Page 107 of Heartbreaker of the Ton
“You’re in mourning, therefore are required to dress appropriately.”
“Robert wouldn’t have cared what I wore,” Andrew replied, “and spending further funds—of which the estate has very little—at Weston’s establishment doesn’t seem appropriate.”
“Ah, but surely by now you should understand that in Society, we do not do what is appropriate, we do what gives theappearanceof propriety.”
“And indulging at White’s gives the appearance of propriety?” Andrew let out a snort. “Look at that dandy in the window, Foxton! What in the name of the Almighty does he think he’s doing?”
“Attempting to emulate Beau Brummell,” Foxton said. “Brummell made quite a name for himself occupying that window at all hours. Rumor has it he never wore the same jacket twice. Several aspiring leaders of men’s fashion have been seen posturing in that window since Brummell fled to France.”
“And do they aspire to the same levels of debt?” Andrew asked.
Foxton shrugged. “Following the heights of fashion is a costly exercise.”
“At least being in mourning excuses me from spending a fortune on such gawdy colors,” Andrew said, tugging at his cravat. “I intend to extract my money’s worth from this ridiculous attire.”
“If it’s funds you’re concerned about, Radham, I’ve already said I’ll stand your ledger, given that you’re my guest. But I cannot guarantee congenial company here, though I’ll wageryou’ll have a marginally less miserable time than you would with your father in Grosvenor Place.”
Which was true. The death of his favorite son had turned Andrew’s father into a bitter shell of a man, content to nightly imbibe brandy and wallow in self-pity about how the legacy of the earldom was doomed.
An earldom Andrew had wanted nothing to do with and considered himself free of, until Robert had chosen to destroy everything by indulging in his selfish desires.
Then a bolt of shame twisted Andrew’s gut. Robert had lost his life.
Whereas I’ve only lost my freedom.
Which perhaps was worse. But it was not the done thing to voice such an opinion aloud, particularly given that the members of White’s would consider inheriting a viscountcy and becoming heir apparent to an earldom something to celebrate.
Foxton led the way up the steps, and the door opened to reveal a liveried footman, who issued a deep bow.
“Welcome back, Your Grace.” He settled his gaze on Andrew. “And your friend…?”
“Viscount Radham,” Foxton said.
The footman’s eyes widened, then his mouth twitched into a smile. “You are most welcome, Lord Radham. Please, come inside.”
“I’ll have my usual, please, Grantchester,” Foxton said. “And my friend will have the same.”
“Of course, gentlemen. Your table will be ready for you to take luncheon at your leisure, Your Grace.” The footman nodded toward Andrew. “Lord Radham, you are most welcome.”
“Yes, yes, you’ve already said that,” Foxton said, waving his hand at the man. “Just show us to the dining room.”
“Very good, Your Grace.”
The footman bowed again, then led them into a high-ceilinged room adorned with a thick, deep-red carpet, ornate gilded carvings, and an enormous chandelier suspended from the ceiling that cast droplets of light about the room in myriad colors.
A few of the diners looked up and acknowledged Foxton with a nod. They cast curious glances toward Andrew, then resumed their attention on their luncheon.
After the footman had helped him into a chair and disappeared to fetch their drinks, Andrew leaned across the table to his companion.
“He seemed very congenial. I thought you told me they were very particular here about guests—even those with titles.”
“Ah, but you are Viscount Radham,” Foxton said. “Your predecessor left a legacy of debts to rival Brummell’s. I’ll wager Grantchester is at this moment informing the secretary of your presence here.”
Andrew moved to stand, but Foxton raised his hand.
“Never fear, my friend. The secretary wouldn’t be so vulgar as to discusscommercewhile you’re taking luncheon.”
Nevertheless, Andrew watched the footman as he returned with two glasses of dark liquid. “Luncheon will be served in five minutes, gentlemen,” he said, eyeing Andrew.
