The women were, in fact, hired actresses who when requested came to the house if they weren’t already scheduled to perform on stage. However, they always arrived and left veiled so they were not recognized, and stayed the night to give the illusion of debauchery. Usually this meant for an enjoyable evening out of sight and earshot of Society. The women looked forward to a filling meal prepared by the cook, the coin they earned, and many stayed up most of the night in conversation with the Devils. To Henry’s knowledge, not even a kiss had been exchanged between the Devils or any of the women, let alone what Society believed went on in this house. However, it was a pleasant evening where men and women simply enjoyed the company of each other without pretense. Henry was going to miss these evenings.
“Well, gentlemen, I shall take my leave. Have an enjoyable evening.”
“I suppose I should go as well,” Pickmore added with a bit of disappointment. “But, never fear, once I’m no longer under Kilsyth’s roof, I’ll be joining you on any escapade you invent.”
Henry just shook his head as he left. Harem! Were they really out of ideas to shock theton? Maybe it was time for the Devils of Dalston to change their ways and repair their reputations. Except, as respectable gentlemen, would they still be a benefit to the Home Office?
* * *
The day had finally arrived! After living in Lord Kilsyth’s home, and enduring his presence as he made her recite her vowels and a series of words, while at the same time trying to deny her attraction to her guardian, Eve was now at Ascot.
She could barely sleep last night for the excitement of it all.
“Remember, Miss Doyle, you must not speak to anyone.”
Eve dutifully nodded as she didn’t wish to talk at all but watch the magnificent horses race.
“You did warn your mother that we’d be attending and intended to sit in her box?” Pickmore asked with concern.
“I find it is better to surprise my mother in these situations.”
Eve blinked at him. “She doesn’t know ta expect us?” Goodness, what if there wasn’t a place for the three of them?
Kilsyth’s eyes bore into hers. “Not a single word.”
Eve bit her bottom lip to keep from retorting that they were still in the carriage and nobody could hear them. Instead, she nodded because she didn’t want to give Kilsyth a reason to take her back to the townhouse. Oh, he could be quite irritating indeed, but she had only a few more weeks in which she must go along and behave as he wished. Once the ball was over, she’d blister his ears, take the necklace, and disappear if she wished. He may be her guardian, but she’d not continue to let him dictate her days. If she didn’t want a visit to Ascot and her necklace back, Eve would have given him a piece of her mind already.
However, the tension continued to build between them and when Kilsyth assisted her from the carriage and offered his arm, a current of heat sizzled within and Eve wasn’t certain if she wished to yell at him, or lean in closer to his person. It was all so disconcerting and the sooner there could be distance between them, the better off she’d be.
As they made their way through the crowds, Pickmore nodded to people while Kilsyth barely acknowledged the presence of others, so intent on gaining his mother’s box.
Was he always so rude when in Society?
“Henry,” his mother cried in alarm. “I wasn’t expecting you today.” Her eyes shifted from her son to Eve, then to Pickmore.
“Good afternoon, Lady Kilsyth.” Pickmore bowed low and kissed the air above her hand.
“Might I present Miss Eve Doyle,” Henry said.
Again, Lady Kilsyth glanced at Pickmore for clarification. “The ward won in a wager?” she whispered in alarm.
“The very one,” Kilsyth announced with a grin. “I do hope you will make room for us to join you.”
She glanced around, almost appalled at the very idea, but finally nodded. “Mrs. Hilliard is to join me today, along with her son, Mr. Francis Hilliard.”
Kilsyth sniffed. “Tell me, hasFrancisdone anything with himself, or does he still cling to his mother’s apron strings afraid to go out into the world on his own?”
“Henry!” Lady Kilsyth slapped her son’s arm with her fan. “You will behave or I’ll ask you to leave.”
“Very well. I’ll make nice, but that is only because I don’t wish to be out there, with the others.”
While some owned boxes, such as Lady Kilsyth, many in attendance were with larger gatherings, in the opening. That is where Eve had always been and she’d fed on the excitement of the crowds.
Lady Kilsyth turned to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Doyle.”
As she’d been warned not to speak, Eve simply smiled and nodded in respect.
“Yes, well, shall we find our seats,” Kilsyth suggested.
