“Take a look, take a look, is the lord really dead? Read all about it, Lord Strauss really alive and living in Paris. Lady Buxton to hold séance tonight to try and contact his ghost. Take a look, take a look, penny a page. The London Sentinel! Read it, read it before your friends.”

Belinda looked over to where the young newsboy screamed the headlines at the top of his lungs as the other one standing next to him sold papers to every passerby.

“Gabby should be thrilled with the rise in circulation,” Carin said as they all walked by the hawkers. Well, Belinda and Carin walked by; Charlotte rushed to the young man and offered him a penny. He handed her a newspaper and she hurried back to them.

“Look at the size of this headline,” she said as she turned the sheet so they could all see it. “Alice’s name is as big as the others. It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Buxton will be turning people away at the front door tonight.”

It had been a week since they’d set their plan in place. A man posing as Lord Strauss had checked into a hotel in Kensington, and was running up bills all over town, saying his father-in-law, Lord Lucas, would pay for them. Belinda expected to hear from her father at any time now, wanting to know what the devil was happening.

During this week they’d been acting as if everything was normal. They’d gone to parties, plays, and even a talk at the museum about marbles. Through it all she and Barton had been friendly, and she’d learned a great deal about him. He’d spent nights at her house, but he still hadn’t tried to have sex with her. She hoped to end that tonight, after the séance.

She’d told Merry to set out her purple nightgown, a new one that she’d bought with the money provided by Jonathan. He hadn’t seen it yet, and she hoped that he liked it. A great deal. She hoped he liked it so much that he ripped it from her body.

She was so lost in thought at the idea of being ravished that she jumped as someone tugged on her arm. She turned and looked down. A young street boy held up a missive.

“For you, Lady Strauss,” he said. She took it and he held out his hand. She reached into her bag and drew out a penny. He laughed and ran away.

“What is it?” Charlotte asked.

“I’m not sure,” Belinda said as she unfolded the sheet. “There’s no name. It just says be careful.”

“Your husband,” Carin said. “It has to be him.”

Belinda had to agree with her, because there was no one else who would warn her, basically, to watch her back. But how could Victor have heard about what was happening and arrived from Paris so quickly? It had only been a week. The only explanation was that her father already knew about it, and he’d contacted Victor to tell him to take care of things.

How would he do that, she wondered. By killing her? Her palms started to sweat as they walked into the teashop. It was a popular gathering place for society ladies, which meant the tables were full of gossiping women. It was why Charlotte had selected the shop. They knew the newspaper would be out, and the article would be the hot topic for the morning gossips.

When they entered she saw Alice sitting with Amelia, Lady Cannonberry, and, to Belinda’s dismay, Clarissa. Her behavior toward the duchess has been so bad, and she was still embarrassed about the duchess witnessing her spanking. She hadn’t been included in the original plan.

Alice motioned them toward their table, and Belinda moved slowly through the room. Around her, ladies were talking and giving her pointed looks. She had to remember to say just the right thing when the right gossip was in earshot. As she neared the table she realized she wouldn’t have to worry about that. The ladies had chosen a table near the center. Those sitting nearby would be clamoring for a taste of their conversation, and would be within the proximity to listen.

“Hello, Belinda,” Alice said. “Charlotte, Carin, please have a seat. Lady McIntyre will be joining us soon. She had some things to take care of at the newspaper office before she could get away.”

Belinda sat down and offered greetings around the table.

“It’s wonderful to meet you. I hope you’ll call me Amelia,” Lady Cannonberry said.

“Of course,” Belinda replied as she accepted a cup of tea from a server.

“We all think it’s so wonderful that our Jonathan found you,” Lady Ellington said.

“Thank you, Carin,” Belinda replied. “We’ve been happy together, I must say.”

“He tells us you’re to wed,” Clarissa said.

This was the big part that had not been included in the newspaper that the gossips needed to hear. And they did, Belinda knew, because someone gasped at the words.

“Yes, Duchess, that is correct. We had a little lover’s quarrel last week, but we’ve made up now. He’s such a passionate man.”

“Please, I hope we can let bygones be bygones and you will call me Clarissa.” The duchess took a delicate bite. After she’d swallowed she said, “We are happy to have you in our fold.”

Even though Belinda knew that this event was staged, and that the sole purpose was to nullify her words about Jonathan, she felt warmth in her belly.

“I mean that, sincerely,” Clarissa said, laying her hand on Belinda’s.

“Thank you, duc… Clarissa.”

“Splendid,” Charlotte said, clapping her hands together. “Now, I want to hear more about this passion.”

They all laughed.

“Well, I’m afraid I was rather cruel to him, but he has put me in my place.” And has taught me quite a bit about myself, which is a wonderful thing. “He is, by far, the most passionate man I’ve ever known.” Of course she didn’t know if that was true or not, but she was happy to spread the lie, and hoped she would soon find it to be true.

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Clarissa said with a grin. “I don’t think Taylor could be included in that list.” They all laughed, considering that Clarissa’s late husband had been one of Belinda’s former lovers. Belinda nodded. She had feelings for Taylor, true, but the ones she was developing for Jonathan were much different, and much more complex.

She wondered if it was because he had come to her rescue. He had wanted to know her feelings, which no one, even Taylor, had ever done for her before. That made him special, even if they had never made love. Not yet, anyway.

At a nearby table, a woman gave an exclamation of surprise and Belinda knew that Jonathan’s reputation as a male would be restored by the time the ladies talked with their husbands that evening.

“What did I miss? Something that needs to be put in the newspaper?” Lady McIntyre, known to her friends as Gabby, sat down at the table and smiled warmly at Belinda.

“We’re discussing Belinda’s upcoming marriage to Lord Barton, and how randy he is,” Charlotte said.

“Perfect for the gossip column,” Gabby replied. “But I’m afraid I will need a few more details.”

The laughter increased and Belinda thought Lady Wothman, sitting at a table near them, would fall out of her chair in an effort to get closer to the conversation.

“When will the wedding be?” Gabby asked.

“We’re not sure,” Belinda replied. She was very uncomfortable talking about this. Barton had told her last night to make it as convincing as possible. When she’d asked what they were supposed to do when the wedding didn’t take place he’d just shrugged. “Knowing Jonathan, the marriage will take place sometime soon.”

“I’ll have to see what Essex thinks about an engagement party sometime in the next few weeks,” Charlotte said. “I love throwing parties.”

The knot of nerves that had been in Belinda’s stomach when she arrived banded together again.

“I don’t know…” There was still so much that could happen tonight, and later if the situation wasn’t resolved then. And there was the note in her reticule, warning her to be careful. Who could have sent it?

“Nonsense!” Charlotte giggled. “It will be great fun. We’ll invite everyone to see how happy you two are together.”

“Jonathan will…”

“Be thrilled,” Amelia replied. “You and he are going to be so wonderful together.”

“I agree,” Clarissa replied. “You’re perfect for one another.”

Belinda nodded at them all, knowing that if she continued to object they would just override her. As she sat there, and opened her bag and fingered the note inside. She wanted to read it again, see if, maybe, she could tell who wrote it.

“Something wrong?” Gabby asked. “You’re strangely quiet for a woman who is supposed to be thrilled about marrying the man she loves.”

“It’s just all happening so fast,” Belinda said. “I haven’t thought about being married since, well, since my first husband died.”

“Supposedly died,” Charlotte said. “I am so excited about the séance tonight. Tell me, Belinda, what do you think Alice will find?”

Now, the entire room seemed to be as quiet as a church on Sunday as the delegates waited for the services to start. Every ear seemed to be turned toward their table.

“I was told that Victor drowned,” she said. “I don’t know how it could be anything but that. But I hear Alice is quite skilled at contacting spirits. I will be excited to see what she can find out.”

She was still fingering the note, and when other fingers wrapped around hers, Belinda jumped just a little. She looked over at Gabby, who expertly took the piece of paper from Belinda’s bag and unfolded it in her lap.

“Oh my,” she whispered, and then she looked at Belinda. “I know this handwriting. I see it quite a bit.”

“Whose is it?” Belinda asked.

“My friend Parker Mills,” Gabby said. “He’s a reporter with the London Times. He’s always quick on his toes. You and I need to break off from the other ladies and hunt him down. He can be hard to find, but my friend Fiona, who sells flowers in Trafalgar Square, is quite taken with him. She’s good at gathering information, and he’s good about writing it down. We’ll go and find her and see if she knows where he is.”

Belinda wanted to tell her that she had different plans for the afternoon, but the note made her too nervous. If Gabby could help her find the author then she needed to listen to her and see if they could get things done.

“I think that is a good idea,” Belinda said. “But how will we get away from the others?”

“Simple enough,” Gabby said. She turned to their group, “Ladies, I’m taking Belinda to the newspaper office to interview her, and I’m afraid it needs to be a one on one thing. We shall see you all tonight at the Buxton house for the séance. I am so looking forward to it.”

“As are we all,” Charlotte said. “You two ladies have fun, and make sure to ask all the right questions that make for interesting reading, Gabby. You know we’re all intrigued by this story.”

“I know you are,” Gabby said. “Don’t worry, I’ve already taken care of the cost of the tea. Have a good day, and we’ll see you tonight.”

Once they were on the street, Gabby took Belinda’s hand. “Stay close. Let’s find Fiona, and then send a note through her for Mills to meet us at your home for tea. Is that all right with you?”

Belinda nodded, even though she wondered if she could stand one more cup of tea today.

Gabby’s friends were not what Belinda had expected. Parker Mills was tall and handsome, and Fiona, who never gave her last name, had been silent and seemed to study everyone in the room as if she could read their minds.

“How do you know it was Victor Strauss?” Barton had been waiting for her when she’d returned home. He’d been surprised to see Gabby, and looked angry when Belinda had handed him the note.

“You’re sure this is from Parker Mills?” he’d asked Gabby, just as there had been a knock at the door.

“I’m sure,” she said. “And here he is, ready to tell us why he warned Lady Strauss to be careful.”

Gabby took her seat on the divan, and Belinda had glanced at Barton, who was staring at the doorway through which Mills would come.

“Jonathan,” she said, but she hadn’t been able to complete her sentence, because Parker and Fiona had come in together. They had settled into seats and Belinda had played hostess with the tea. When it was served, Jonathan broke the silence.

“Why did you write this?” He flicked the note onto the table and Parker laughed.

“I thought it would be a little harder for Gabby to figure out it was me,” he said. “I suppose I need to work on disguising my handwriting.”

“Laugh later,” Jonathan said. “The woman I love is in danger, and I want to know why you sent her that missive.”

Belinda’s throat tightened as his words settled in her mind. The woman he loved? Was this part of the plan? Their fake upcoming marriage was part of it, but he’d never used the word love in talking to her. Why would he let it slip now?

It seemed to surprise Gabby, too, because she was glancing between them, a look of utter amazement on her face. Belinda was sure Gabby would be telling Fergus everything when she got home, and she would not say love, she would say, Love.

“It was Fiona who contacted me,” Parker said. “Two days ago she said someone started asking if she had seen Victor Strauss, if she had heard any rumor about his whereabouts.”

“A man or woman?” Jonathan asked.

“A woman,” Fiona said. “To tell the truth, Lady Strauss, she looked a great deal like you, only younger.”

“Gloria,” Belinda whispered. When the two newcomers frowned in confusion she said, “My younger sister. She is the one who is with Victor.”

“According to the information Essex gathered, they are in Paris, together,” Jonathan said. “Do you have another sister?”

“No, it is just the two of us.” To give her hands something to do, Belinda picked up her teacup and took a sip. When she’d set it back on the table she said, “Have we set off something bad? Did he leave her out of fear of being discovered? Is my sister out there alone?”

“She did not come back this afternoon, although I told her I might have information,” Fiona said. “My assistant is taking care of the cart right now. She will tell me if this young woman reappeared, and I will let you know. I hope I will be allowed into the séance tonight. Tongues are certainly wagging about it.”

“Get there early and we’ll make sure you have a front row seat,” Jonathan said. “Now, you should get back to your stall to see if this woman showed up. I’m going to go with you so I can get a look if she does. Darling, stay here. We don’t want you to see her if it is her.”

“But I am the only one who knows what she looks like,” Belinda said.

“Still, I don’t want her to see you until we figure out exactly what is happening,” Jonathan said. “Stay here and wait for me, please.”

What he said made a certain amount of sense, but that didn’t make it easier for her to hear. “I don’t like being left in the dark,” she said.

“The sun is still out,” he said, and the smirk on his face told her he knew exactly what she was talking about. “I won’t be long.”

“So you say.” Everyone stood up except for Belinda. When Jonathan bent over to kiss her she turned her face away from him.

“I’ll speak with you when I get back,” he said. “Don’t be too angry with me.”

“It’s a little late for that,” she said.

When everyone was gone, Belinda thought about picking up the teapot and throwing it against the wall. But she was glad she didn’t when Gabby stepped back into the room.

“Don’t be angry with him,” she said. “He truly does love you.”

“So you say,” Belinda said.

“When he gets back, make him tell you about the Rakes Club.”

Belinda frowned. “The what?”

“The Rakes Club,” Gabby said. “Then look for me tonight and tell me what he says. I will tell you if he is being truthful, or telling you a lie. If he is being truthful, then he truly does love you.”

She nodded and left. Belinda picked up the paper and read the article that Gabby had written. It told the story of Lord Victor Strauss, who had supposedly drowned ten years ago, leaving a young widow. But now, according to hotels around town, he was back, running up bills and causing trouble.

Belinda knew he’d never died, and she worried now that he’d abandoned her sister much as he had done to her. She should hate her sister for it, but she couldn’t. If something bad happened to her she would never forgive herself.

Jonathan had barely stepped inside the front door of Belinda’s house when she came bolting down the stairs and threw her arms around him.

“Where have you been? You’ve been gone so long.”

He gently pried her arms from around his neck.

“I’m here now.” He kissed her gently. “I’ve only been gone a few hours.”

“But I was so worried.” He tried to step around her but she kept him in a tight hold.

He gently caressed her cheek. “Belinda, let us go into the drawing room and talk.”

“What did you find out? Did you see a woman whom you thought might be my sister?”

“Belinda.” This time she allowed him to step out of her arms. “I’d rather talk while sitting down.”

“Fine, but if you mention tea I may scream,” she said. “People have been stuffing me full of it all day, as if I can do nothing else but drink tea.”

“Fine, no tea,” he said with a laugh as he led her into the drawing room. She sat down on the couch and put her head into her hands. Jonathan sat down next to her and gathered her close.

After a few moments she pushed him away. “Well?”

“I saw no one who looked like you,” he said. “When I asked Fiona she said the woman had not returned, and that no one had asked for her while she was gone.”

“I just wonder if he’s tossed her out,” she said. “The man has no honor. But is a week long enough for him to hear about what is happening?”

“If he keeps spies in London, yes,” Jonathan said.

He kissed her, and when he looked down at her he could see she was having problems with something. Her expression was a mixture of confusion and, was that resentment? If it was he was doing things wrong.

“What is the Rakes Club?”

He pulled back as if she’d slapped him.

“What?”

“The Rakes,” she said.

“Where did you hear about this? From Charlotte?” This was so far from what he’d expected to hear that he wasn’t sure how much to tell her.

“Does it matter?” She moved over to another cushion. “It is obviously something that is part of your life that you don’t want to tell me about.”

When he didn’t answer immediately she said, “You said I was the woman you loved, yet you don’t want to tell me about your life.”

“You’re right, of course,” he said. “Belinda, do you trust me?”

“If I did not I wouldn’t be here with you,” she said.

“Very true.” He took her hand in his. “You trusted me enough with your secret. Now, I’m going to tell you one of mine. A big one.”

She didn’t respond, only sat and waited for him to continue.

“My friends and I are part of an organization we refer to as The Rakes of Mayfair.”

“What?”

“There is a group of us, about thirty, the numbers vary.” He needed to tell her the whole thing. “The Rakes consist of married couples and single men and women who enjoy sex. Not really just sex, but sex that many people consider depraved. Spankings, bondage, some do group sex.”

“Orgies?” she asked. “Like the Romans did?”

He shrugged.

A look of astonishment took hold of her face. Her mouth was open and her eyes wide. Finally, after a few seconds, she closed her mouth and gulped heavily.

“I’m stunned,” she finally said. “I knew some people did different things, but I had no idea. I’m… oh my.”

She got up and started to pace.

“I did not think something like this would bother you,” he said.

“You thought it enough to keep it secret.” She turned to him, and he could see anger burning in her eyes.

Before he could respond she said, “I cannot marry you.”

“Because of the Rakes?” He collapsed against the divan. “I must admit, Belinda, that I didn’t expect you to be a prude.”

“Me?” She looked around the room and he felt as if she were scoping things out looking for a weapon. In the end it was just her finger, wagging at him like his nanny had done when he was younger.

“You think I’m a prude? You won’t even touch me. I’ve wanted you to make love to me for days and you’ve refused. Your silly little club has nothing to do with it!”

“Then why?” he yelled.

“Because, all of London will soon know that I’m a divorcee. Your family would never approve. I’ve been a mistress to many men.”

“I don’t care. When we’re married you’ll be only one man’s mistress. Mine. And my family could care less. I haven’t seen them in ages.”

“But society…”

“I could give a rat’s ass about society,” he said. “What I care about is you, Belinda. Do you think I am doing all of this to push you away in the end? I want to hold you close and take care of you for the rest of our lives. If you don’t want that, let me know now. We’ll finish what we’ve started, but I will put a wall around my heart so I am not hurt in the end.”

Was he being too much of what Essex would call a ‘Nancy’? Did he need to buck up and tell her that they would do things his way or no way? He watched a myriad of emotions fly across her face. For a few brief moments, he thought she would say no, that she wasn’t interested in being his wife. When a smile bloomed across her face he smiled in return.

“And if I say yes, will I get to hear more about this unusual Club you mentioned.”

“Indeed.”

She pursed her lips and then her eyes brightened. Warmth spread through Jonathan’s belly, and to parts south.

“Then tell me about this Club.”

“We will marry very soon,” he said. “Because I take your demand as a yes.”

“Demand?” She moved toward the door. “How’s this for a demand, Lord Barton. Come upstairs and fuck me, or you can forget about marrying me.”

She raced out the door and Jonathan stood and ran after her. That demand was one he thrilled to hear, and one that would bring them both pleasure.