Page 110 of Seducing the Knave

Chapter Thirty-one

Anticipation raced through Max’s veins as he arrived at one of the best pleasure houses in town. Though it was early morning and the prior night’s business hours had concluded with the arrival of dawn, the madam readily agreed to an audience. Considering the nature of their relationship, Max expected nothing else.

Mrs. Beaumont was middle-aged and had a look about her that was purposefully understated. She almost always dressed in dark clothing of muted colors—greys and browns and navy—that fit her rather full figure in a way that managed to be sensually suggestive without being overtly so. With a keen gaze and quick mind, she was a devoted businesswoman. But she also had an undeniable soft spot for the women under her charge who liked to call her Auntie behind her back. It was only one of several reasons that Max admired and respected her.

As he sat down with her for tea, she gave him a sideways glance of open curiosity. “It’s an odd time of day for a visit from the Griffin,” she noted.

Max grinned as he added a couple spoons of sugar to his tea. “And I’m afraid the reason ain’t a pleasant one.”

The madam lifted her brows as she gracefully lowered her teacup. “Oh?”

“I got word the Marquess of Ilsworth is currently sleeping off a night of debauchery in one of yer rooms upstairs.”

“He may be,” she replied noncommittally. “Why would such a man be of interest to you?”

Max’s expression hardened. “The bloke’s been engaging in some bad behavior.”

There was a pause as the madam held his gaze. Then she sighed softly and gave a nod. “Am I to assume this bad behavior is such that should earn him a banishment from this establishment?”

“It’d be me honest recommendation.”

“And I’ve learned to always take the Griffin’s recommendations,” Mrs. Beaumont acknowledged with a brief smile. “Though it is a shame. He’d only started coming around recently, but I probably should’ve known such a reckless spender was too good to be true.”

“I hope he paid up-front.”

“Always,” she replied in a slightly affronted tone.

Max chuckled then rose to his feet. “If ye don’t mind, I’d like to get this issue dealt with.”

“By all means.”

Max made his way through the dozing brothel to the second level. Sweeping unceremoniously into the room he’d been directed to, he ignored the flurry of confusion and alarm his sudden appearance inspired in the sleeping occupants. Looking first to the young woman scrambling upright in the bed, he gave a quick smile. “Me apologies, luv. I’ll only be a moment.”

She nodded, instantly relaxing once she saw who’d interrupted her sleep.

It took a few more minutes, however, for the man beside her to crack his drink-swollen eyes open enough to ascertain what was happening. But when he did, he bolted from the bed—his pale, naked body trembling and clumsy from what was likely a wretched hangover.

Throwing his hands out in front of him as if it would be in any way effective in warding off an attack, he stuttered, “I’ve been doing as you asked. I haven’t gone anywhere near her, I swear.”

“I know,” Max acknowledged. “But ye were scheming to.”

Jasper flinched. “How could...I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Max chuckled and shook his head in disappointment. “Did ye really think I wouldn’t find out about that rich widow ye been humpin’ in exchange fer a weighty allowance?”

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