Antonia's Bargain by Kate Pearce

Author:Kate Pearce
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf

Chapter Six

From the outside, there was nothing to differentiate the four-story townhouse in one of the shabbier streets of Pall Mall from any of its neighbors. Soft rain blew into Antonia’s face and she huddled deeper into her new cloak. At least her men’s clothing offered better protection than the flimsy muslins she normally wore. Gideon had also provided her with new boots and a hat that actually fit her. She followed him as he mounted the steps and knocked on the scarred green door with his cane.

The door opened a crack and a thin stream of yellow light illuminated Gideon’s face. After squinting at them for a long, unnerving minute, a huge black man dressed in faded blue and gold livery flung the door open wide. His fierce expression melted into a wide smile.

“Lord Harcourt. Welcome to Harpy’s, it’s good to see you again.”

Gideon handed the man his hat and cloak. “It’s a pleasure to see you too, Bill. Are you still boxing?”

Bill took Antonia’s coat and hat and laid them over his massive arm. “No sir, I ain’t.

I’m getting too old for that lark and the wife won’t stand for it anymore neither.”

“I’ll wager you are more afraid of your wife than you are of your opponents.”

“That’s the truth, sir.” Bill grinned, displaying his four solitary teeth. “And with good reason.” He gestured at Antonia. “Is he with you?” She held her breath as Gideon nodded. Bill bowed and pointed up the stairs. “Then have a good evening, sirs, and good luck.”

Antonia edged past the huge man and followed Gideon up a narrow flight of stairs.

The smell of tobacco and cheap spirits that wafted down the hallway almost choked her. Her heart was already beating too fast. Would any of the other men see through her disguise or had Gideon taught her enough to make her invisible?

67

Kate Pearce

He paused at the door of the main salon and looked back at her, clearly offering her the opportunity to escape. She raised her chin and met his inquiring gaze without flinching. Deep inside her, beneath the fear, a bubble of pure excitement surfaced at her own daring.

The salon was crowded and dark. Several men clustered around a roulette wheel while others lounged in chairs set out around small tables and played cards. At least half of those present were in uniform. The rest seemed an odd assortment ranging from the overdressed fop to the average country squire. Antonia inhaled a thick haze of smoke underlaid with the scent of old sweat and desperation. A man stumbled into her, his expression dazed, his hands fumbling at his breeches.

“’Scuse me, young sir,” he belched in her face, “I need a piss.”

Antonia stepped out of his way as he lurched toward the chamber pots on the sideboards. No one else appeared interested in her. Most of the faces bore the same intent expression as they watched the turn of the wheel or the play of a card. Antonia tried to relax as Gideon handed her a chipped glass containing a brownish liquid.

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