Page 38 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
Cassian clapped William on the shoulder. "At least we're having an adventure."
William shot him a wry look. "An adventure is not sleeping in a stable with a bunch of smelly sheep."
They made their way over to a pile of hay, settling down with a sigh. William leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. "I just want to be back home."
Cassian chuckled. "Well, we'll just have to make do with this for now. At least the ale was good."
As they tried to get comfortable, the sheep began to stir, and one bleated loudly, causing Cassian to jump. William groaned and rubbed his temples. "This is going to be a long night."
William and Cassian arrived in London on a grey and overcast afternoon. The air was thick with the smoke of coal fires, and the sounds of carriage wheels and horse hooves filled the streets. They made their way down the bustling thoroughfare, dodging street vendors and costermongers calling out their wares.
As they rode deeper into the city, the buildings grew taller and grander, reaching toward the sky. The streets were lined with elegant townhouses and shops selling the latest fashion and fineries. People of all classes bustled about, dressed in their finest clothes, hurrying to and fro.
The smells of the city were a mixture of horse manure, roasting meats, and fresh bread from the bakeries. It was a far cry from the fresh air and rolling hills of the countryside, but William and Cassian were undaunted. They were determined to find their sister, Rose, and bring her back home.
As they made their way down the busy streets of London, Cassian turned to William. "What should we do next, brother?" he asked.
William thought for a moment, taking in their disheveled appearance. "First, we need to retire to my gentlemen's club. We need a hot bath, a shave, and clean clothes. We cannot search for Rose stinking of sheep and horseflesh."
Cassian nodded in agreement, his hand unconsciously going to his unkempt hair. "Agreed. A hot bath and clean clothes are definitely in order."
As they walked, William gestured to the bustling crowds around them. "London never sleeps, does it? It's always so alive with people and activity."
Cassian grinned. "That's why I love it. There's always something new to discover."
They made their way to the club, eager to freshen up and plan their next steps in finding Rose.
As they approached the entrance of the club, the doorman stepped forward and tipped his hat. "Good day. It's a pleasure to see you, gentlemen."
William gave a nod in response. "Good day, Jenkins." William's status as the eldest son of the Earl of Thornhill was well-known and respected within the club. The two brothers stepped inside, greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere of the club. The scent of pipe smoke filled the air, and the sound of quiet conversation and laughter could be heard coming from the lounge area.
"Let's head straight for the bathhouse," William suggested, leading the way. "I could use a good soak and a shave."
Cassian followed closely behind, eager to clean up after their journey. "Agreed. I am ready to leave the smell of horseflesh and sheep behind."
The two brothers made their way toward the bathhouse, ready to refresh themselves after their travels.
The bathhouse was located in the basement of the club and was a luxurious room with marble flooring and walls. Large copper tubs were lined up against one wall, each filled with steaming water. The room was dimly lit with candles, and the air was heavy with the scent of rose petals and lavender. Servants bustled about, helping members disrobe and settle intothe warm water. The room was quiet except for the sounds of splashes and sighs of contentment. William and Cassian were each led to a tub and given towels and soap.
"Well, at least we're finally getting a proper bath," William said with a sigh of relief as he took in the rows of copper tubs filled with steaming water.
"Ha! A proper bath," Cassian snorted. "After a week on the road, sleeping in who-knows-what and being covered in sheep wool and horseflesh, this is a luxury beyond compare."
William chuckled. "Do you remember that inn we stayed in last night? The bed was so soft, and the linens were cleaner than I have ever seen, but then there was that screeching cat that kept us up half the night."
"And don't forget about the stable we stayed in the night before," Cassian added with a grin. "At least it was only horses, and the hayloft was clean."
"Yes, but the smell of horse manure was a bit much," William said with a grimace.
Both of them laughed as they stripped off their travel-worn clothes and stepped into the tubs, sinking into the warm water with a sigh of contentment.
As they entered the dining room, Cassian's eyes widened at the sight of the lavish spread. The table was laden with plattersof roasted meats, bowls of steaming vegetables, and baskets of crusty bread. The smell of freshly baked pastries wafted from the kitchen, making Cassian's mouth water. William spotted a close associate, the Viscount of Northrup, at a nearby table and made a beeline for him. Cassian followed closely behind, admiring the opulent decor of the room.
"Northrup! It has been too long, old man," William said, clapping the Viscount on the back.
Northrup turned to greet them, his face breaking into a smile. "Hudson and young Cassian. What a surprise. What brings you two to town?"
William lowered his voice and his eyes darted around the room. "We're searching for Rose," William said, taking a seat at the table.
