Read Rendezvous for Free Online Page B

me.”
    “But you carried them out brilliantly.”
    “I discharged my duties to the best of my ability and now the war is over. And none too soon, as far as I’m concerned. You’re the one who still seeks out unhealthy thrills, Sheldrake. And I must say, you are finding them in the oddest places. Do you like being a butler?”
    Peter grimaced. His blue eyes were bright with wry humor as he turned to face his host. “The role of Scruggs certainly lacks the thrill of seducing a French officer’s wife or stealing secret documents, but it has its moments. And it is worth a great deal to see Sally enjoying herself. I fear she will not be with us too much longer, Harry.”
    “I know. She is indeed a gallant woman. The information she was able to glean from certain parties here in England during the war was invaluable. She took grave risks for her country.”
    Peter nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Sally has always loved intrigues. Just as I do. She and I have much in common and it pleases me to guard the portals of her precious club. Pompeia’s is the most important thing in her life these days. It gives her much pleasure. You can thank your little hoyden friend for that, you know.”
    Harry’s mouth curved ruefully. “Sally explained that the harebrained notion of a ladies’ club modeled after agentlemen’s club was all Augusta Ballinger’s idea. Somehow it does not surprise me.”
    “Hah. It would not surprise anyone who knows Augusta Ballinger. Things have a way of happening around her, if you know what I mean.”
    “Unfortunately, I believe I do.”
    “I am convinced Miss Ballinger came up with the idea of the club solely as a way to amuse Sally.” Peter hesitated, looking thoughtful. “Miss Ballinger is rather kind. Even to staff. She gave me some medicine for my rheumatism today. Few ladies of the
ton
would have bothered to think of a servant long enough to worry about his rheumatism.”
    “I did not know you suffered from rheumatism,” Harry said dryly.
    “I don’t. Scruggs does.”
    “Just see that you guard Pompeia’s well, Sheldrake. I do not want Miss Ballinger to come to social grief because of that ridiculous club.”
    Peter quirked a brow. “You’re concerned about her reputation because of your friendship with her uncle?”
    “Not entirely.” Harry toyed absently with the quill pen on his desk and then added softly, “I have another reason to want her kept safe from scandal.”
    “
Ah-hah
. I knew it.” Peter leaped toward the desk and slammed his empty glass down on the polished surface with explosive triumph. “You’re going to take Sally’s and my advice and add her to your list, aren’t you? Admit it. Augusta Ballinger is going on your infamous list of eligible candidates for the role of Countess of Graystone.”
    “It defeats me why all of London is suddenly concerned with my marital prospects.”
    “Because of the way you are going about the business of selecting a wife, of course. Everyone’s heard about your list. I told you, there are bets all over town on it.”
    “Yes, you told me.” Harry studied his wine. “What, precisely, was the wager in Pompeia’s betting book?”
    “Ten pounds that you would ask for the Angel’s hand by the end of the month.”
    “As a matter of fact, I intend to ask for Miss Ballinger’s hand this very afternoon.”
    “Damnation, man,” Peter was clearly appalled. “Not Claudia. I know you have the impression she would make you a very proper sort of countess, but a lady who wears wings and a halo is not really what you want. You need a different sort of female altogether. And the Angel needs a different sort of man. Do not be a fool, Harry.”
    Harry raised his brows. “Have you ever known me to play the fool?”
    Peter’s eyes narrowed. Then he grinned slowly. “No, my lord, I have not. So that’s the way of it, eh? Excellent.
Excellent
. You will not be sorry.”
    “I am not so certain of that,” Harry said ruefully.
    “Let me