“Uh …” He scratched his beard. His finger got tangled in a knot, and he tried to comb it out. Blasted beard was becoming more trouble than it was worth.
She sighed. “May I have the authority to rid The Black Rose of some people in our employ? If I’m to remain here as manager, it will be necessary.”
“Necessary?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Well, helpful.”
Max glanced through the throng of people in the main room. The men were in full-dress, the women somewhere between full-dress and scandalous. He couldn’t pick out the woman she’d just spoken to among the swirl of colorful gowns. “What’s the matter with Lucy? She always seems most pleasant to me.”
Mrs. Bonner snorted, the unladylike gesture somehow made charming. “I’m sure you find all the women here ‘most pleasant.’ They are paid to ensure that members feel that way.” Turning on her heel, she strode across the main room. “But Lucy is fine. Some other workers like to push their boundaries with me. Show me disrespect. It’s almost too bad Molly brings in so much blunt. If I got rid of her, the others would fall in line. But I may have to remove some who aren’t as valuable.” As they walked, she surveyed the room with a critical eye. Max could see her counting the wineglasses, how many girls were on the floor, looking for any signs of trouble. Her face was as open and easy to read as a book.
If only the rest of the world were so apparent. There would be no need for spies.
“What’s wrong with Molly?” And which one was Molly? He couldn’t remember. He didn’t think she was one of the girls he played with.
“It’s not surprising you can’t tell them apart. Why all the girls here decided on names that end with ‘Y’, I don’t understand. Lucy, Molly, Felicity, Suzy, Daisy …” Mrs. Bonner sniffed. “Is that common of prostitutes? Do they think they’ll earn more money with such a name?”
Max shrugged. He couldn’t imagine any man giving a shit about the name of a doxy.
“Anyhow, Molly’s the one fondling that poor man’s nether region.” Mrs. Bonner shook her head, her shoulders drooping. “It’s sad what no longer shocks me. My husband would have been most ashamed.”
“You do what you have to survive,” Max said gruffly. “You have nothing to be ashamed over.”
“No, men like you feel no shame. If someone found out you were here, nothing would happen to your status in society.” She fingered the delicate chain that disappeared into her waistcoat pocket. “But every one of these girls would be publicly shunned if their occupation came to light. And if my acquaintances learned what sort of establishment I managed, I would be disgraced. It’s fortunate for me none of my sort ever come down this street, much less have the means to enter the club.” She turned reproachful eyes on him. “But don’t try to teach me about shame.”
Lord Halliwell slunk over.“My dear Mrs. Bonner.” The earl swept a dramatic leg, and Max rolled his eyes. “Can I say how ravishing you look tonight. Truly incandescent.”
Mrs. Bonner inclined her head. No feminine curtsies for her. “Thank you, my Lord. Now, if you will excuse me.” Without waiting for an answer, she turned for the door that led to her private chambers.
Lord Halliwell shot his hand out, grabbing her arm.
Little spots danced in Max’s vision, and he blinked.
“Not so hasty, my dear.” With two fingers, the earl beckoned a serving girl. “How about a glass of wine?”
“I don’t drink spirits with customers.”
“Nonsense. It’s only wine.” Halliwell pressed a glass into her hand. He slid his own hand up her arm, over her shoulder, and down her back.
Max dug his fingers into his palm until he couldn’t feel his knuckles. Is this what the women here had to deal with? He’d thought the members had more self-control, that they only pursued amenable women. The women and men who worked for the club made their money entertaining the customers, but it was well established that no one had to participate in an activity he or she didn’t wish to. Ever.
And Lord Halliwell should damn well know that.
Max stepped forward, his gaze locked on the man’s roving hand.
He didn’t see Mrs. Bonner’s hand moving until it was too late.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” She swiped at the hem of the earl’s coat. “So clumsy of me. And I do believe I got some of the wine on my skirts, as well. I must go and change.” She side-stepped out of his range. “If you gentlemen will excuse me.” With shoulders thrown back, she strode away.
Max smiled grimly. The woman could take care of herself, no doubt. He turned to the earl. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t teach the sot a lesson. “Let’s go get you cleaned up. I know just where a bucket of some water is.” Clapping his hand on Halliwell’s back, he shoved the man towards the back hall.
He almost wished Mrs. Bonner hadn’t left. She would enjoy the sight of the earl cleaning himself with the filthy water.
Max looked over his shoulder, seeking out her sturdy figure. The door to her staircase was easing closed. His view of the person behind the door narrowed until it disappeared completely.
Max froze, Lord Halliwell purged from his mind.
The person closing the door to Mrs. Bonner’s private rooms hadn’t been Mrs. Bonner. Nor anyone who worked at the club.
