Which brought him to Bags. The school had been open for a few years, but they’d been friends for fifteen years. Yet his closest friend had never seen fit to tell him about the school. Evan’s secrecy hurt. Intellectually, he understood that silence had been a mandate. He even approved of it. If he’d been judged, he could only imagine how girls attempting to improve themselves might have been, should the information land in the wrong hands. But it still felt like a betrayal.
One step at a time. He needed to talk to Bags. He’d consider the catalogue further. If he pursued that, the effort would take time. And who would model for him? In the meantime, there was a demi-monde party in less than a month, hosted at Sarah’s, and he’d already committed to provide implements for a demonstration room.
Chapter Nineteen
Robert wound his way through the seating areas at White’s to his group’s favorite niche. Michael and Evan were already there, facing away from him at right angles toeach other. They leaned close, and their conversation was murmurs.
As he approached, he caught random words. “Pen…Enlightenment…scholarship you are sponsoring.”
He slowed. He’d never heard the word enlightenment used in conversation with his friends—or anyone, for that matter—before Beth described the school she’d attended.
Wait. Did Michael know about it, too? And Penelope? Who else?
“…girls like Pen to have a path out of poverty.”
Damnation. They did both know about it. And were discussing it in White’s of all places. She wanted him to parade his wares and thus himself at this not-so-secret school?Hell, no.
He sped up, circling around them to plop into his usual armchair.
They both looked up and sat back, reaching for their drinks.
“Gentlemen.” He nodded, his lips pressed flat. “Pray, do continue.” He waved a hand in a circle.
Evan arched a knowing brow. “What’s the matter, old chap?”
He was too angry to mince words. But if somehow this was still a secret, he wasn’t going to be the leak. Rumors had harmed him too many times.
He angled forward and hissed low, “Does everyone in White’s know about the school? Or just you two and, apparently, your ladies…and their friends, and God knows who else?”
Evan’s brows had shot up at his first question, and he leaned in again, as did Michael. “I suppose Beth told you about it?”
Robert growled.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Evan remained calm. “It is a very closely held secret, I assure you. No one who isn’t directly connected hears about it, or you know I would have said something. As for talking about it here, consider the background noise. No one can hear us. ’Tis the perfect foil.”
“So how did he learn about it?” Robert flung a hand toward Michael.
“A group connected to the school hosted the auction that Penelope participated in, and the girls came from there.” Michael’s tone was matter-of-fact. “If you had bid on someone, you would have been brought into the fold.”
Evan held up his hand when Robert started to reply. “Really, Ford. I am sorry. Even students who know one another are warned to be careful when they discuss it. And those they meet after attending are not aware of their shared past.”
“If you’ll remember,” Michael added, “Sophia and Penelope reunited well after I won her. They only discovered their mutual education because one of the auction leaders specifically approved it.”
“The new Lady Peterborough?” Robert was momentarily distracted from his ire at Evan—and Michael—for keeping secrets.A countess?Beth spoke of a marriage course, but for the Ton, the biggest gossipmongers of all? His anger at her inability to grasp his concerns reignited.
“You’ll remember Peterborough dropped his membership to Sarah’s around the time of his marriage.” Evan arched a brow. “Either way, why is it shocking for a countess to attend the school and not for an earl to visit a spanking club?”
“Good point. Well said,” Michael added, nodding.
Robert threw up his hands, still glaring at them.
“Now that you know, what questions do you have for me—us?” Evan asked, glancing at Michael.
Michael nodded, elbows on his wideset knees. His hands hung between cradling his drink.
“Anything, man. I’m an open book.”
“Hmph,” Robert grumbled. But he recognized that most of his anger was at Beth for thinking he’d sell there when it was a far wider audience than he’d imagined. From what Evan said, the number of people who knew wasn’t as large as the men’s conversation had first made it sound. He considered his questions. “Who else knows of this school?”
