'Ah, good.' Longstreet's amusement was in evidence again. This also resulted in more illumination cast on threadbare carpet, scarred furniture, and a water stain high up on the outside wall. Tonight was not a night when he was expected elsewhere in the wee hours-thank a merciful God-and in deference to his guest's age, Darius had for once built up the fire to the point where his quarters were cozy. 'If one can call them that.'ĭarius didn't rise to the bait. 'Involving as they do, the honor of several ladies,' Longstreet rejoined.

'Gracious of you, when you're repeating the kind of insinuations that can get a man called out.' 'I have no intention of recalling the information or where I came by it once I leave you tonight.' 'You needn't confirm or deny these rumors,' Lord Longstreet went on, shifting a bit in a chair more sturdy and comfortable than elegant. Excellent libation, by the way, and I notice you aren't keeping up, young man.' Longstreet raised his glass with gentlemanly bonhomie, while Darius wanted to smash his drink against the hearthstones-not that he had the coin for even such a small extravagance of temper. 'Suppose you've learned to be, and that's all to the good. 'Blunt.' Lord Longstreet's faded brown eyes gleamed with humor. 'You're repeating rumor, my lord, and slanderous rumor at that. He'd sent around a note asking to make a call privately, after dark, and Darius had accepted out of curiosity.Ī curiosity he was apparently going to regret at length.ĭarius crossed his arms and leaned back against the sideboard. Lord Longstreet was known as a shrewd politician, capable of quietly negotiating compromises between embattled factions in the Lords. 'Just a touch more, perhaps? The wind is bitter, even for November.'Īnd Darius Lindsey, veteran of more unnerving moments, stiff beatings, and bad luck than any earl's younger son ought to have endured, took his guest's glass to the sideboard and filled it with another finger of cognac-a scant finger. His veined hands were rock steady, and his tone cordial as he held his glass out to his host. William Longstreet-the Fourth Viscount Longstreet, no less-delivered this observation without so much as a quaver to his voice. 'If one knows precisely where to inquire, one hears you provide favors to a select few ladies in exchange for the next thing to coin.'

Darius lord of pleasures