“Isn’t it?” He looked over his shoulder to glance at the map before he spoke again. “The letter came, then I had a series of meetings with Solomon’s. I was reluctant, had never actually heard of them until the invitation arrived. They persuaded me to join.”
“I’ve known about them since I was a girl,” she said. “My father was never a member, never invited, but he did provide research assistance to members of Solomon’s many years ago. He always said Solomon’s was full of the most gallant men in all of England.” The tales he’d told her had made her long not only to meet those gentlemen, but to be among them, something she knew was foolish and futile. They did not allow women in their ranks. No gentlemen’s clubs did.
“I suppose some of them are gallant, but I could tell you stories about several of our members who could stand to learn a few things when it comes to chivalry.”
“But you’ve saved the crown on more than one occasion,” she argued.
His brows rose with surprise.
“I admit to being somewhat of an admirer,” she said, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment.
“There have been a few instances when the monarchy has been in danger and a member of Solomon’s might have been involved in the solution,” he said modestly. “But we are mostly scholars, such as yourself. While Her Majesty is certainly aware of our existence, she relies on her own soldiers and guards to protect her.”
The compliment warmed her, yet somehow she wished the words had come from a different man. “Where did the name come from?”
“Solomon’s mines. Our charter member studied the ancient legend until he died. As you might have guessed, he never did find the mines.”
“Is it true that King Henry VIII was involved in the Solomon’s club?” she asked.
He smiled. “No, but people do favor that story. In fact, Solomon’s came about a hundred years after good old Henry.”
The door opened behind her. “Max, have you seen . . . Ah, Esme.”
She turned to find Fielding staring intently, and for an unknown reason she felt guilty sitting here with Max. Abruptly, she rose to her feet.
“The marquess was merely sharing some of his research with me.” And Fielding had been looking for her. That notion pleased her immensely. After his departure yesterday, she’d worried their congenial way with each other had disappeared. But he’d sought her out.
“Might I have a brief word with you?” Fielding asked.
She nodded, then turned back to Max. “Thank you for sharing this with me.” She handed the Solomon’s invitation back to him.
Fielding turned on his heel and left the office, and she followed him to the room they’d set up for their research.
“What is it?” she asked once he’d closed the door. “You mentioned something last night,” he said, leaning against the table, “something that wasn’t quite coherent. I thought perhaps you might remember it this morning.”
So he had been the one to carry her to bed. As attractive as the marquess was, she was glad it had been Fielding’s arms she’d nestled in and not her host’s.
His eyes lit upon her and scanned her appraisingly. She fancied she saw a bit of possessive interest in his gaze. Perhaps he was not as immune to her as he seemed to be. The thought made her bold.
She sauntered up to him and trailed one finger down his shirt. “Might I ask you a question, then?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“How does a woman go about seducing a man? Obviously, it can be somewhat complicated.” She flattened her hand on his stomach, and she felt his muscles twitch beneath her palm.
“Are you planning on seducing the marquess?” Fielding asked.
If she didn’t know better, Esme would have sworn she detected a hint of jealousy in his tone. It fueled her boldness. “You know very well who I have my eyes on.”
His voice lowered to a sultry tone. “You want me to tell you how you can seduce me?”
“Yes.” She ran her hand over his torso.
“Esme, you are treading dangerous waters.” He grabbed her wrist and stilled her hand.
“There is nothing dangerous about you.” She met his brown eyes, the golden flecks in them shimmering like amber. “I would like to know should the need arise,” she said.
His brows rose, and a slight smile played at the corners of his mouth. “What sort of scenario would make it a necessity for you to seduce me?”
