Bernard laughed. “Angela and I are old friends. We would be delighted to join you some other time.”
Savage noted the youth’s polished manners and wished to God his bloody ward would exhibit a few manners, polished or otherwise. “When my house in Gravesend is finished, I shall be having a house-warming party. I’ll send you an invitation. Please come.” Savage’s eyes caressed Angela’s impudent breasts and saucy mouth.
“Don’t mind if I do,” she said, winking cheekily. “I must run, the curtain’s rising.” She looked over her shoulder at the two men and added outrageously, “among other things.” ‘
As everyone headed back to their seats, Adam spun Tony around by the shoulder. “You insufferable young snob.” Savage’s eyes and voice were icy. “Just because he’s untitled and she’s a common actress, you snubbed them.”
Tony looked him straight in the eye. “If you couldn’t see he covets my title and everything else I own, then you are blind.”
“Horseshit! I saw no such thing!”
“All you saw were tits!” Tony said crudely.
Savage grinned. “I’m a leg man, myself.”
A few days ago Tony wouldn’t have known what he meant. Now she did. Holy Mary, men had divided up the female anatomy and chosen the parts they found most delectable!
What if women did that? She stared at him, remembering how he’d looked in only a towel. Judas, she’d be hard pressed to choose between his wide shoulders or his darkly furred chest, his strong brown hands or his sensual scarred mouth. She was spoiled for choice and she hadn’t even seen all his parts yet!
“What are you staring at?” Savage asked.
“God’s gift to women,” Tony mocked, lowering her eyes lest he see the physical impact he had upon her.
The bawdy show had definitely made Savage feel randy and in the mood for a woman. He debated where he should take Tony for his first taste of tenderloin and decided he would take him to a place where there would be a bit of fun. No sense intimidating him by visiting a house that catered to sophisticated tastes, lest he take it all too seriously.
Opposite Somerset House on the Thames was a floating bawdy house called theFolly.On the first deck a band entertained while water nymphs took supper with the gentlemen, who were referred to as “Tritons.”
“Where are we going?” Tony asked, as they walked toward the river.
“Do you see that barge that’s all lit up?”
Tony could hear the music and laughter now they were closer. “Are we going out on the river?”
“Yes and no. TheFollynever actually weighs anchor.”
“Ah, is it a floating card palace?” Tony asked, becoming interested.
“No, it’s a floating brothel. We’ll take supper with some delectable water nymphs on the first deck and then when you grow tired of the world the second deck has small, convenient rooms where you may take a girl to bed.”
Tony tripped on the gangplank.
“I knew you’d be eager,” Savage mocked. “Take a stroll about while I pay our blunt.”
Savage spoke with the proprietress, letting her know it was the boy’s first time. “He’s a bit shy in these matters, but I want to be absolutely certain he loses his virginity.”
“Ah, milord, I’ve just the little nymph! She’s so eager, she’ll do all the work. She does it all, front door, back door, French door! All he has to do is lie there and breathe.”
Savage took out his billfold. “I don’t think so. Do you have a shy nymph who can pass for a virgin? One with a little more class and subtlety, perhaps?”
The madam’s painted face lit up. “I have a new girl, quiet little thing. I’m amazed at how many gents ask for her.”
“Send her to our table.” He glanced up to find three females frankly assessing him. “Ladies, won’t you join us for supper?”
Tony wasn’t hungry, her appetite had fled along with her courage. Savage must have found the seafood delicious by the number of oysters the laughing nymphs fed him. Tony knew what Savage expected of Lord Lamb and decided bravado was the only thing that would carry her through the evening. She appraised the young girl sitting next to her and was surprised to find that she looked apprehensive. She sat as quietly as if she were in church, not even listening to the sallies of the rowdy nymphs who were lavishing all their attention on Savage.
Tony reached for her cigar case. “Do you mind if I smoke?”
“May I light it for you, my lord?” the girl asked sweetly.