The Pleasure of Her Kiss
Chapter One
The Huntsman, Gentleman's Club
London, 1848
"One whining, overripe Hapsburg prince delivered safely to the
cellar door at Buckingham Palace," Ross said, loosening his
neck cloth as he slid a leather packet across the map table.
"At great risk to our personal fortunes," Drew added with a
wry smile as he dropped into a wing chair. "Gad, Jared, the
man's a bloody card sharp."
"You did leave him with a quid or two, Drew," Jared, earl of
Hawkesly, asked, certain that the surly prince wouldn't soon
forget his card game with Drew.
"Two quid and his hat," Drew said, propping his polished boots
on the edge of the brass hearth fender.
"Good work, man." Jared gave Drew's shoulder an affable cuff,
pleased to be home and in familiar company, and to have the
matter of the prince finished so neatly.
Neatly enough to finally have time to take care of some
long-neglected personal business.
Brushing off the glint of a perfumed memory, a moment's guilt,
Jared handed a report to each of them. "Fortunately we're
finished with rebellions and insolent monarchs for the moment.
A routine gun-running investigation."
"Ah, that American merchant ship," Ross said, flipping through
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