His fingers disappeared into his beard as he rubbed his jaw. “A new plaything, Julius? She doesn’t look much like your usual sort.”
Amanda’s spine snapped straight. What did he mean? And what was Julius’s usual sort?
Draping an arm around her shoulder, Julius pulled her into his side. “Not a plaything. A friend. And someone who will be assisting us tonight, so be nice.” He turned to Amanda. “This shaggy fellow is Maximillian Atwood, Baron of Sutton. He rarely has much of import to say, so feel free to ignore him.”
Sutton grunted. “Are you sure she wouldn’t like a bit of sport?” He eyed her exposed neck and the top of her gown between the folds of her cloak that just barely covered her breasts. “Her skin is delightfully pale. The wax would look wonderful on it.”
Julius bared his teeth. “Not. For. You.”
Amanda chewed the inside of her cheek. “Assisting you? I thought you only wanted me by your side for appearance’s sake.”
He squeezed her arm. “Yes, that. And I need you to distract Madame Sable while Sutton and I search her office. A bit of acting, if you will.”
Amanda and Sutton were twin images of gaping fish. The baron recovered first. “Julius! What the bloody hell? Who is this woman that you’d speak so freely in front of her?”
“Oh, my apologies,” Julius said, sounding anything but contrite. “Did I forget to introduce you? This is Amanda Wilcox, Montague’s sister-in-law.” Opening the door, Julius led them into the hallway and towards the main room. “And don’t worry. She already knows.”
“I daresay she didn’t know about me.” Sutton kept his voice low but his words held plenty of heat.
“Acting?” Amanda squeaked. Her feet took root to the hallway floor. “I am no performer.”
Julius swept her hair over her shoulder and squeezed her arm. “I thought the idea might alarm you, so I waited until now to tell you to save you from the worry. But think of it as a bit of entertainment. Just follow my lead.”
Turning to his friend, Julius clapped the man’s back. “And you, cheer up. She rarely goes out of doors, and speaks to no one but me and Marcus’s dotty aunt. Your secret is safe with her.”
Sutton didn’t look convinced.
Of all the devious, under-handed tricks. Amanda glared at the man who was looking much too pleased with himself by half. Her irritation was so great, she barely noticed as Julius guided her into the main room of the club full of people.
“I don’t know what plan youthinkyou’ve devised—” she began.
“You’ll do splendidly. Have faith in yourself.” Julius wrapped an arm around her waist. “And in me.”
Amanda grumbled to herself, but she didn’t have an argument for that. She did have faith in Julius. He always kept her safe.
A flash of red and a tinkling laugh drew their gazes to the center of the room.
“Ah, there’s our hostess.” Julius’s fingers dug into her side. He blew out a breath and relaxed his grip. “Let me introduce you, my dear.”
Amanda stumbled forward, her heart rate increasing with each step she took towards the center of the room. All gazes in the room were directed at the red-haired beauty, and Amanda had no desire to stand in the shadow of all those eyes.
“Don’t worry,” Julius whispered in her ear. “Just let the current take you where it may.”
Amanda frowned and tugged the cloak tightly around her body. Julius swept her in a half-circle and presented her to the proprietress, bowing his head. “Madame Sable. How lovely to see you this evening. Might I introduce my guest, and someone most eager to become a member of your esteemed establishment. Mrs. Matthew Walker.”
Sutton snorted but covered the sound by clearing his throat. Amanda frowned at him. This was hardly the time to come down with the giggles.
“I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Walker,” Madame Sable said, her voice a musical tinkle. “Have you had a chance to enjoy The Black Rose?”
“Indeed, I have.” Heat flushed across Amanda’s cheeks as she stuttered the words. “Your club is most intriguing.”
The redhead laughed, the heavy ruby and diamond necklace she wore shimmering above her breasts. “That is one word for it.” She swept a hand towards a closed door. “May I show you to my office? We can discuss membership there.”
Julius held the door open and followed the women into a stairwell. “You are most kind. However, Mrs. Walker has a similar complaint as I. Rather worse, actually. And your office, while charming, is most small.” The foursome reached the top of the stairs and entered into a large hallway. A window sat at the far end and two doors were on either side of the corridor. Julius swept a hand towards an open door. “Perhaps your interview can be held elsewhere?”
“Of course.” Madame Sable grasped the handle of the fan dangling from her wrist and tapped Julius in the chest with the closed end. “But you know my interviews are held alone with the prospect. I demand complete frankness with the candidates, and that rarely occurs when one’s friends are in the room.”
She extended a hand, to point back down the stairwell Amanda thought, and Julius grabbed it, lightly kissing the skin above her fingers. “Of course. I know your policy well. Sutton and I will wait in your breakfast room.” He turned and entered the room across from them, Sutton lumbering behind. Still without his shirt.
