“Ah, come now, Buswick. You know I’ll be quite pleased to take on the patronage of Violet if you can no longer afford herandyour wife.”
Buswick grimaced then turned to fill his empty glass.
Anthony strode forward, smiling as if he’d just met his hero. “Lord Leighhall, I cannot tell you how honored I am that you invited me this weekend.” He reached for the man’s hand and pumped it vigorously. “Truly an honor. I’m Baron Bellamore, and I have to say I’m very impressed by your ingenuity. It is truly an honor.”
Leighhall’s blond brows rose over his light-blue eyes. “An honor? Yes, of course. How do you know so much about me? I don’t remember us meeting.”
Anthony tugged his tailcoat down as if he hoped to make a good impression. “No, we did not, but I have admired you from afar—your skill with Ceaser in the Epsom Derby and, if I may be so bold, your many feminine conquests.”
As expected, Leighhall was clearly pleased with such acknowledgment. “It all comes with time. You are barely out of Cambridge, aren’t you?”
“I recently returned from the Continent. I served our country proudly then stayed to enjoy the pleasures.” Anthony leaned in. “One of which I brought with me here.”
“You brought a French strumpet? How intriguing.”
Buswick strolled forward. “Welcome, Baron Bellamore. Whisky?” The earl held out a half-filled glass.
Anthony accepted. “Lord Buswick, I did not know you would be here.”
Buswick’s brow furrowed. “Have we met?”
Anthony waved his hand, well aware they hadn’t met, but also knowing he could convince the man they had. “Most assuredly, at the Stocktons’ end-of-Season ball. I was with Lord Sommerset. We were discussing the sculpture exhibit at the British Museum.”
“Ah, of course. That Stockton event is such a crush, it’s hard to remember everyone. I do apologize.”
He raised his glass toward Buswick. “Not at all. I’m sure we will get along famously here.”
Buswick smiled, clearly pleased, but Leighhall seemed a bit put out, so Anthony quickly turned his attention back to the man. “What gave you the idea to have such an ingenious house party? I must say, I’ve been anticipating it since you sent the invitation. I do hold you in such high esteem.”
As if immediately appeased, Leighhall clapped him on the shoulder. “I had grown bored with the typical house parties where every feminine person is judging you as husband material as if they have a say in their own futures. So I created the type of event I would enjoy most.”
The viscount’s opinion of women didn’t coincide with his success with them. “And is your mistress in residence?” Anthony could imagine the man keeping her close.
Leighhall snorted. “Hardly. I see no reason to spend coin on a woman when I can have my choice for free. For my parties, I simply invite a couple whores to attend and then choose between them as the whim takes me. My appetite cannot be satisfied by just one, so sometimes I take both at the same time.”
Anthony widened his eyes, not because the man had aménage à trois, but at his attitude. “I do believe I can learn much from you.”
“Of that, I’m quite sure, young Bellamore.”
It didn’t surprise Anthony that Leighhall referred to him as young, as the man appeared close to two score. He was about toask another question when the doors to the room opened and a gentleman stepped in.
He decided to step aside and observe for a while. As Lord Rothbury spoke to Leighhall, Lord Buswick joined him by the fireplace. “I understand this is your first time here.”
Anthony settled his attention on Buswick. The man was so thin that it appeared a strong gust of wind could knock him over. His long sideburns didn’t detract from the illusion. “It is.”
Buswick took a sip of his drink before continuing. “He doesn’t often invite newcomers. We all prefer this weekend to be kept secret, so much so that we are only invited a few times a year. How did you know of its existence?”
“I admit to eavesdropping.” Anthony held up his hand. “Not purposely, but I have admired the viscount for a while now, with his ability to enjoy his life as he wishes despite the pressures of his title. I believe I can learn much from him.”
“If that’s your concern, simply marry as I did and keep your mistress. Many of us do so.” The man’s tone made it sound as if Anthony were a simpleton.
“Of course, I’m aware of that.” He let his pique be known, not wishing to appear too much of a sycophant. “However, I love Daguette and could not bear to be with another woman.”
The man stilled as he reached for his glass again. “You are faithful to your mistress?”
“I am.” Anthony nodded emphatically, playing the young, besotted lord.
Buswick stared at him oddly. “I do believe you will find this weekend eye opening in many ways.”
