Restored (Enlightenment Book 5) by Joanna Chambers

Author:Joanna Chambers [Chambers, Joanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781999672065
Publisher: Joanna Chambers
Published: 2020-10-27T18:30:00+00:00

14

Henry

The entrance to Redford’s was very discreet, and only one doorman stood outside. A large man but well-dressed and polite. Henry gave his name to the man, who nodded in recognition and opened the door to admit him.

Inside, there was another door, and another doorman—also large and polite. He directed Henry down a short, well-appointed corridor, which led to a spacious, tastefully decorated room, just like any one might find in an ordinary gentlemen’s club.

Some of the patrons sat in groups, their armchairs clustered around low tables, while others stood, talking in low voices. Several discreet waiting staff circulated. Everyone was well-dressed, and there was no sign of any debauchery.

“Avesbury? Is that you?”

Henry turned towards a familiar voice, smiling when he saw who it was.

“Corbett,” he said, genuinely pleased. “It’s good to see you, man.” He moved towards his old friend, his hand extended and Viscount Corbett took it, a genuine smile lighting up his rather forbidding face.

“And you—it’s been far too long! What brings you back to town at long last?”

“Family matters,” Henry said vaguely. “I am only here occasionally. I don’t bother with society events these days.”

“Christ, nor do I,” Corbett said quickly. “The last time I saw you was at your daughter’s wedding, and we didn’t get much chance to talk. Before that—hell, Avesbury, it must have been a good few years!”

“I made one or two appearances during Marianne’s season a couple of years ago, but happily my sister was only too pleased to deal with bringing her out.”

“I’m not surprised I didn’t see you then,” Corbett said, his expression pained. “I avoid those sorts of events at all costs. Must say though, this is rather the last place I’d have expected to see you turn up. Kit Redford’s club?” He arched a brow. “Did he approve your membership?”

Henry noted Corbett’s surprise with dismay. How well known was the story of what had occurred between him and Christopher?

“Why do you think he would he not?” Henry asked carefully.

Corbett looked momentarily taken aback, then he said carefully, “My apologies. I think I might have spoken rather out of turn.”

Henry shook his head. “Don’t apologise,” he said quietly. “The question was a genuine one. I’d appreciate your honest answer.”

Corbett eyed him doubtfully, then he shrugged. “It’s not something that is freely gossiped about, Avesbury—you needn’t worry about that—but there are a few, like myself, who were regulars at the Lily back then, who remember what happened.”

“And what is that?” Henry asked softly.

Corbett looked pained, but he said, “You’d set Kit up—word was with a very nice little arrangement. And then all of a sudden, it was over and Kit was out on his ear with nothing to show for his time with you.” He met Henry’s gaze. “It was rather assumed he must’ve done something—some whispered that he had stolen from you, or perhaps tried his hand at blackmail.”

“God, no!” Henry interjected, horrified. “You didn’t believe that, did you?”

Corbett looked abashed. “Later, I realised it was nonsense, but at

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