The Harlot Countess by Joanna Shupe Read Free Book Online Page A

followed Simon’s gaze to the circle of men on the other side of the room. They both knew who stood in the center of that pack of jackals. “Do you plan to stare at her all night, my friend? You’re glowering like an elderly chaperone, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.”
    Simon took a healthy swallow of champagne, wished for something stronger. “I’m trying to reconcile the somewhat shy and sweet girl I knew with this confident and brazen . . .”
    â€œOne can change,” Colton murmured. “Or perhaps you never really knew her at all—you only assume you did.”
    Yes, she had certainly duped him. How many men had she taken to her bed before Cranford had revealed her true nature? And to think, he’d even asked his mother for the Winchester rubies as a betrothal gift.
    Watching her flirt and entertain her circle of admirers put him in a foul mood. Which must have shown on his face because Colton asked, “Wondering whom she may choose tonight?”
    â€œThe fortunate sod,” Simon growled.
    â€œWho says she’ll take only one? There were plenty of nights where I—”
    â€œGod, don’t say it. You know how much I loathe it when you attempt to be insightful.” Simon threw back the rest of his bubbly. “I’m off. Give Julia my excuses and I’ll see you on the morrow, if you’re about.”
    â€œAllow me to guess,” Colton drawled. “Curzon Street.”
    No need to answer. Colton was right and they both knew it. He shoved his empty glass into his friend’s hand and headed for the door.
    Outside, Simon set a brisk pace for the small house where his current mistress, Adrianna, resided. Curzon Street was not far, so he told his coachman he’d rather walk. If nothing else, he needed the cold air to clear his head. The sight of Maggie surrounded by her throngs of admirers gave him a pounding ache precisely behind the eyes.
    He knew what those men saw because he’d seen it once, too. Maggie could hold the attention of a room merely by lifting a dainty finger. Heart-stoppingly beautiful, her unique looks and confidence could bring a man to his knees. It had taken him years to forget her.
    So Adrianna was precisely what he needed at the end of this evening. A soft, warm, and willing body to take his mind off everything else. He’d first met Adrianna at Drury Lane, where she’d upstaged Kean in a production of Brutus. It had taken some doing to get her away from her former protector, but Simon had charmed her until she relented—charmed as well as promised better lodgings and more money.
    They got on well and she was an enthusiastic and adventurous lover. He hadn’t planned to see her this evening so he had no clue whether she was in. Approaching the tiny brick house, he noticed the lamps were on. That boded well. He took the front steps quickly, rapped on the door.
    Adrianna’s maid, Lucy, answered. She confirmed Adrianna was in, took his things, and asked him to wait in the small sitting room in the front. Odd, since he normally would venture directly to Adrianna’s bedchamber. Instead of trying to understand the workings of his mistress’s mind, Simon used the opportunity alone to get a strong drink. He splashed a liberal amount of his favorite scotch whisky into a tumbler. Imported from an illegal distillery in one of the Inner Hebrides, the whisky did not come cheap. But it’s worth every shilling, he thought, taking a swallow as he settled on the small sofa to wait.
    Why did Maggie not dance any longer? She had loved to dance all those years ago. He knew because he had partnered with her at least once during every party. And each time he’d arrived to claim their set, her eyes had sparkled, a secret joke between the two of them—
    The latch sounded and Adrianna burst through the door. Her long, brown hair swirled down her back, a black silk dressing gown covering her