Page 44 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke
"We will help," William said.
"Very well. Here is what I think we should do," Rose said, as they walked inside.
As they entered the townhome, Rose felt a small glimmer of hope. With her brothers by her side, she was ready to do whatever it took to help Thomas.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rose and her brothers made their way to the first of the gentlemen's clubs. The building was grand and imposing, its stone façade towering over them. As they approached, Rose could smell the smoke from cigars and pipes, mixed with the scents of brandy and wine.
The doorman at the entrance looked at them skeptically as they approached. "I am sorry, but this is a gentleman's club. Women are not allowed inside."
William stepped forward. "We understand, but my sister is here on important business. We must speak with the members about the recent reforms being discussed in the House of Lords."
The doorman hesitated, but eventually stepped aside, allowing them to enter. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with smoke and the sound of men talking and laughing filled the air. Rose took in the sights and sounds around her, feeling out of place and uncomfortable.
As they made their way deeper into the club, a footman approached them. "Excuse me, but the lady cannot go any further. This area is restricted to members only. She may wait in the foyer."
William and Cassian looked at each other, then back at Rose. "We will take care of it," William said, and they continued on, leaving Rose in the entryway.
They returned twenty minutes later. At Rose's expectant look, William shook his head and frowned. "Nothing. Everyone I spoke to changed the subject."
"Perhaps we should split up," Cassian suggested as they walked down the steps.
Rose breathed in the fresh air. The club had been stiflingly hot with the fire in the foyer blazing and the thick smoke from the cigars choking her.
"Very well," William said, nodding. "Rose, you will stay with me. Cassian, you go to the club at the end of the street, and we will meet back here in one hour."
An hour later, Rose was pacing back and forth in front of the club that William had entered quite some time ago. She had hoped that her brothers would have better luck than she did in gaining information, but as the minutes ticked by, her patience was wearing thin. She could hear the sounds of laughter and glasses clinking coming from the club, and she suspected thather brothers were taking their time, enjoying a drink or two as they investigated.
The doorman approached her, his expression stern. "I am sorry, but you cannot stand outside of the club all evening. Several of the gentlemen have already complained."
Rose sighed, frustration mounting. "I understand," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
As she walked farther down the block, she glanced down the street. The cobblestone roads were slick with rain, and the gas lamps flickered in the distance, casting eerie shadows on the buildings. Just as she was about to lose all hope, her brothers appeared from their respective clubs. Cassian looked pleased with himself.
"What did you find out?" Rose asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.
"Well," Cassian said, a grin spreading across his face. "It seems someone bribed the members to downvote Thomas's proposal."
Who is behind these rumors?" Rose asked, her voice tight with frustration.
"A wealthy baron," Cassian replied, his eyes narrowing. "His daughter is quite besotted with Thomas."
William sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I have seen this all too often.
"Well, well, well," Cassian chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It seems the duke has broken a heart or two."
William rolled his eyes and playfully punched Cassian in the arm. "You're only seventeen, Cassian. I highly doubt you have any experience in that department."
Cassian shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I may be young, but I have a keen eye for the ladies. And I can spot a scorned woman a mile away. "
William chuckled. "I remember when I was your age, I had a few run-ins with women who weren't too happy with me."
Rose raised an eyebrow, intrigued by their conversation. "Who is this baron's daughter that is so besotted with Thomas?" she asked, although she suspected she already knew the answer.
Cassian and William shared a knowing look before Cassian leaned in and said, "Miss Poppy Jameson."
Rose's eyes narrowed. She had been right. "Poppy Jameson? That scheming little minx. I should have known she was behind this."
