Chapter Eleven

S eth walked away from Tessa’s home a bit disconcerted.

She was his cousin so why shouldn’t she allow him a subscription to Athena’s Salon. He knew that he had answered her questions correctly, which were basically to confirm that he did not believe women were less intelligent than a man. He assured her that he respected women, which she already knew because she’d known him her entire life. He was from a family of smugglers, not that anyone outside of Laswell knew. His grandmother had even sailed on ships, under the cover of darkness, bringing goods in from France. Every female, as soon as they were old enough, participated from driving wagons to unloading boats, and some made deliveries.

Amelia had been in the process of learning how to keep the books, two different sets to hide their ventures and where their real fortune came from when she had contracted the measles and died. So, how could anyone who knew his family as well as Tessa believe that he would harbor any beliefs that a woman was weaker than a man in any aspect, other than physically on occasion?

The argument had ended with Tessa telling him, “If you truly believe what you are saying, then you would allow women to be members of The Emerald Garter.”

All he could do was stare at her. If he allowed women to gamble, men would either stop visiting his establishment, or they would be more careful with what they were willing to risk. It was simply something he could not do.

“I will reconsider your request once you have changed the rules for your gambling establishment.”

Seth nearly stomped down the street. Certainly, his cousin could understand the difference. Just because he admired and respected women did not mean that most gentlemen in Society did and he could not afford to lose business.

That still left afternoons and three evenings that he could see Frances, which was far more than he had for five years so he must be satisfied with that.

When he returned home, Seth found Blythe stitching in the parlor, smiling and humming.

She had attended Athena’s Salon last evening and had gotten home rather late. He only knew that because he had left The Emerald Garter early for the purpose of speaking with her to learn about the salon. She simply glided in, said that it was wonderful and how happy she was that he had forced her away from her stitching, for it had changed everything for her.

When pressed on what was discussed, she claimed that she was too tired and started up the stairs.

He then asked if she had spoken with Frances.

Blythe turned and smiled. “I did not get a chance to, but from what I could see, she quite enjoys her position.”

“Why is that?” Seth demanded.

“There was much laughter coming from the table where she was dealing cards. I am not certain what game was being played but win or lose, everyone was having a most enjoyable time.”

“I am glad the women were enjoying themselves,” he offered. Though, they could have been widows with more freedom over their funds.

“There were no ladies at her table,” Blythe said. “Only gentlemen.” Then, with a laugh, she turned and climbed the stairs.

Bloody hell!

How many of them were flirting with Frances? How many did she flirt with?

If she was dressed in a manner that displayed her assets, as she had been at the ball, no doubt those gentlemen were not concentrating on their cards and losing to her.

It wouldn’t matter how good or poor of a dealer Frances may be. She just needed to be distracting enough. It was also a perfect ploy, which he was certain had been Tessa’s idea as she could be devious. No doubt gentlemen gladly wagered on poor cards because they were enjoying the company of a beautiful woman.

He shook his head and wandered into the library and poured himself a glass of brandy.

His cousin may demand a certain clientele at Athena’s Salon, but she also understood the weaknesses of males, and the very reason she hired Frances to be her dealer. No doubt they would all be bloody rich by the end of the year.

Not that he would begrudge his cousin such. Seth only feared that one, or more, of those gentlemen would decide they wished to court Frances, which would never do.

Though Frances enjoyed her evenings as a dealer, and in truth, could not remember laughing so much since she left Laswell, she was also exhausted.

Athena’s Salon doors opened at eight in the evening and most guests did not leave until nearly two in the morning. Given it was autumn, there was not nearly as much to do in London as there would be during the Season so many people came here for their entertainment.

Once they were all gone, she enjoyed a brandy with Tessa, His Grace and Lady Bethany. Though exhausted at the end of the night, Frances knew that she’d not be able to sleep right away because she’d also been tense and concentrating on the cards so as not to make a mistake. By the time Frances did finally fall asleep, it was nearing five in the morning.

While she slept, the servants saw to cleaning the ground floor and preparing it for the next evening of guests.

She also should have anticipated that Seth would call in the afternoon, but she had not been at home to him. That had not been her intention originally, but each time he called, she had barely dressed for the day and was having her first meal in her set of rooms. The same occurred each day after she had been attending to her position at Athena’s Salon.

Next week would be better, she told herself. Once she got used to these new hours, she would sleep earlier and thus rise before the afternoon and prepared to visit with Seth.

However, for the next three nights there would be no guests on the ground floor and she would be able to rest. Except for tonight, because Frances was invited to dine at Seth’s home, by way of his sister, Lady Blythe. Tessa promised that she and her husband would accompany her so that she did not need to travel to Mayfair alone, but when the servant announced that Lord Seth had arrived, she grew alarmed and confused.

“Why are you here?” she asked as she came down the stairs.

“My cousin is not feeling up to dinner this evening so she and His Grace will be remaining in.”

Tessa had been perfectly well when she left at three in the morning, though it was possible that she became ill afterwards, but also unlikely.

“Shall we?” he offered his arm.

“I cannot ride alone with you in a carriage,” Frances argued. “Let me fetch a maid.”

“Is that really necessary, Franny?” Seth asked.

“It is not your reputation that will suffer. It is already sullied enough if the rumors that reached my ears that first year were correct. However, mine remains pristine and I would like to keep it that way.”

It wasn’t so much that she feared that someone may see, it was being alone with him in a dark, narrow conveyance that worried her. It was far too intimate a setting. Frances wasn’t certain she needed to be more worried about what Seth may do when they were alone, but what she may do or how she may respond. Until her revenge was complete, Frances needed to tread carefully. Yet, that did not mean that she didn’t long for Seth to have his arms around her and his lips on hers.

“I will be but a moment,” she said before hurrying back up the stairs.

As much as she had hated to admit even to herself, she had missed Seth these past four days. He had just returned to her life after a five-year absence, yet, she had looked just as forward to seeing him tonight as she had when waiting for his return to the cottage, which did not bode well for her heart.

When she couldn’t find her maid, or any servant, Frances went in search of Bethany who was reading in her set of rooms.

“Where are the servants?”

“They have the evening off,” Bethany answered.

“All of them?” She’d never heard of such a thing.

“Yes. They work long hours when we host the salon, which is why Tessa and I have agreed to give each of them the night off each Sunday so they can rest.”

Now what was she to do? “What are you doing this evening?”

“Nothing. Why?”

“Please accompany me to the home of Lord Seth and Lady Blythe.” She then explained her dilemma of no chaperone for the carriage.

“I have no plans of leaving these very chambers,” Bethany insisted, which further aggravated Frances because it was Bethany who had insisted that she go to the theatre, then the masquerade ball, then the lecture. Now she had decided to remain in.

“I cannot be alone with Lord Seth.”

Bethany waved a hand in dismissal. “No one will ever learn.”

“Can you promise that no one will be about when I enter or exit the carriage?”

“Well, no, of course not, but I can assure you that your reputation will remain untarnished.”

They both knew that Bethany could not make such a promise.

That was it then. She would remain home as well. “I will simply tell Lord Seth that due to the circumstances I cannot dine with him tonight.”

“You cannot mean to disappoint him,” Bethany argued.

“I will not take a risk with my reputation, as it not only reflects on you and Tessa, but my sisters and cousin as well. I will not have them harmed because I was seen riding alone in a carriage with a known rogue.”

“Oh, very well,” Bethany sighed and set her book aside. “As they planned for two other guests who will no longer be joining them, I suppose my appearance will not be a disruption.”

“Thank you.”

“But I am not changing. They will have to accept me as I am.” She held out her arms revealing that she wore a simple day dress, not one worn as a guest to supper.

“I am certain they will not mind.” Frances grinned. “Now, come along. I have kept Lord Seth waiting long enough.”