Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Kenneth

I hadn't meant to yell at George, our footman. But the carriage wasn't ready when I needed it. I barely made it to the first round of cards at Willoughby's. Again, the man was way too far into his cups to enjoy himself. Apparently, his wife was pregnant, and he'd been banished from the marital bed. Whether he'd dare go elsewhere for relief, I couldn't be certain.

Robert carried on about his damn cottage for most of the evening. Lawrence shared news of a new barouche he'd ordered, and Lord Carrington mentioned being invited to court next week. I had yet to make an appearance, but that day would eventually come. The King was unwell, but George, his son—the Regent—served well. After his father lost America, the son really couldn't do worse.

I glanced down at my cards, played the ace of spades, and enjoyed the chorus of groans. "Ah, I see I've won."

Robert glared at me before tossing his cards in the stack. "Lucy would never dare to comment if I were late?—"

Carrington tossed his cards to the table. "I'm out. And I should be heading home. Charlotte often waits up." He checked his pocket watch. "Ah, she'll be annoyed."

"Still, you should be considerate." I eyed my friend. "Consideration is a good thing in a husband."

"Oh really?" Robert arched an eyebrow. "Where does this consideration stem from? Do you have a new woman in your life who drags you around by the nose?

I flashed to Walter, feeding me his cock while encouraging me to be a good boy and a considerate master . Things I'd never thought of before. Things I obsessed about now. I wanted to please him, and the way to do that was by being respectful.

Of everyone.

"No new woman." No woman at all. Ever. Still, I had to give him something. "I read a book?—"

"You read a book?" Lawrence put great derision in the word while Robert snickered.

Carrington rose, bowed, and headed out.

"Yes, a book." Being defensive might not be the best course of action, but I was determined. "Young men should distinguish themselves by being distinguished and respectful. The dissolute do not belong in great society." I was not able to quote exactly, but I remembered the key points of the argument. "The writer suggests that our generation of young men is particularly degenerate, and it is our responsibility to be more respectful." Walter might've said something of those things to me as well, the last time he'd spanked me.

Honestly, I did not mean to provoke him.

Most of the time.

I had plans for tonight, however. And they did not include continuing to rout my friends at card. I rose. "I shall take my winnings and be off."

Robert glared. "I am certain we can rouse Willoughby to join us. This is his house, after all. Perhaps if we carouse louder—" He took a deep breath, as if to begin singing.

Knowing what a truly horrific voice he had, I smacked his arm. " I believe your mother would not approve of such behavior." I doubted his wife would either, but her views meant little—if anything—to my friend. "Mrs. Willoughby is undoubtedly preparing to retire." Or had already. She had yet to make an appearance and likely wouldn't now. "Come, Robert, I shall see you to your barouche. Lawrence, I believe you came on foot. Would you like a ride?"

Lawrence rose, rubbed his face, and grabbed his waistcoat. "I believe it is a good night for a brisk walk. I thank you, though."

Robert scoffed. "A walk. You sound like my brother. Nature and all that folly."

I didn't see what nature had to do with living in London, but I was not going to get Robert speaking about Edward. "Goodnight, gentlemen. Until we meet again."

Lawrence and I headed for the door while Robert stayed to guzzle his port.

"He is no longer a happy man." My friend made the observation as we stepped into the dreary and drizzly night. He glanced up toward the sky. "Perhaps I will take you up on your offer for a ride. Even a few blocks in this will damage my jacket."

In times past, I wouldn't have cared about my clothes. Now, knowing Walter was at home and would reward me for taking care, I hustled to my carriage.

We both hopped in, and Lawrence gave his address to the driver. "Would you like to come in for a drink? We have not seen much of each other. Perhaps you can tell me more about this…progressive thinker you have been reading."

"Another night, I promise." I eyed my friend, thinking another drink would go down well, even as I imagined Walter naked and in my bedroom.

Soon I delivered Lawrence to his home and shortly thereafter was on my way home. By the time I arrived, the drizzle was a full-on rainstorm.