Somewhere inside, mingling with the other guests was Serena’s mother, Lady Ransom. Over these past months of the Season, Lady Ransom had coached her daughter well in the tricks and subterfuge necessary to snag a worthy husband. She had taught her to seduce with dancing eyes and a carefree manner. Serena had learned to wield her remarkable beauty as a warrior wields a sword, with purpose and without quarter.
What would Lady Ransom say if she could see her daughter now, engaged in a dangerous dalliance in the sanctuary of the gardens below?
She would admonish her most sternly, Serena knew.
But what her mother didn’t know was that Serena had been meeting Lord Kane for clandestine trysts just like this for weeks, now.
Each time, Darius teased and tempted Serena a little further in their wicked game. Such profound pleasure could not be too much of a sin, Serena thought—not when the man in question would be making an offer of marriage before long.
Now she stood in the darkened gardens of Telford House, Serena’s fancy gown sliding further down past her shoulders. Lord Kane used his mouth to rain tantalizing kisses down her back. Serena moaned in pleasure, clutching the silk bodice to her chest in an effort to cover herself.
In one smooth movement, Darius spun her to face him. Excitement coursed through her veins at his masterful movement. He was the war hero of Waterloo—strong, capable, and used to getting his way.
This was part of their little game, too. Even in this low light, she could see the unmistakable passion in his eyes. Passion that glowed and burned for her.
Serena still clutched the flimsy fabric to her chest with one hand. The other had reached out and grabbed onto Darius`s sleeve for balance as he`d quickly turned her.
“I’ll rip that gown to shreds if you don’t let go your hold upon it,” he warned.
Serena gasped. “You wouldn’t.”
“I would,” he replied with a mischievous grin, and she knew he was toying with her. “Your body is too beautiful to keep covered up. If you were my wife, I would pleasure you night after night in my bed, and you would be quite naked indeed. You’d never want to leave.”
Serena felt her knees weaken at the thought. The wicked truth of the matter was that she would like nothing more than to live exactly as Darius described.
A shiver ran over her skin as she imagined all the things Darius would do to her if she were legally bound to him. If she guessed correctly, she would soon find out. Lord Kane wanted her as his wife. He’d all but said so. Theirs would be the most passionate union London had ever seen.
A year from now, she would be the Countess of Kane, wife of the handsome war hero, and her perfect life would be everything she always dreamed….
Chapter 1
“Becoming a Courtesan is never the first
choice for a woman…which is a pity, for
once they take up the vocation, most women
wonder why they didn’t do it sooner.”
—from Memoirs of a Courtesan
by Lady Night
One Year Later
Serena ran her hands over the shimmering gold gown that hugged her trim figure, and felt her pulse quicken at the excitement of the evening. The exquisite silk fabric had been sent from Paris at exceptional cost. Nothing but the best would do for London’s newest courtesan.
Lady Devlyn’s French maid, Giselle, had spent two hours arranging Serena’s thick, auburn hair into an intricate and beguiling design. A strand of pearls wove throughout the tresses, and one bouncing curl dangled enticingly between Serena’s shoulder blades. As a final touch, the maid dusted Serena’s bare skin with a shimmering powder, fine as fairy dust.
“What is that?” Serena had asked, intrigued.
The maid smiled as she dusted the soft powder puff over Serena’s cleavage, which rose above the scandalously low neckline of her gown. “Zis is magic powder,” Giselle replied in her thick accent. “Eet gives zee skin a delicious glow, and will make zee men want to touch it, you see. But you will not let zem. Eet will drive zem wild!”
Serena gazed about Lady Devlyn’s opulent dressing room and took a deep breath. The walls were covered in pale pink silk, the floor with a rare white Abyssinian carpet. Furnishings of mahogany, cherry-wood and polished brass complimented a pale marble floor. The rest of the house was as luxuriously decorated. Priceless tapestries, paintings and marble busts further adorned one of the most expensive residences in Mayfair.
Serena had come a long way from the terrible scandal of the Telford Ball, and the subsequent loss of her mother.
After those dark days, meeting Lady Devlyn had been one of the most fortuitous events of Serena’s life. Lady D—who also used the professional name of Lady Night—had passed on her wisdom to Serena, Felicity and Bliss, and what they had learned from her was much more than simply how to become a skilled courtesan.
Lady Devlyn had taught the girls how to be confident in a man’s world, how to pursue pleasure and enjoy decadence without apologies, and most importantly, how to guard your heart against the power of a man’s seduction.
“‘To thine own self be true,’” Lady Devlyn had said, quoting Shakespeare’s Hamlet. “If you follow this adage, my dears, you will never be disappointed. Especially where men are concerned.”
Their training had included everything from reading the entire works of Shakespeare and selections from the Classics, to an illuminating book called the Kama Sutra. Serena smiled as she remembered the look on Bliss’ face when she gazed at the illustrations in that ancient text. Not only had it provided instruction on the physical pleasures of their new vocation, it also had an entire chapter dedicated to the life of a courtesan.
Serena had read that particular chapter three times.
Along with advice on managing one’s finances, the Kama Sutra provided tips for choosing a suitable man, but warned of becoming too attached to just one. Instead, it encouraged the courtesan to pursue sexual pleasure as a means of spiritual development. And if a man chose to give you expensive gifts along the way, it was most prudent to accept them.
Lady D had also insisted on other, unorthodox training such as fencing, how to shoot a pistol, and even martial arts practiced in the Far East. During one particular lesson, Lady D had entertained them with an exciting story about one of her exploits deep inside Peking’s Forbidden City which featured herself, the Emperor of China, and a band of deadly, black-clad warriors. “One can never be too prepared,” Lady D had said as she demonstrated how she fought them off, “for whatever situation might arise.”
In an effort to better understand the sensual skills they would learn, Serena, Bliss and Felicity also studied human anatomy, which they found wickedly fascinating. But sensuality alone did not a courtesan make. That was only one aspect of their allure.
“A Courtesan is, above all, the epitome of independence,” Lady Devlyn explained, “in thought, in passion, as well as in matters of finance. The education I bestow upon you now will cultivate all of these things in your hearts and minds.”
The Courtesan Club—as they liked to call themselves—had arrived at Lady D’s Mayfair mansion a few days prior to the exclusive soiree that would mark Serena’s debut. In the year that she, Felicity and Bliss had lived at Hargrove Park, Lady D had also taught them how to dress… “so that a man cannot take his eyes off you, how to speak so that a man cannot forget you, and how to indulge in the most wicked pleasures without making the mistake of falling in love.”
That last part was probably the most invaluable lesson of all, Serena thought. She had made that mistake before with Darius, and she’d be damned if she did something so foolish again.
Of course, the paradox in all of this was that Serena, soon to be London’s newest courtesan, was a virgin. And she had two very well-respected physicians’ certificates to prove it.
Instead of being dismayed, Lady D had been delighted at the news of each girl’s respective virginity. After a few weeks of studying male anatomy, with both books and a human s
ubject (a strapping, well-endowed young footman who seemed to enjoy the attention) the topic had understandably come up.
Their benefactress had assured the girls that being virgin courtesans would not hinder their careers in the least. In fact, quite the opposite. It would only serve to increase their price when the offers started rolling in.
“You see, my dears,” Lady D explained, “men enjoy the fantasy of being the first to deflower a woman, no matter who she may be—courtesan or wife. It only adds to your allure.”
At Lady Devlyn’s exclusive soiree, Serena would be the first of the Courtesan Club to make her debut. Both Felicity and Bliss would make theirs in a similar way, but at different, exclusive events imaginatively planned for each of them by Lady Devlyn herself. Along with being a font of knowledge on all things carnal, Lady D was an astute business woman. She knew all about the power of supply and demand. Making the other two new courtesans temporarily unavailable would make the most powerful men in London desperate with desire for them.
Lady D had also been leaking titillating tidbits about her new protégés to the underground press for months. Though their identities were a closely guarded secret, thanks to their benefactress’s efforts, the Courtesan Club was already famous. All of London was talking about them—albeit behind closed doors. The gossip about Town was that gentlemen were already fighting over them, and the ladies were jealous beyond all. The fact that Lady Devlyn had deigned to pass on her exclusive knowledge and skills to three fresh faced young women was the biggest news to hit London since Wellington’s victory at Waterloo.
And though the papers would never believe it, the reason for Lady Night’s philanthropy was exactly that—philanthropic. With no children of her own, she wished to pass on her legacy to three independent-minded women whose vivacious spirits could never thrive within society’s strict boundaries. Serena, Felicity and Bliss were the mistresses of their own fates and fortunes, now.
“You look absolutely stunning, my dear,” Lady D said as she came into Serena’s dressing room. “Pierrette was right, this silk is the finest I’ve ever seen. It makes your green eyes glow like jade, and your skin is as luminous as the golden silk. At first Pierrette refused to part with it, you know. Since I am undoubtedly one of her best customers, she was soon convinced—after I offered a generous price, of course.”
Serena replied, “You know the girls and I intend to pay you back for all your expenses—”
“Pish, tosh!” Lady D said, waving a hand dismissively. “You will do no such thing. I told you before, the only recompense I require is that you, Bliss and Felicity use the knowledge I’ve given you to lead fulfilling lives as independent women, with all the pleasures the world has to offer. And being fabulously wealthy at the end of it all, like me, doesn’t hurt, either.” She smiled playfully. “Now, what jewels are you going to wear? Ahh…something special, I think.”
Lady D opened the ornate cherry-wood jewelry box that stood on a nearby dresser and pulled out the largest diamond Serena had ever seen. “The Maharaja’s Diamond? You want me to wear it?”
Lady D smiled, while holding the exquisite canary diamond pendant aloft. “Sitara—it means ‘morning star.’ The Maharaja and I watched the morning star many times together, after a passion-filled night in his palace. Sitara has always brought me good luck, and it is my hope that the stone will bring you the same good fortune.”
Before Serena could protest further, Lady Devlyn was fastening the priceless bauble around Serena’s neck. The magnificent jewel hung from a string of smaller white diamonds, which sparkled and winked against Serena’s glowing skin. It felt heavenly.
“Ear bobs, of course.” Lady D handed Serena a pair of matching tear-drop earrings. “And a bracelet, I think.”
With the jewels adorning her, Serena felt an almost magical effect, which had undoubtedly been Lady Devlyn’s intention. Serena felt beautiful, she felt powerful and in control. She was ready to become London’s newest sensation.
Then why was her heart beating like the wings of a caged bird?
Perhaps it was the reality of what she was about to do. Playtime was over. The moment she stepped out into the Lady Devlyn’s salon, she would announce to the world that she, Serena Ransom, was a courtesan—a woman whose business it was to give a man pleasure.
It seemed a daunting vocation, now.
Lady D lifted Serena’s chin with a slim finger, meeting her eyes. It seemed her benefactress could read minds, too. “Remember, my dear—-the men out there will be clamoring for your attention, just as Marc Antony and Caesar begged for Cleopatra’s. And that is how you must act. Like a queen—and a queen needs no one. Least of all a man. If you believe that, then so will they. Men will fight duels over you. They will give up everything for you.” Lady Devlyn gave a radiant smile. “And isn’t that what it’s all about?”
Serena took a deep breath. “Yes. That’s what it’s all about.”
“But where are the other girls?” Lady Devlyn asked. “We cannot greet our guests without them.”
“We’re here!” Bliss called, as she and Felicity bustled into the room, the silk of their gowns swishing across the floor. Bliss’ strawberry blonde curls were complimented by flowing sapphire blue silk, while Felicity’s dark glossy locks were offset by a gown of emerald green. Felicity and Bliss were to make their debuts at a later date, but the men of the ton would get a peek at them tonight…and talk about them for weeks.
It was all part of Lady Devlyn’s plan to make the Courtesan Club a wild success.
“Serena, you look breathtaking!” Felicity enthused, stepping forward to hug her.
Bliss gave her a quick hug as well. “You’re a vision. You look like a Greek goddess in that golden gown. The men will go wild.”
Lady D gave a languid smile. “Yes, my dear—the men will go wild for it. For her. For all of you. And isn’t that what we set out to accomplish with the creation of the Courtesan Club—to bring the richest men in London to their knees?”
The girls regarded each other, their expressions a mixture of excitement, disbelief, and female pride. Now Miss Serena Ransom was about to make her debut as the first member of the Courtesan Club.
A confident smile danced across her lips and her veins hummed with excitement as she and her friends made their way toward the salon.
She hoped London was ready for her.
* * *
Darius Manning, Earl of Kane, took another sip from his crystal champagne flute and gazed about the opulent room. In one corner, a string quartet played a Mozart sonata. Footmen milled about serving hors d’eouvres from silver platters. It seemed to all the world like any other high society party. Except that the room was filled with men only, most of whom looked like wolves waiting for the poor little sheep to show up. Darius had to admit, his curiosity was getting the best of him as well.
Where was she?
“What do you think, Dare?” the man beside him asked languidly, popping a grape into his mouth. “Shall you entrap this virgin courtesan in your web tonight? Or will she entrap you?”
Darius flicked a brow at his companion. Major Havelock Price had stood by his side through the bloodiest battles of the Napoleonic Wars and knew him better than any other human being on earth. Still, Darius did not enjoy being thought predictable, especially regarding a woman he hadn’t even met yet.
Darius admitted to being many things, a notorious rake and womanizer being chief among them, but predictable? That could sully a man’s reputation.
“Gads, let’s have a look at the chit before you have me bidding for her, will you? She may not be to my fancy,” Darius said coolly.
Havelock tasted a morsel of soft cheese. “Not to your fancy? The only woman I ever knew who didn’t strike your fancy was your wife, old friend. And considering what a harpy she was, it was completely understandable—-God rest her soul.”
Darius turned and shot a dark look toward Havelock. “It does not become you to speak ill of the dead, my friend.”
“Bloody hell— I did say, ‘God rest her soul,’” Havelock said. “Forgive me, but Henrietta gave you nothing but grief. Ah, but that is not exactly true. She also gave you her father’s immense fortune which saved your family name and estates. But then, that was your plan all along, wasn’t it? I shouldn’t have skipped over that part. Now you have the wife’s fortune, the earldom in good standing, and you’re on the market for a courtesan to entertain your nights without any messy complications. I’d say you’re on top of the world, old chum.”
Darius pondered his friend’s words as he studied the other men in the room. Perhaps he should feel that way, considering he could out-bid any man here, even the young, brash duke at the billiard table.
He, the seventh Earl of Kane, was one of the wealthiest men in England. That fact alone had made him many enemies, namely the old families with ancient titles but no money left to run their crumbling estates. Havelock had spoken the truth. Darius had made a fortuitous marriage to Miss Henrietta Barton, heiress to a huge shipping fortune. He had not loved her, though his poor wife had fancied herself in love with him.
That had unfortunately been her undoing.
Darius reached for a succulent strawberry and pushed the unwelcome thoughts away. He’d spent enough time thinking about the women of his past. He was ready to move on.
And the first step in doing that was finding himself a new one to warm his bed.
He took a bite of the tart, luscious berry and decided that whoever this courtesan was, he would have her, for she was exactly what he needed.
Now that he was a widower, Darius was one of London’s most sought-after bachelors. The Mad Mamas of the Marriage Mart hounded him at every turn. They all wanted their daughters to be the next Countess of Kane. Well, they could all go to Hades. After Henrietta, he had earned a respite from the shackles of matrimony. As his marriage had left him without an heir, of course he would have to marry again at some point. He had a duty to ensure the family legacy.
Taming The Bride (Brides of Mayfair 2) Page 23
