Chapter Twenty-Six

London

At the townhouse, Geoffrey and Carleton met in the breakfast room where Neville had prepared a hangover recipe for them, tomato juice laced with cognac.

Geoffrey lifted the glass to his lips. His rebellious stomach protested the remedy after their overindulgence the night before.

Lord Carleton groaned and placed his finger to his temple. “My headache is horrendous. I haven’t done this in some time.”

“My lords, I suggest something light, perhaps coddled eggs over toast?”

They looked at each other in disbelief. The mere mention of the food caused them to roll their eyes, yet they both nodded to the majordomo. Geoffrey held a hand to his head hoping to stop the room from spinning. The butler filled their cups with strong black coffee.

“We did not quite solve all the world’s problems last night,” Lord Geoffrey managed to speak. “I am glad we did not go to Madame Odette’s. I might have embarrassed myself. Besides, to pay for sexual pleasures would not bode well with me.”

“It is mercenary—the oldest form of trade in the world.” Lord Carleton smiled. “You are philosophical this morning. Why not go to the theatre again? You can ogle the actresses. Maybe bring one back here with you?”

“It is not my custom to bring women to my home, but I will go to the theatre with you and Angelique this evening. I will pick you up since we are using your box. It will help clear my head and heartache. My wound will not heal in haste. Cupid’s arrow struck deep.”

Lord Carleton agreed. “That, my friend, is obvious.”

“Is Jenny Gladstone still doing her one-liner?” Lord Geoffrey jested.

“It is a different presentation. Perhaps she will have two lines this time. Why? Do you have an interest?”

“No. I took a dislike to her, became rude. It is not my nature to offend, but that night was a case of the wrong woman at the worst time.”

“You could apologize to her and start over. Why not, Geoffrey?”

“Actresses are in love with who they think they are. To them, life is another scene in the play.”

“And you know this how?” His friend laughed.

“I have known many. They are enamored of the drama, playacting all the time, not able to separate reality from the fantasy.”

“My, you are serious. I hope we are not going to watch a tragedy unfold.”

“As far as I am concerned, it already has.” Geoffrey smiled at his loyal friend. “Should you not go? It is no longer necessary to nursemaid me.

At the theatre later in the evening, Geoffrey watched a half-naked Jenny Gladstone with some interest. Her part had increased to three lines, which were awful and risqué. Bawdiness didn’t suit her at all.

At the after play party, Geoffrey asked Miss Angelique what she thought about the performance.

“I think there could be theatrical value in the shock factor, but I do not find it an amusement. This is my opinion as a woman. A man might disagree and find it provocative.”

When Geoffrey saw Jenny staring at him from a quiet corner, he reached for two champagne-filled glasses and walked toward her. “Would you care for a glass, Miss Gladstone? If you wish to refuse me, I will understand after my abominable behavior the other night. My anger with someone else caused me to take umbrage with you.”

Jenny gave him a radiant smile, accepted the champagne, and took his arm to walk through the crowd. She leaned into him. Her half-naked breasts pressed against his chest. “My lines were terrible, weren’t they?”

“Let us just say I think you capable of a better performance. Whoever wrote the play should be pilloried.” Lord Geoffrey laughed and so did she. “To play a tart, one must feel like a saucy woman in her mind, and her body will react. There is emotion in this and it radiates sensuality. I can help you to refine the part.” His voice contained mischief. “It is not the number of lines you have, but the way you say them.”

He looked to where his friends waited. “I see my party is ready to leave. Perhaps we can converse at leisure another time?” Geoffrey took her ungloved hand and kissed it. He saw the invitation in her eyes and knew that with a simple wink, he could have her.

And that precisely was the problem.

“Good night.” He saw the disappointed expression on her face, yet he turned and strode away.

Lord Geoffrey felt better about his rude behavior to the actress. Even though an admitted rake, he didn’t abuse women. Jenny could be a diamond in the rough. What a challenge it would be to change her into a cultured and refined lady. It could occupy his time and erase Serena’s memory from his mind.

He would send flowers to the theatre and attend most performances. For the theatrical company to have a Duke in attendance would attract a more upscale audience, and it might help Miss Gladstone get larger parts.

At least she could be a diversion from the loss he endured.