She watched as her mother approached him and murmured something in his ear, but he brushed her off like an annoying insect, his lewd gaze wholly focused on Sephy.
Sephyglanced around for assistance, praying that someone else would outbid the lord, but too many men shook their head, leaving her to her fate.
“Going once, going twice…”
Sephy held her breath.
“Five hundred pounds.”
Everyone turned tolook atthe tall man who had recently entered thefray. Sephy didn’t recall meeting him before, for she would have remembered such a handsome visage.He was quite remarkable with his dark hair,free of a wig or a single bit of powder, and hisfathomlesspiercing eyes. He wore brown breeches and a gold jacket and waistcoat and was currently staring down Lord Gregory as if this had nothing at all to do with Sephy, but wasapersonal vendetta against the man himself.
With a hate filled glare towardthe newcomer, Lord Gregorysaid nothing, butturned on his heel and departed.
Instantly, Sephy’s mother strode forward and greeted thebidder. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,”she purred.
The man’s focus reluctantly shifted to her. “Hunter Bennett, the Duke of Falcourt.”
Phryneput a hand to her neck, his title obviously exciting her.While Sephy’s mother entertained many members of the aristocracy, it wasn’t often that someone as exalted as a duke walked through her door, nor one that was a known Royal bastard who had been recognized by the king.“You honor us with your presence, Your Grace.” She waved a hand toward Sephy. “Your prize awaits.”
As his gaze met hers, a shiver coursed through her, but it was vastly different than what she’d felt toward Lord Gregory.
She rose to her feet and approached him. He followed her movements, but said nothing as she paused before him with a curtsy. “Your Grace. I am yours.”
***
Hunter had no need of a doxie, even one so lovely as this one. Hissolemission was to ensure that he dogged Lord Gregory’s every step.Considering what the animal had done to his sister, he vowed he would find the proof that would send him to the gallows if it was the last thing he accomplished on this earth.He’d even gone to the monarch following the incident, but his father had refused to hear him impugn another member of the peerage for Lord Gregory’s father, theMarquessof Highgrove, had always been a particular favorite of King George, more than his own son.
Thus, he found it was up to him to take matters into his own hands.When he’d received word from the men he had following LordGregoryandfound outwhat was transpiring this night, Hunter knew he couldn’t see another young woman get debauched, even if she was the daughter of one of the most celebrated courtesans of alltime.
Looking into the girl’s innocent blue eyes and realizing just how young she was nearly made him cast up his accounts, although he knew he’d done the right thing.He bowed slightly.
“Your servant, Miss…?” He paused, for he realized he didn’t even know the name ofhisprize.
“MissPersephone Welton, Your Grace.” She gestured toward the stairs that led to the upper level. “Shall we retire to my rooms so that I may properly show my gratitude for your donation to this house?”
The very idea caused Hunter to shudder, although he withheld his revulsion.He wasn’t about to take a child’s virginity. In truth, he had never cared for bawdy houses, preferring tolay withwidows who paraded about societylooking for a good time.But after what had happened to his sister,Louisa, he found his desire for bed sport had diminished greatly.
“Actually, I would prefer the comfort of my own townhouse,” he murmured to themadam. “If that is agreeable to you?”
Phryneglanced at her daughter, as if considering the danger she might be in, but she gave a tight smile. “Of course. As you wish. My darling girl is yours for the night.”
Hunter nodded and then held his arm out to Persephone. “Shall, we Miss Welton?”
She accepted his arm without reservation, completely giving herself over to his care. She was as trusting as a lamb led by wolves. He should hate to see her devoured by them, as she soon wouldbe, embarking on such a life.
He handed her into his coach and instructed his driver to return home. He sat in silence and watched the lady sit as primly as any debutante currently in London society. She had every bit as much polish in her manner of speech and decorum, although it was no secret that her upbringing would have been decidedly different. Instead of comportment lessons on how to run a household, or learning embroidery or the waltz, she’d been schooled in the darker side of London.
Hunter detested how the fairer sex was treated in society and fought in Parliament every chance he got for more rights for women, but thus far his pleas had gone virtually unheeded. Prostitution was rampant among the lower classes, and while he couldn’t save everyone, he had managed to rescue his sisterfrom falling deeper into the mire.
And he could do the same for thisgirl;give her a better lifethat she would have otherwise been denied.
He said nothing until they arrived at his residence in Soho Square. As Persephone alighted, she glanced up at his white washed brick residence with something akin to awe. She turned to him with a smile. “It’s lovely.”
Hunter inclined his head and led her inside where the opulence of his status allowed him the best that life could offer. He’d never felt like such an ass as he led her to his study.
He walked over to the sideboard and poured himself a drink. He glanced over his shoulder at the girl. He imagined warm milk would be more appropriate for her, but forced himself to ask, “Would you care for something?”
“Sherry, please, if you have it.”
