Once they grew silent, Lydia’s mind wandered back to the kiss they’d shared in the pergola before Miss Kathleen interrupted them. She really should not have allowed that. They were partners in a Home Office assignment. They had a job to do.
She had no interest in any sort of a permanent arrangement with a man. Although she had to admit that as the years continued to pass, the idea of a dalliance did hold appeal. Truthfully, Dante was the first man with whom she’d ever considered such a thing. Could it be because she was older, or because the attraction she felt toward him and he toward her was putting those ideas into her head? But she certainly did not want a husband. Nor did Dante want a wife.
Bringing her mind back to why they were together to begin with, she said, “Our next event is two days from now. It is the musicale at the Price home. I believe their two daughters, Miss Amy and Miss Margaret are performing.”
Dante dropped his head in his hand and groaned. He looked sideways at her. “A musicale? How will we eavesdrop there?”
“We can see who approaches the Ambassador, and who he seeks out before and after the event.”
“This is by far the hardest assignment I’ve ever had.” He rested his head against the squab and stared at the ceiling.
Lydia drew herself up. “Because I am your partner?”
He rolled his head toward her and offered that irresistible-to-most-women smile. “Not at all, Miss Sanford. I must admit you are better looking—and possess a far better brain, I find I need to add—than any of the other partners I’ve worked with.”
She glowed with his compliment and then scowled. Why did his approval mean so much to her? He was a scoundrel, the possessor of a bad reputation. He owned and operated a gaming club. He was arrogant, supercilious, and dangerous to her.
“I do appreciate the night off, however. My brother will be glad, I am sure, to have my assistance tomorrow night.”
Just as the carriage came to a stop in front of her home, she had a wonderful idea. “I have a favor to ask.”
Dante stopped as he was reaching for the door. “What is that?”
Lydia cleared her throat. “I would love to see the Rose Room.”
“No.” He opened the door and stepped out.
She sat stubbornly in her seat while he remained outside. “Why not?”
He reached for her hand and rather than be tugged from the vehicle like a recalcitrant child, she stepped out and took his arm.
“Ladies are not allowed in the club.” They started up the steps.
“Why not?”
They reached the top step and the front door opened. “Just give me a minute, please, James.”
The butler nodded and stepped away from the door, leaving it unlatched, but closed.
Dante crossed his arms over his chest. “My brothers and I don’t feel it’s a proper place for ladies. The only women allowed are those who don’t fit that appellation.”
“Well. That is certainly unfair.”
“Why would you want to see the club?”
Lydia shrugged. “Curiosity. Now that I am older, I find a lot of restrictions placed upon ladies are antiquated.”
Dante stood with his hands on his hips. “I can offer a compromise.”
“Yes?”
“I will bring you to my club before it opens. You can have a look around.
“No.”
His brows rose. “No?”
“No. I want to see it when there are people there. Playing.”