Page 43 of When the Viscount Seduces
“Thank you for inviting me. I apologize for arriving a tad early, but I wanted to know how you plan to introduce me to your friends. Will you be telling them about last night, or do we need to fabricate another story?”
Gwen laughed. “Oh, my goodness, you read my mind. I was just regretting not inviting you to come early so we could sort this out.”
“So, you do want to keep last night a secret?”
“Actually, I don’t think I do. I would feel terrible lying to my friends.”
“I think that’s wise,” Miss Harker said with a nod. “If they are your friends, they won’t judge you.”
“They most definitely are. There is no reason for me to keep anything from them.” In the interest of honesty among friends, Gwen added, “I did worry they would think less of me for breaking our rogue rules, but you’re right that they won’t because theyaremy friends.”
Miss Harker’s brow furrowed. “Rogue rules? I’m afraid you’re going to have to explain those, Miss Price.”
“You must call me Gwen, for we are friends now too.”
“And you must call me Jo.” She smiled at Gwen. “Yes, we are.”
Gwen launched into a description of the rogue rules beginning with their adoption nearly two years ago. She didn’t want to specifically mention the scandal about Pandora and Bane, so she merely said the rules came about after a rogue treated one of them poorly. She then listed the rules, which she had committed to memory.
“I like the last one a great deal—ruin the rogue before he ruins you. That isexcellentadvice.” Jo gave Gwen a reassuring look. “I don’t think you need to worry about that with Somerton. He isn’t going to ruin you. Not on purpose, anyway. You just can’t go on with him as you were last night. How are you feeling about things?” she asked with marked concern.
Gwen didn’t mention the graphic and lurid dream she’d had involving Lazarus and him helping her to put the veil under her skirt in the coach, only for the veil to completely disappear sothat his hands were free to occupy themselves with her. “I’m feeling fine. I’m relieved we weren’t caught. But I can’t say I regret it.” She also didn’t reveal that she was nervous about their tutoring session the following day. Would things be awkward between them?
Lazarus had asked if it was wise of them to meet, and she’d assured him all would be well. But would it when she couldn’t seem to stop thinking of kissing him again?
When Jo didn’t respond, Gwen asked, “Should I?”
“Only you can decide, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with sexual curiosity. Men don’t seem to have a problem exploring that. Why should we?” She flashed a brief smile. “I know the answer of course. Society’s rules don’t allow women like you to do that.”
Women like Gwen. What about women like Jo? Last night, she’d indicated that one needn’t be married to enjoy the physical aspects of marriage. Did that mean she had done so? While Gwen was incredibly curious and could sometimes be intrusive, she couldn’t bring herself to ask. “It’s unfortunate. However, I can’t imagine women being admired for their sexual prowess. And that hardly seems fair.”
“Because it’s not. We must be discreet, which I think we’re more inclined to be anyway. We don’t need to boast about such things to increase our self-worth.” She winked at Gwen.
“You are the most fascinating person I have ever met,” Gwen said.
Jo laughed. “I find that hard to believe.”
“You shouldn’t. I have spent my entire life in Bristol. I’ve been to Wales, to Bath, to Gloucestershire, and to Cornwall. This is my first visit to London. I’ve been quite sheltered.” Not as much as Tamsin had been, but Gwen felt like an absolute bumpkin next to Jo. She was just working up the courage to askabout her sexual experience—whether she had any—when Lake announced the arrival of Min and Ellis.
As Gwen introduced them, Tamsin arrived, and Gwen completed the introductions. When they were all seated and a tray with tea and cakes had been delivered, Gwen stood back up and went to almost close the door. Closing it entirely would raise her mother’s curiosity, so Gwen left it just slightly ajar.
“Are we to share secrets today?” Min asked with a mischievous smile. “Or gossip?”
They didn’t do a great deal of gossiping, but it wasn’t completely unheard of. “As it happens, I’ve news to share, and it’s best if I didn’t air it to anyone outside this room,” Gwen said.
Everyone, save Jo, looked at her expectantly. “Do tell,” Tamsin prompted from the chair to Gwen’s left.
Gwen glanced about. “You are probably wondering how I came to meet Miss Harker, rather Jo, as I’m now calling her.”
“I know who she is,” Min said, shooting a look at Jo. “Your mother owns the Siren’s Call.”
“Yes. And your brother is a frequent guest.”
Min smiled. “That is how I know of you.”
“He discusses such things with you?” Jo seemed surprised.
“Somewhat,” Min said with a shrug. “We carp at each other, but we are rather close in spite of that. He does not tell me much about his visits to the Rogue’s Den however. And I’m glad for that.”
