get away from him, Aaron ran up the steps to the entrance. To his dismay, he heard footsteps right behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw that Mr. Stonewall was right behind him.
“I have to go with you,” Mr. Stonewall said.
“Why?” Aaron asked.
“I have to make sure there are no ladies here.”
“This is a gentleman’s club. Only gentlemen go in here.”
As if to prove his point, the door opened and two members left the establishment.
Aaron moved aside to let them pass then gestured to them. “See?” he whispered to Mr. Stonewall.
“For all I know they are done satisfying their primal urges with ladies that you have hidden here for such purposes,” Mr. Stonewall replied.
Aaron’s jaw dropped, and it took him a moment before he could speak. “Don’t be ridiculous. No such thing is happening here. This is a fine establishment. It’s for gentlemen only. Not a single lady is in there.”
“I can’t verify that until I go in and check the place out for myself.”
“But you can’t. You’re not a member.”
“I’m sure you can get me in since I’m your chaperone.”
“A prison guard is more like it,” Aaron muttered under his breath.
“What was that, my lord?”
“Nothing.” Gritting his teeth, he entered the establishment, keenly aware that Mr. Stonewall came in with him.
“Lord Northton,” Lord Steinbeck called out, “is that gentleman with you?”
Inwardly groaning, Aaron turned to Lord Steinbeck. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“I don’t recall you asking to bring a guest,” Lord Steinbeck replied, scanning Mr. Stonewall up and down with a critical eye. “He doesn’t look like nobility.”
Mr. Stonewall scanned Lord Steinbeck up and down with the same critical eye. “I’m not impressed with what I see, either.”
Lord Edon and Mr. Robinson burst out laughing from where they were standing by the brandy, but Aaron ignored them. Sometimes White’s was worse than a ballroom full of gossiping ladies.
“He’s a friend.” Then, thinking better of it, Aaron added, “Of my wife’s. She wanted me to bring him here to show him this place.” Knowing it would prompt Lord Steinbeck to go along with it, he continued, “Mr. Stonewall is very wealthy. He has so much money that he doesn’t need anything from me.”
Lord Steinbeck’s eyes widened in interest. “Oh? Do you do investing, Mr. Stonewall?”
Mr. Stonewall nodded. “I’ve been known to engage in business pursuits.”
“Any of them currently promising?” Lord Steinbeck asked.
Mr. Stonewall glanced at Aaron. “I don’t know about promising, but it’s been most interesting.”
Aaron hid his scowl. It was no secret that Mr. Stonewall favored Kitty.
“Really?” Lord Steinbeck rubbed his chin. “I’d like to hear what you’re doing. I’d be willing to discuss my business ventures. We might learn something from each other.”
“I’d be happy to as soon as I make sure there are no ladies secretly hiding in this establishment,” Mr. Stonewall said.
Aaron felt heat rise from the bottom of his neck to the top of his head. He hadn’t just said that aloud, had he?
Lord Steinbeck didn’t hide his shock. “I would never allow any ladies into this establishment. It would sully the good name of White’s, and I take the reputation here seriously.”
“While that is assuring, I still need to make sure Lord Northton isn’t going to engage in any activities that are to be reserved for his wife.”
Lord Edon and Mr. Robinson laughed again, and this time, others joined in, including Lord Steinbeck.
“You’re joking,” Lord Steinbeck said.
“I’m afraid not,” Mr. Stonewall replied, his expression still as grim as it’d been when he entered the establishment. “I’ve been hired by Lady Northton to make sure her husband’s virtue stays intact.”
This earned him even more laughs, and Aaron was sure someone let out a hoot. He closed his eyes and willed the world to stop spinning around him. He was going to get even with Kitty for this if it was the last thing he did. He bet she’d instructed Mr. Stonewall to say that in front of as many people as possible.
He opened his eyes and saw that Lord Steinbeck didn’t seem nearly as shocked by this as he’d expected. Not that he cared what Lord Steinbeck thought, but Lord Steinbeck wasn’t a cad like Lord Edon, Mr. Robinson, and their friends were.
“It’s unusual that a wife would insist her husband be chaperoned,” Lord Steinbeck began, “but considering all the rakes in London, I can’t blame her for being careful. However, I can personally attest to the fact that Lord Northton has never once said or done anything to make me think he’s like him.” He