Read Online Queen of Diamonds by Bárbara Metzger - Free Book Online Page B

Browne straightened a stack of papers on his desk while he considered. “The captain knew everyone. His business was to know who could pay and who was punting on tick, of course. That was how he became such a success, besides his head for odds. But that was before I got here. Mr. Bonner, who managed the club, has left, and Snake, that is, the doorkeeper, has gone north with the family. I am sorry, my lord. I know nothing of your Sir John Martin.”
    â€œI thank you anyway.” Harry nodded and turned to go.
    â€œBut if it is a town buck you are looking for,” Browne called after him as Harry made his way past the women toward the door, “you might try the Cyprian’s Ball tomorrow night. Every rake and would-be womanizer will be there, with town so thin of other entertainment. If your, ah, friend is not in the petticoat line, he might still attend for the deep wagering. It is by subscription, so you do not need an invite. Anyone with the price of admission is welcome.”
    Harry did not want anything to do with the infamous gatherings that turned into orgies, where men selected their latest paramours or passing fancies. Lewd and licentious, the Cyprian’s Balls represented the very worst London had to offer. The thought of attending one left a rancid taste in Harry’s mouth.
    Not so Hellen, whose mood improved almost as quickly as her smile flashed when she heard Harry was a lord. “Did you hear that, Que– Cousin? There is going to be another ball of the demi-monde. Let’s go!”
    Queenie felt as if she’d swallowed the same bitter lemon as Lord Harking. “Are you insane? Those affairs are dangerous and depraved.”
    â€œPooh, they are not all that bad. A girl can avoid any unsavory characters, and she can always say no to an unwelcome offer, can’t she? Mostly it will be the perfect chance to be seen and meet gentlemen.”
    â€œYou know no one to make introductions.”
    Hellen laughed. “Half the guests wear masks, silly. This is not the Queen’s drawing room. The whole point is to encounter strangers.”
    John George Browne had come away from his desk to escort Lord Harking to the door. “The affairs are not all that bad, at least in the early hours. Dancing, wine, good food, pretty girls.”
    â€œAre you going, then, man?” Harry asked in a harsh tone. “Since you appear to think such entertainment is attractive.”
    â€œNo, I cannot afford to keep a—” Browne looked toward the women. “That is, I am a schoolmaster now. I cannot think my patrons would approve.”
    â€œYour mother would not approve,” Queenie whispered to Hellen.
    â€œPooh, that is how she met my father. And besides, it is the perfect place for you to show off your dress designs and help your name become known. If you wish your business to be a success, you have to advertize it. You could wait years selling drawings before you came to the notice of so many fashionables in one night.”
    â€œThe Fashionable Impures.”
    â€œWho are more likely to pay their bills on time than your Society ladies who believe they are doing you the favor by patronizing your establishment. And it is the brightest comet in the sky that catches the eye, not the cold, distant stars. You can only be talked about by dressing women who are talked about, you know.”
    Hellen was right.
    Browne was telling Harry: “The ball is your best bet to find your man. You could search London for weeks before finding so many here-and-thereians gathered under one roof. And respectable gentlemen, also,” he added at Harry’s continued scowl.
    Browne was right.
    Damn! Harry thought.
    Diable
! Queenie thought.
    Sensing his mistress’s distress, Parfait whined, which dragged Harry’s thoughts from the sordid soiree back to the Birds of Paradise on the benches. School mistresses, hah! They had their heads together, most likely discussing