Emily Baker by Luck Of The Devil Read Free Book Online Page A

spilling from the doorway should have provided a clue that she had not retired upstairs just yet.
    “Far more, yet at the same time less, intimidating than stories that circulate,” Jameson continued. “I am quite certain you would . . . enjoy the entertainments we could offer. Young men with certain appetites and excellent families are always welcome.”
    “Then it is as Percy said. You are a member of the Devil’s Club?” Freddie spoke in a somewhat shocked tone.
    A chill raced over her arms at the mention of the name.
    “Others call it that.” Jameson’s offhand tones spoke again. “To us it is a rite of passage, a commitment of gentlemen.”
    Gentlemen! A second chill followed the first. She drew her silk shawl tighter over her shoulders
    “A rite of passage,” Percy sounded more than a little foxed. “I told you it was something like that, Stanhope, old man.”
    “Yes.” Freddie did not seem convinced, but the very fact that he had suspected this man was somewhat unsavory and had allowed Percy to bring him here made Maura’s stomach swirl. “But—”
    “Have no fear, my lord. You’ll only need to participate once to realize the chances our little society offers for freedom and invention—A place for men to truly engage in, and savor, the sexual fantasies a man is privy to in the deepest recesses of his soul. The sort of experimentation unwelcomed by one’s wife, or even one’s mistress, can be indulged with women who play the game to the hilt.”
    The nagging worry that had been her companion all evening in regard to Harold Jameson surged in a hot wash of concern and dismay. The lascivious temptations he alluded to would seem all too enticing to a young hellion like Percy Masters and perhaps even Freddie. No wonder Percy had been so intent on anything the man wanted to say. He’d no doubt hoped all evening the invitation she had just overheard would be forthcoming.
    Oh Percy. She’d like nothing better than to shake that nodcock and give him a long lecture about what entailed proper behavior for a gentleman in his position and what did not.
    “Well, I say old man, that is very decent of you,” Percy gushed. “Wouldn’t you say, Stanhope? Or perhaps I should say indecent.” Percy laughed at his own sally.
    “I really cannot desert my guests,” Freddie protested.
    “Perhaps we can continue the party at your club, Jameson,” Percy prompted. “What say you?”
    “Well,” Jameson did not sound at all pleased by the suggestion. “Perhaps some of the gentlemen might be appropriate for an invitation. We must be discreet. Longford might prove acceptable and one or two others.”
    “I know just who to tap. Let me handle it for you.”
    It was time for her to intervene. She rattled the heavy brass handle on the salon door and swept into the foyer with an elaborate rustle of skirts and a startled look on her face. “I’m sorry, I had no idea anyone was out here. Are you leaving us so soon, Mr. Jameson?”
    “Unfortunately, my dear.” He favored her with a look that told her he saw right through her timely entrance. “Not only do I have that further engagement I mentioned, but my pockets are quite to let thanks to Lynch’s savvy play.”
    “Not that this has not been the veriest of good times—Jameson here may be spiriting some others of your company away from you, dear Mrs. Fitzgerald. I’ll just nip back to the faro tables and see who might be interested.” Percy slid open the pocket doors and slipped inside without noticing the look of consternation on Jameson’s face.
    Freddie moved to stand beside her. A look of relief and admiration lit his eyes as he took her arm in his.
    “If you have already spoken to my footman, your carriage should be along momentarily, Mr. Jameson.”
    He lifted a brow at her. “Thank you, Mrs. Fitzgerald. I appreciate your . . . attentions. I hope you will favor me with future invitations, despite my inability to see the night through. Just as I may