Page 28 of Love and Other Disasters

Sophie’s breath caught. It was too late not to tell him it all. Most likely he would dismiss her idea out of hand. “You invited a dozen wealthy gentlemen, no credit extended? They would have arrived here with a limited amount of funds to spare in their pockets. But next time, lured by the promise of more experienced London companions, far more funds would change hands. Wealthy gentlemen will pay for good sex. Bad sex, they can get anywhere for free.”

“That is an incredibly cynical observation, but unfortunately it rings true to me,” he agreed. His lips brushed the child’s head, as if in a single night he’d grown fond of the little girl as he pondered her words. “Very well. I agree with all you say. The next party must be better arranged. Now, if only you can point me toward a madam to help with this house party, I’d pay you a small fortune.”

“You don’t have a fortune to give away,” Sophie reminded him. “In the meantime, those women need someone to look after them. You only have me. I know what to do. I could act as their madam for the rest of the week, if you wish.”

Sophie took in the changed expression on Lord Jasper’s face and knew she had said the one thing he’d never expected her to suggest. She laughed a little nervously as his silence continued. She might just have gotten the last word again. She could get used to that, too. But she had irrevocably changed how Lord Jasper saw her today, and perhaps forevermore. She hoped that would not set them further at odds.

Chapter Nine

“You can’t be serious?” Jasper gasped out after the initial shock of her suggestion subsided enough for him to understand what he was being offered. He held Sophie’s gaze, saw her amusement, and scowled until her cheeks turned a fiery red and she had to look down.

Sophie studied her fingertips. “It would only be pretend. But of course you would not consider me. Why would you trust I know anything about anything?”

“I didn’t mean it that way,” he protested. “I’m sure you’re capable of many things, it’s just that…it’s not at all proper.”

Sophie laughed. “What makes you think I’m proper?”

“Oh, you are,” he insisted. “And I care about you and your good reputation continuing. I did not want you involved with my party for good reason. If Nash finds out…”

“He’d dismiss me. I know. Should one servant tell him, I’ll lose his good opinion forever, and perhaps that is for the best.” Her lips pursed, and she looked at him with a calculated gleam in her eye. “I assume the other servants have been promised a generous compensation to still their tongues about your party?”

“Yes, they’re to be paid well,” he admitted and then scowled as she smiled. Sophie wanted something from him. Just like every other woman he’d known. “The butler will compensate them fairly.”

“I hope so,” she said. “Then you only have to convince the butler that it’s necessary for me to play a role, and he’ll convince the others to hold their tongues. Look, there isn’t another woman with the knowledge I possess around, unfortunately, so what do you have to lose?”

He shook his head. “Knowledge you may have, but you have the children to look after.”

“And you have a daughter now, too,” she reminded him.

“Your safety is important.”

Sophie laughed, but it was a sad laugh. Bitter. “I know how to protect myself from scoundrels.”

Jasper pursed his lips. “Tell me how you came by this knowledge you possess.”

“I became acquainted with a madam in London, and through that friendship became familiar with the internal workings of a highly profitable pleasure house. I have been taught well by my friend and know how to manage an entertainment for the best possible outcome. Games of chance will make you some money, but it takes a concerted effort to earn a lot, and that is only possible with an experienced madam and courtesans in attendance who know how to entice and tease. I could provide you with an introduction.”

Jasper adjusted the child in his arms and drew closer to Sophie. “If I was going to follow your suggestion for the next event, I must know more about this acquaintance of yours before I let anyone peddle her wares inside Ravenswood.”

“Never inside Ravenswood,” she warned him, then pointed to the windows. “If there’s no better venue available, an outdoor event on the grounds would be a better choice, weather permitting. Less disturbance and wear and tear on the palace’s opulent rooms and furnishings. I think the type of men you consort with would be satisfied with a more rustic location near this exquisite family home.”

He set his free hand on his hip. “I can’t do that. My guests require some luxuries.”

“I’m not suggesting roughing it entirely.” She rubbed her hands together, as if warming to the topic. “The long gallery and the palace attics are filled with everything we need to create an atmosphere of exotic excess, a bazaar, if you will. Brocade pillows and other luxurious fabrics are easily found. Old carpets no longer needed. Imagine a secluded grove dotted with lanterns hanging from the trees, champagne and beautiful women who dance, sway and sing, accompanied by unseen musicians. Violin or fiddle, you can decide upon which with the madam.”

“How the hell could you imagine such a scenario?”

Sophie sighed. “Because I’ve seen it done. I helped dress a scene just as I described. That time, of course, it was an indoor event, a temporary stage for a birthday celebration, but the same principles apply for your endeavors. In the right setting, with the right variety of companions, you will exceed your own expectations. Believe me, men will pay handsomely for the thrill to continue all night long.”

“You describe an orgy.” Jasper hadn’t imagined his shock could increase, and he drew Isabelle protectively against his chest. “Who are you and what have you done with that prim, disapproving woman my brother foisted upon us?”

Sophie shrugged, but a smile tugged on her lips. “First impressions are not always accurate, my lord. We all hold back something of ourselves in conversation and you have never sought my opinions before. I hold a mercenary view of the transactions that occur between men and women during intimacy, thanks to my experience of the world. I’m no giddy debutant who believes in love or good intentions. Something for something is fair. Everybody wins this way.”

Jasper was baffled to discover Sophie was a woman he could actually understand. They even shared similar opinions. Yes, there was as much money to be made in peddling sex as in gambling. Everyone knew that, but few ever spoke of it so bluntly. Sophie was opening up to him, sharing her thoughts with someone she felt comfortable with at last. It was up to him to make use of her suggestions or not. But it was clear she hoped he’d consider some before his next party.

The problem of his current event, however, still required some discussion. Yes, he needed help. But what would it cost him in the end? And what of Sophie’s reputation? If Nash ever learned of her involvement, Nash wouldn’t want her then. She’d be dismissed without question—without a reference. Sophie was already on the outs with the duke. She just didn’t realize it yet.

He gulped. The solution to his problem might imperil her future employment, and that would be all his fault and his responsibility to fix.