Page 19 of The Duke of Kisses
“He did.” The pain was still fresh enough that David had to work to keep the memory at bay. He sought to redirect the conversation. “Ware and Anthony have been introducing me to London.”
“Well, you can’t have a better guide than Ware. He knows all the best amusements, and if he can’t find one, he’ll make one.” Clare tipped his head toward the earl. “What do you have planned that I should be aware of?”
“Nothing you should attend,” Ware said with a sly smile. “Unless you’re looking to return to your premarital reputation, and I would doubt that.”
Clare laughed as the footman brought his brandy. He nodded in thanks before responding. “I assume you’re planning some sort of hedonistic party—I hear you’re quite good at those.”
“I went to a few hosted by Viscount Lockwood for inspiration, though mine are not nearly so large or, I hope, scandalous.”
Clare and Anthony both laughed, and David’s curiosity was piqued. “Who is Lockwood, and why are his parties scandalous?”
“He hovers near the edge of Polite Society,” Clare said. “I like him, however, even with that nasty scar.”
Ware picked up his brandy. “His parties are exclusive and only for the sexually bold.”
Clare nodded. “That’s an apt description. I’ve been to a few myself. Anonymity is key, though I admit I went once without a mask. Why hide my identity when everyone already assumed I went?” He glanced toward David before sipping his brandy.
“You have a point.” Ware leaned back in his chair. “You’ve never been, have you, Anthony?”
His shoulders twitched. “No, and I don’t plan to. The notion of shagging one of my mother’s friends hidden behind a mask is enough to make me cringe.”
They all erupted in laughter before David asked, “So, Ware, you are offering an alternative to Lockwood? No masks?”
“People can wear whatever they like. Mine are unmarried gentlemen and Cyprians only.”
“Ah, so I wouldn’t be invited in any case, which is just as well,” Clare said. “Will you attend, St. Ives?”
It was an innocuous question, but David recognized it for what it was: a query into the sort of man he was. Clare had been stealing looks in David’s direction as they’d discussed Lockwood’s libidinous parties, as if he’d been gauging David’s reaction. It seemed he was judging David’s worthiness. His respect for Clare shot up.
“That sort of party doesn’t particularly appeal to me,” David said.
Clare regarded him for a moment, then gave a single nod, perhaps in approval. “I see.”
“I’m also planning some racing events in Hyde Park,” Ware said.
“Are you?” Clare’s dark brows lifted. “Dartford will be delighted.”
“Of course. We can’t have a race without him.”
“He wouldn’t allow it.” Clare grinned, turning toward David once more. “Dartford is a friend of mine—he adores racing. And anything else that would make your heart pound. He’s called the Duke of Daring for a reason.”
David had studied Debrett’s and knew Dartford was an earl. “Why is he called a duke?”
“They’re nicknames,” Clare said. “Started by my wife, actually.” There was a note of pride in his voice. “And her friends, including the Countess of Dartford. They call us The Untouchables and assign us names befitting our reputations.”
Such as the Duke of Desire.David only nodded. A thought occurred to him and gave him a sudden queasy feeling. “Do I have a name?” He couldn’t imagine he did. He hadn’t done anything to gain a reputation at all.
“Not that I’m aware of. Ivy—my wife—will know. I’ll ask her and let you know.” He scrutinized Ware for a moment. “Doyouhave a name?”
“The Duke of Distraction?” Ware looked around the table for their reactions.
“The Duke of Amusement,” Anthony put in.
David had nothing to contribute, so he didn’t. His mind was trying to determine what he might be called and came up with nothing save the Duke of Birds, which, while accurate, was an awful nickname.
“The Duke of Pleasure.” Clare’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he laughed. “I’ll ask my wife if you have a name too. If you don’t, I’m sure she and her friends could come up with one, though I believe their naming days are behind them.”
“Please assure her that I don’t need one,” David said.
