same time. He stood, waiting, feeling unease even though the sitting room was familiar. A faint smell, a mixture of men’s and women’s perfumes, hung in the air. Apparently, Lucinda had recently entertained.

Just as he lowered to a seat, a maid walked in with a tray. Upon it were a teapot, two cups, and tea cakes. She set the tray down on the table nearest his chair. “Lady Roberts will be down momentarily.” The servant poured tea into one cup for him and then quietly left.

It was long before Lucinda walked into the room in her usually overbright gown and perfectly coifed hair. “Darling!” He stood and moved to her. A slight purpling under her eyes informed him of her lack of sleep and he could only imagine what she’d been doing until the early morning hours. As it was now late afternoon, her guests had been roused from wherever they’d slept, or better yet laid in before being sent on their way after being served strong tea, bacon, and bread.

“What brings you to see me today?” Lucinda said, accepting his kisses on her cheeks.

“Can I not come and see about you? Ensure you fare well?” Grant asked, waiting for her to sit. Once she did, he followed suit and poured tea for her. “How are you?”