AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After his father died, he’d spent a few months of heavy drink and whoring at Haversham’s, trying to suppress all the pain and rage. He never considered how little choice many of the prostitutes had until witnessing a young woman fresh from the country who took her own life within weeks of working the club. From that point on, he made it part of his mission to supplement the young women’s income to give them a chance to get away from Haversham who kept a careful watch on his “property.”
Tessa was heading toward Dash when Randolph grabbed her from behind and pulled her into his lap. The young woman pushed against the old lecher’s chest, trying to escape. The bastard was old enough to be Tessa’s grandfather and had a young wife and a mistress. Dash’s limits were being pushed. He sauntered to Tessa, who struggled, making Randolph laugh. Dash took her hands and pulled her to stand, extricating her out of Randolph’s clutches.
“Randolph, a lady likes to have a choice,” Dash warned.
“Lady?” Randolph snorted.
“Maybe you didn’t hear me over the noise.” Dash never wavered in his deathly stare fixed on the baron.
“No harm done.” The old blustering fool smiled with his yellowed teeth and grizzly chin.
“Thank you, my lord.” Tessa looked at him through her long golden eyelashes. Her eyes were heavily painted with kohl and her lips with rouge to mark her profession.
He took her arm and led her toward the stairs. “Tell the other gentlemen that you are taken for the evening.” Handing her a handful of coins, he lowered his voice. “This is enough to keep Haversham happy for a while.”
Relief covered her face. “I’m happy to accommodate you, my lord.”
“Tessa, we’ve been over this. You are to save your money and return to your village.”
He always paid her over what Haversham expected, so she would eventually have enough to return to her family. And in turn, she told him what secrets she was made aware of in the club. He hadn’t planned to use her as an informant, but she was very observant and would share gossip to be entertaining, not realizing how helpful her information could be.
“Haversham is looking.” He crushed her against him. He lowered his head, giving an appearance of a lover. “Have you heard anything mentioned about Lord Clifton or a kidnapping?”
Her eyes widened, and she reached up to smooth his hair. “Can you meet me later in the alley?”
This had to be important since he had never met her outside. They never discussed anything upstairs. Haversham had holes in the walls so his men could watch and report information used later for blackmail. Usually, she was able to share tidbits in passing, climbing the stairs, or sitting on his lap as he gambled.
“When everyone is staggering out in the morning is the best time. No one will notice that I’m gone.”
“Go upstairs before one of these randy fools comes after you.” He swatted her on the arse, in case Haversham still watched.
Tessa giggled and said loudly, “I will be waiting for you, my lord.”
Dash sorted through the possible information Tessa could have and how she obtained it. Could this be what he needed to find Roddy? For a brief moment, he envisioned Perdita’s joy at her reunion with Roddy.
“I might have to try that young whore if she can distract a hardened cad like yourself, Beldon.” Weber patted the sweat rolling down his forehead. The idea of the lecher pawing sweet Tessa sickened him.
“I like him distracted. Gives me an advantage in the game.” Yardley smirked.
“It might be imprudent of you, Beldon, if Lady Perdita learns of your lady love before you are married. Or her brother. Clifton is a conservative kind of fellow. Nothing like his father.” Vinson drew on his cigar, watching Dash. “You’re exactly like your father.” Vinson, a small fastidious man with impeccable dress and manners, was the quiet observer but as sleazy as his chums.
Dash dropped to the empty chair.
“Clifton is a good friend of Beldon. I’m sure he’ll approve of the match—despite your reputation… I was hoping he would accompany you tonight.” Yardley searched Dash’s face.
“I’m surprised as you are that he isn’t here. I missed him at Lady Billingsworth’s ball. Did you speak with him?” Dash took a sip of the brandy that appeared as soon as he sat. He relaxed against the back of the chair.
“Last time I saw Clifton was at White’s. He was with Pitt and his minions. Not sure what Pitt is up to. Seeking Clifton’s support to become the next prime minister? An interesting proposal since our former prime minister was against the treaty that Clifton spent a year working on.” Vinson shuffled the cards. His long slender fingers were effeminate, as were his manners.
“Clifton has been in Pitt’s pockets for a while now. Planning ahead for his own career, I believe,” Weber added. “Pitt won’t sit on the sidelines too long.”
Interesting that Yardley didn’t volunteer any information. But Vinson was very helpful in giving Dash a new avenue to search. Maybe Roddy’s absence was in fact to do with his diplomatic work and nothing to do with Dash and his involvement at Haversham’s. His highly developed instincts told him the opposite. Haversham was somehow involved, but kidnapping a well-respected earl with a century-old title was taking a big risk. And Haversham was many scurrilous things, but he was foremost a businessman. So why take the risk?
Dash searched the cards he was dealt. Not a bad hand. No one appreciated that it was harder for him to lose than to win. He was eager for this part of the night to be finished, so he could speak with Tessa and hopefully have good news for Perdita. He discarded his ace, ruining any chance of winning.
