A Beginner's Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch

Author:Suzanne Enoch
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Chapter Thirteen

“How many this morning?” Jenny asked, slipping into the Adam House breakfast room.

“Another fourteen.” Diane handed over the latest stack of applications. “I’ve been thinking that after we have our base membership, perhaps we should have members in good standing nominate new members. That’s the way most of the established clubs do it.”

“And perhaps your founding membership should have a plaque or some such thing,” Jenny added with a nod, sitting down beside her to flip through the pages. “I see that Lord Cameron’s applied. Are you going to admit him?”

“A plaque. Something to keep them returning here. That’s a splendid idea.” Diane motioned for another cup of tea and spooned in some sugar. “And no. He doesn’t qualify. The new Lord Cameron doesn’t have a large enough income or fortune.”

“But if he did, would you—”

“No. I said I would allow him to attend the opening. I have no intention of making it easy for him to come by whenever he chooses. Next he would be offering suggestions.”

“This was to have been his London home.”

Sending her friend a sideways look, Diane sipped her tea. “He can continue to reside at Benchley House. It may be smaller than Adam House, but it’s entailed. No relations, dead or otherwise, can sign it over to their spouses.”

Jenny glanced swiftly about the room. “Be cautious, Diane. While I agree that you deserve Adam House and whatever good you can make of it, the courts would not see it that way.”

“Yes, well, Anthony’s already had his solicitors review the deed, and they are all convinced that Frederick’s signature is legitimate. And I won’t be stopped by a Benchley.” She cleared her throat. “Now. Back to The Tantalus. Emily just reported that we have thirteen guests for breakfast.”

After taking a deep breath, Genevieve nodded. “For our second day of serving, that’s a fair beginning.” She sipped at her own tea. “I’m glad to see Miss Portsman is working out so well.”

“Or whoever she actually is. Thank goodness we’ve found ladies who can help us captain the various parts of the club. I don’t think the two of us could oversee everything for twenty-four hours every day. I’ve also been thinking of moving Sophia White from the faro tables to seating the dining room. Gentlemen seem to like her … eyes.”

“Mm. And her hair, and the rest of her.” Jenny chuckled. “She’s quite charming.”

“Which is what I require.”

Her companion carefully spooned marmalade onto her toasted bread. “You aren’t concerned that her parentage might make some tongues wag?”

“I’m hoping it does.”

“And how does Miss White feel about you using her as a curiosity?”

Diane frowned. “Clearly you don’t approve. You might have simply said so.”

“It’s not that, mein Freund. It’s that you didn’t ask her. She may have been born on the wrong side of the blanket, but we all have our degrees of pride.”

“Fine. I’ll ask her.”

“Merci.”

“Are there any other employees whose permission I need to ask for anything?”

“Diane, don’t be angry. Sophia is a special situation. Her father’s friends—even her father—may visit the club.

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