CHAPTER 7
MISS GEORGETTE
“Good evening sir, may I take a seat?” I said and to my shock the gentleman stood up and stepped aside.
“Of course, Miss, yes, yes,” he said keenly, his soft spoken voice surprising me. He gestured to his warmed seat rather than the chair beside. I felt a bit fuzzy inside at this mannerly behaviour.
Close up his emerald green eyes had flecks of amber, like firelight dancing. He smelled of an expensive orange and bergamot scent that was not overpowering, unlike some of the other members who seemed to believe cologne was a substitute for bathing!
“Would you like a drink? I can fetch whatever you desire,” he asked eagerly.
“A brandy would be welcome, thank you.” The gentleman nodded, hurried next door into the dining room, and returned moments later with a glass of brandy. He passed it to me and took the seat beside. My companion turned to face me and his gaze nervously traced my eyes, mouth and then down to where my shawl had slipped off displaying my bare shoulders. His eyes travelled lower to my chest where my rosy nipples peeked out of the top of the bodice. His cheeks flamed, his Adams apple bobbed, and he licked his lips. I loved how the well-tended moustache framed his upper lip and I was sure it would feel deliciously ticklish against my mouth when we kissed. A bold thought, but I determined I would kiss this man, oh yes, I would have my way! It was clear as day that he liked what he saw. That made two of us!
“I know we’re not to give names, but you’re a performer, not a member, so may I ask?” he stuttered nervously and again, it surprised me how softly spoken he was. I smiled warmly,
“You may call me Miss Georgette, sir.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Georgette. I’m…number 36,—” he stumbled, “—and you don’t have to call me sir.” I offered my hand for a shake and instead of formally shaking it he took my fingertips, turned my hand over, and boldly kissed my palm. His soft warm lips and the tickle of his moustache sent a dart of arousal straight to my nethers. I sipped the brandy, and when he darted a look up at me with those lovely green eyes, I pretended I didn’t feel that flash of lightning. He held onto my hand a little longer than necessary before saying an embarrassed, “Forgive me.”
We were silent for a long moment. He seemed nervous and yet I wanted to give him space to begin the conversation. Finally, he said, “It does seem terribly odd to have a number, not a name, but I suppose I’ll have to get used to it,” as if he was speaking to himself. We were both quite for a beat before I couldn’t take it no more.
“I must congratulate you on your win at cards, I was very impressed,” I offered. He directed kind, emerald green eyes at me.
“Thank you, Miss. I’ve never had such a big win at the table. I guess you must be my lucky charm.” He gave me a fleeting shy smile. I found his nervousness utterly charming.
Even though the law said fornication between men was punishable by prison or worse, it didn’t stop fellows like us from looking for companionship. When coves were sozzled at the theater bars and supper rooms, discretion was an afterthought. I’d had so many lecherous buggers groping and slathering over me, cornering me when I went to take a leak. Men who expected that, because I’d joined them for a drink, they were due more than they were offered. I didn’t like it one bit and I’d learned to be careful. Eloise would say I was too careful now, not having engaged in any tomfoolery with a fellow for quite some time. But Mr. 36 wasn’t making me feel at all uncomfortable; in fact, his innocence was a breath of fresh air in this grubby city.
“I must say, you have an exceptional voice; such a range, and your pianist is wonderful. The musical entertainment was an unexpected treat. You should be on the stage, has anyone told you that before? I would happily pay to hear you sing.”
I’d heard that line so many times, but from him it didn’t seem cheesy. “You’re very kind. Thank you. I am on the stage, but I’m not supposed to speak of my real life outside of Wychwood,” I explained.
“Oh, forgive me, I didn’t mean to pry,” he countered apologetically.
“There’s nothing to forgive.”
36 sipped from his glass and then, gaining a little confidence he said, “I had no idea what to expect. I don’t have much experience at this sort of thing…socializing openly with fellows who…know what I am…it’s all rather intimidating. I was worried there would be an orgy in every room,” he exclaimed with a self-conscious chuckle.
“There’s no need to be nervous, sir.” I placed my hand on his firm thigh and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “These gents are just the same as you. We all have our needs and there’s surely a fellow here who would attend to yours,” I placated.
His shoulders drooped, a little deflated. “You make it sound so easy,” he said.
“If you tell Mr. Joshua what your particular pleasure is he can match you up with an agreeable partner.” I’d hoped to reassure him; after all it was my job to ensure the gents had a good time. 36 remained quiet and thoughtful as he sipped his claret.
“I, um, don’t suppose I could be matched with you?” he said this so softly and hopefully that my heart clenched.
I met his longing gaze, “I’m sorry sir, rules is rules. You’ll have to find an assignation within the fifty-five, and that don’t include me. We can have a dance, but that’s it,” I said regretfully. And the regret wasn’t a word of a lie. I found this fellow so utterly delightful with his big green eyes, dopey mustachioed smile, and mop of unruly honey blond curls, and of course, he had a finely cut figure too.
“Ohhhh, songbird!” Alfonse called in a sing-song voice. “We have a request, mein liebling .” he added affectionately. And it was not a moment too soon for I found I was getting lost in the gentleman’s eyes.
“Sorry sir, I have to get back to it.” I tossed the brandy down my throat, and then passed the glass to 36. I stood and curtsied to the gentleman.
“A dance…Miss, can we share a dance…after your song?” he said urgently as I strode off. I paused in the middle of the floor. And I swear my heart was already dancing. There was something about Mr. 36 that lit me up inside. I turned and nodded, then strode to join Mr. Hugo at the grand piano.
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