Page 29 of Beyond Scandal and Desire
“You might say that. We received an invitation to a ball celebrating the opening of Mick Trewlove’s hotel. I thought you might enjoy attending.”
While she did have a keen interest in the man’s hotel, in seeing what he might have accomplished, she was rather confused by the change in the night’s plans. “You chastised me for walking with him in the park. Surely he will be there tonight. Am I to give him the cut you suggested?”
“Absolutely not. In hindsight I may have overreacted to the park situation. He assured me nothing untoward took place.”
His words irked. “I assured you. Did you not believe me?”
“Without a doubt I did,” he said hastily. “Aslyn, you’re missing the entire point. I know you were disappointed that I wouldn’t take you to Cremorne during the improper hours, so I thought to make it up to you by bringing you with me tonight.”
“You’ve been spending more time in his company.” Her tone wasn’t accusatory but it was pointed, a statement indicating she knew the truth.
“Some, yes. My father doesn’t understand that we can’t continue to rely on the income from our estates to sustain us. We must expand our horizons if we want to increase our revenue. I’ll meet investors tonight. And becoming closer to Trewlove will also open up opportunities. I want him to come to me the next time he needs capital.”
She wasn’t quite certain the man really needed anything.
“His sister’s going to be there. You liked her well enough, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“And you like parties. As you said, we’ll be doing something we ought not. We’ll have a jolly good time at it. You can pretend it’s Cremorne Gardens in the later hours. There are bound to be some sordid sorts about.”
She couldn’t deny she was intrigued by the opportunity to catch a glimpse into Mick Trewlove’s world. “How often have you seen Mr. Trewlove since the night at Cremorne?”
The light from the lamp allowed her to see his shrug. “A couple of times. He gained me access to a club that suits me. On occasion he’s there.”
“I assume this club is a gambling den.”
“The very best kind. All they offer is gambling and drinks. It’s rough and exciting. Nothing at all like a gentlemen’s club.”
“So Mr. Trewlove gambles.”
He furrowed his brow. “Not very much actually. Mostly he watches. Not a man for taking risks, I suppose.”
“This venture of his seems a huge risk.” She’d managed to find an article about his developments. “To tear things down and build anew—it can’t be cheap.”
“He can afford it.”
“Only as long as he has success. Unless he’s succeeded in growing money on trees.”
Kip laughed. “I’d purchase one of those trees from him right quick without even quibbling over the cost.”
“I doubt they’d be for sale.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him. From what I’ve gathered, he’d find a way to make even more money off it.”
“You admire him.” She heard it in the tone of his voice.
“It is difficult not to admire someone who came from nothing and managed to rise above it. Still, my admiration goes only so far. I’d best not catch him flirting with you.”
“He’ll be too busy with his other guests to give me much notice.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. You look very lovely tonight. But remember you belong to me.”
She wrinkled her nose. “What? Like a pair of boots?”
Grinning, he leaned toward her, took one of her hands and placed a kiss on her gloved knuckles, all the while holding her gaze. “Like something I treasure. Have you set a date?”
“No. Your mother wants the end of the Season, but I was thinking Christmas.”
