A product of her father’s strict upbringing and newly widowed from a similarly strict marriage, Althea still often had no idea what to do with her wild cousin, and Beth hadn’t known what was expected of her. Despite that, mutual respect and willingness to hear each other’s points of view had led them to a loving friendship.
The paperwork was for a second apothecary. Althea had inherited a London shop from her merchant husband and had grown its success significantly, but she’d still need outside investment to open another location. Finding resources was Beth’s strength, and she was determined to help this woman who had done so much for her.
They’d tried a few paths, including contacting alumna of the school. Unfortunately, despite their enlightenment, most of the women did not control enough funds in their household to help. The London Season was also ending, which meant a number of their missives had gone unanswered.
Just yesterday, Beth had found another path for her cousin. One man who could fund the whole venture with a flick of his wrist and knew a number of other investors if he was not interested. Conveniently, he hosted a house party each August with a reputation for debauchery and exclusivity, a perfect combination in Beth’s mind. Penelope, who was now married to one of the earl’s closest friends, had provided her with two much-coveted invitations. However, Althea would not like being absent from the store that long, nor would the nature of the party appeal.
When Althea shook her head in answer to Beth’s question, Beth dared to get her hopes up.
“I’ve found a solution. You’ll need to take a fortnight away from the store. We have a house party to attend.” Beth grinned, snickering when her cousin’s expression turned to alarm. She barely refrained from rubbing her hands together in anticipation.
Mayhap there is a party in my future after all.
Chapter One
Robert Orford,second son of an earl and known as Ford to his acquaintances, sat with his best friend watching guests arrive.
He had met Evan Gardner, Earl of Cheltenham, in secondary school when Evan had come to his defense against classmate bullies. They’d continued on to Oxford together.
On this rare warm and dry day, they lounged on the balcony of Robert’s guest room as carriages pulled up on the circular drive below for Evan’s house party. It would last a sennight, with games becoming more carnal each evening. Evan had made it an annual post-Season tradition these past few years since he gained his title, and invitations were in great demand. The guest list was one of the best-kept secrets in the Ton.
“I had the servants clean your workroom this week.” Evan referenced the space where Robert created custom leather apparel. Greenborough Park was enormous, with dozens of guest rooms. In addition, Evan’s business acumen had made him one of the wealthiest men in England. Thus, Robert maintained a permanent guest room with the sitting room done over as a workroom in the family wing.
Robert grinned. “Excellent, thank you. I have a new cuff configuration I think will sell well, so I started a few and will place the buckles accordingly on the lengths to order.”
Another carriage pulled up. Two ladies emerged, along with a maid. When each had leaned forward to find the step from the carriage’s small opening, the balcony’s height gave the men a perfect view of cleavage. The dark-haired woman didn’t have much to share, and when she straightened on the ground, Robert realized she was a giant, almost as tall as Evan.
The second, though. His gaze narrowed as recognition sparked. He’d seen these women before. The taller woman was Lady Althea Egerton, and this beauty was Beth Jenkins. He’d attended a demi-monde party in London with Evan a year ago. The girl had entered in a whirlwind, unable to stand still for long. Her beauty and energy had created a magnetic pull, and he’d tracked her with a hungry gaze. Her bosom had drawn his admiration as it did now.
And just as it had before, saliva pooled in his mouth as he imagined testing the weight of those magnificent breasts in his palms or seeing if the color of her nipples was the same burnt rose shade of her lips.
Mayhap she’ll catch her hem on something in the carriage and be stuck there. Those bosoms are spectacular.He licked his lips.
When she stood, he smiled at her petite but rounded deliciousness. He’d found skinny women, like the brunette, preferred Evan’s lean build. Hellfire, who was he kidding? Most women did.
Miss Jenkins’ energy was palpable, even from a floor above. She bounced on her toes once, her eyes bright as she peered around her, then leaned in to speak to the other woman, her lips moving quickly. She had an hourglass figure and the coloring of a porcelain doll, all creamy pallor with lips and cheeks that matched her peach-colored gown.
He'd been mesmerized by her energy and beauty a year ago as well. She’d remained oblivious, rushing to speak to Penelope Wood, accompanied by his friend Michael. Then Miss Jenkins had sidled up to Evan and rubbed the side of her breast against his arm as her hand made a slow pass along the outside of his thigh.
Robert’s heart had plummeted. As always, he had been invisible, the quiet, rather square friend in the shadows, while Evan’s long and lean plumage drew peahens of all shapes and sizes. His friend could not help his good looks. He should be used to it, should stick to tupping working-class girls and those at Sarah Potter’s Spanking Club. They were always willing to test his leatherwork for him—and with him.
So he had put the succulent peach of Beth Jenkins out of his thoughts…until now.
Sitting on the balcony, Robert considered the games Evan often chose and the licentious behavior at these fêtes. Mayhap he’d see those breasts after all, possibly even touch them. About to ask Evan about her, the arrival of another carriage distracted him.
A man even taller and thinner than Evan alighted, sweeping his top hat up onto his head with a flourish. The gent was attractive, but Robert knew from past interactions that his eyes were small, sharp, and mean.
Robert groaned. “Really, Bags? Did you have to?”
Evan glanced at the drive, then over at him. “Sorry, old chap. I need him for an investment. Didn’t you tell me he’d mellowed with age?”
“No.” Robert answered in clipped tones. “I wouldn’t know, I don’t talk to him. He only ever greets me when I’m with you.”
“Mayhap he’s embarrassed by his behavior as a youth?”
“He should be.” The man, a boy back then, had stolen Robert’s pin money every day for weeks, claiming Robert looked like he did not need lunch. Little did the privileged earl’s heir know that Robert’s money had to stretch to books as well as lunches and he often skipped meals to pay for tutoring when he needed it.
Robert could not help his frame, but it seemed others expected it of him. If he dropped a fork and rose to replace it, snickering and oinking had broken out as students assumed he was returning for seconds. If he was running late to a class, boys jolted as though he was causing tremors in the ground.
