Read Online Debra Mullins by Scandal of the Black Rose - Free Book Online

him, misery in his eyes. “I’m afraid, Rome.”
    Rome squeezed his shoulder. “I’m watching your back. Now tell me what’s going on.”
    Peter sighed, as if all the strength had left his body. “Very well. I was approached by a friend who had joined the society. He encouraged me to become a member. It sounded exciting.”
    “I imagine he made it appear so.”
    Peter shrugged. “All the members are matched in secret duels. The person who wins the duel moves to the next level, and the one who loses must start all over again from the beginning level.”
    “I see. Do you pay some sort of fee to join?”
    Peter nodded. “And if you start all over, you have to pay again.”
    Rome’s jaw clenched. “Greedy bastards, aren’t they? How did they threaten you?”
    “The society is supposed to be completely secret.” Peter held up his hand. “We all wear these rings to identify us as members.”
    Rome took the lad’s hand and studied the symbol with close interest. “Everyone wears these?”
    “Yes. Though the members of the Triad have rubies in theirs where the rosebud should be.”
    “What’s the Triad?” He released the boy’s hand.
    “The top three duelists in the society. If you win against all your other matches, you have the chance to battle the members of the Triad. If you beat even one of them, you assume his position.”
    “And these three men—they are the members in charge of the whole society?”
    “Yes, and they are the judges at the matches.”
    “I believe I am forming an accurate picture. Go on.”
    “That night at Vauxhall, it was a member of the Triad who disrupted the party.” Peter dropped his gaze to the floor. “He was angry because we were all socializing together. We had betrayed the secrecy of the society.”
    “And that is why they threatened you?”
    Peter nodded. “The swordsman found me at Vauxhall after he had appeared at the dinner party and told me that if I ever betrayed the secrecy of the society again, it might mean my life.” He cast Rome a look of shame. “When you first asked where I went after Vauxhall, I lied about being with my friends. I hid alone at a tavern that night, like a scared child.”
    “It seems to me like you exercised good sense.” Rome sat down in a comfortable chair. “And now that you’ve told me about it, you have no more reason to fear. I won’t let anything happen to you, Peter. Now tell me what else you know about this Black Rose Society.”
    Peter sat back in his chair with a sigh of relief and told him.
     
    Anna knocked on the door of the modest but attractive town house, accompanied by her maid, Lizzie. An elderly butler opened the door, studying them with somber eyes.
    “I am paying a call on Mrs. Emberly,” Anna said, producing her calling card. “Is she at home?”
    “Madame is indeed receiving this morning,” he said, accepting the card. “Do come in, and I will announce you.”
    Anna stepped into the house and handed her bonnet and wrap to the butler. He stowed both hers and Lizzie’s belongings, then led them down the hall to a sunny parlor.
    “Miss Rosewood,” he intoned, then stepped back and led her maid away to the servants’ kitchen.
    As she entered the room, Anna took a moment to study the décor. Tidy, she decided. Nothing terribly expensive or ostentatious, but good solid furnishings that gleamed from meticulous care. Her hostess sat alone on the sofa, a teacup and some plain biscuits on the table beside her.
    Mrs. Emberly stood. “Miss Rosewood, what a delightful surprise!”
    “Good morning, Mrs. Emberly.” Anna blinked in astonishment as the vivacious lady clasped both her hands in greeting.
    “Please, do call me Lavinia. Or Vin. Why, we are all but family, aren’t we?” Lavinia led her to the sofa. “Would you care for some tea? I keep the stuff nearby at all times since I discovered that I am increasing.”
    “Ah…congratulations.” Uncertain how to react to such a candid statement—her