Anthony didn’t think it sounded very laughable. “What’s the forfeit?”
Leighhall scowled, clearly angered by anyone who would cheat at his games. “Any cheater must walk back to the house naked.”
Anthony sucked in a breath, not liking that forfeit at all. “And is there a great prize for the hunter who finds his prey first that such cheating is done?”
Pemberton, Buswick, and Rothbury looked at each other blankly before they all laughed.
Confused, Anthony looked to Leighhall, who smirked at the men. “There is no prize, unless you wish to brag that you can smell your whore’s readiness faster than others. Of course, that’s if you are the hunter. If you’re the prey and your whore finds you first, I suppose you could brag that she is that anxious to be jocked.”
“I see.” Anthony pretended to ponder the issue. “So in essence, it is merely pride that drives the spectacle.”
“Very good, Bellamore. Very good,” Leighhall replied. “But do not underestimate a man’s pride.”
Anthony took another sip of whisky to hide his concern. This weekend gave Leighhall much that he could twist to get other men to do as he wished, while he himself seemed above it all, except whatever he did behind closed doors. Maybe a visit to the man’s room while he was otherwise occupied could lead to his own secrets in addition to the room they’d found.
“I hear Prinny is getting impatient.” Rothbury frowned before gesturing with his glass, spilling port on his black trousers. “It seems he’s tired of waiting to be king.”
Pemberton snorted before throwing back the rest of his scotch. “I don’t see why. He has all the privilege and, might I add, women to enjoy without all the responsibility. Why the rush?”
Leighhall waved his hand to dismiss the notion. “That is just rumor. I heard from him just the other day, and he is in no hurry to take the country upon his shoulders just yet.”
Surprised, Anthony turned toward Leighhall, who still sat at the head of the table as if presiding over a court himself. “You have the ear of the regent?”
“The ear? Our host is in regular correspondence with Prinny.” Buswick, now definitely having a bit of a time walking, lost his balance and landed hard on a chair. “You, young Bellamore, are in the presence of one with more power than he admits to.”
Leighhall, instead of lifting his chin as he usually did when pleased with accolades, seemed disturbed. “Do not exaggerate a casual friendship, Buswick.” He turned to Anthony. “Prinny and I simply have a common hobby.”
“Women!” Pemberton yelled as if he’d been asked what the hobby was.
Leighhall took a deep breath then gave a single nod, obviously beginning to lose patience with his corned guests. The lords getting drunk must not have been planned. “Yes, that is how we became acquainted. We both enjoy a good rutting with a pliable and obedient trollop.”
Anthony gave the man a smile then took another sip of his whisky, not revealing that he now felt his attendance at Woburn Manor was a waste of time. If Leighhall was friends with the regent, it was doubtful he’d be able to find anything with which to keep the man in check. Frustrated, he wished himself anywhere but with the viscount. Unfortunately, wishing and current circumstances did not meld well.
A footman came and stood next to Leighhall, but didn’t say a word. Immediately, the viscount put down his drink. “Gentlemen, it is time to rejoin our various whores and wantons.”
“Hope I remember which is mine.” Pemberton laughed loudly before holding out his glass to have it refilled before he left the room.
Buswick rose. “I, for one, am happy to move to yet another enjoyable activity. What do you have planned for us this evening, Leighhall?”
The viscount rose and gestured toward the door. “The usual parlor games, nothing more.”
Anthony stood as well, and Buswick clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t believe him, my young Bellamore. Our host always has a creative twist that we all appreciate in one way or another.”
He forced himself not to stiffen as he strolled out with Buswick by his side. As soon as they entered the parlor, he stepped to the right and glanced over the room, quickly spotting Lissa, who sat next to Delilah in facing wingback chairs. Alice was sprawled upon the settee with Violet standing at one end. The other women present were looking out the window for some reason.
Leighhall immediately joined Selene at the window. “What is it, my dear? I can’t believe the moon would be nearly as interesting as you are.”
Not wishing to hear any more of Leighhall’s acting, Anthony moved to where Lissa sat. He couldn’t resist laying his hand on her almost bare shoulder, the warmth of her skin seeping into his palm, making him feel more himself again. “Are you enjoying the evening so far?”
She looked up at him as she laid her hand over his. “I am indeed. There are so many interesting people here.” Her eyes danced with humor.
“I agree. But I must say the most interesting is you.” His gaze slipped from her face to her breasts pressed together by her staysand in danger of falling out. As he continued to look, he was quite sure he could see a bit of pink areola.
“My dear baron, if you keep staring at Daguette so, everyone will think you in love.”
He blinked at being caught and met the warm gaze of Delilah. “Well, I hope so, because I am. Daguette has my heart.”
Delilah placed her hand over her rather large bosom. “That’s so wonderful to hear. But it saddens me that you cannot marry.”
