One Naughty Night2 Read Online Free Page B

seemed a fine one, enjoyable even. Especially if the St. Claires were involved.
    The duke gave a satisfied smile. “Very good, m’boy. I knew you wouldn’t let me down. Now, be sure and say hello to your mother before you leave. And not a word about any brandy.”
    Aidan managed to quickly escape the stuffy confines of Huntington House after fending off his mother’s matchmaking hints and her attempts to lure him to a dinner party that night. He knew where he could find out more information on the St. Claires and their business concerns, and it wasn’t in Mayfair. He made his way to the jumbled, narrow lanes around the theater district where the merchants and cafes catered to the theatrical set and any gossip could be had for the right coin.
    Aidan spent a great deal of his time there.
    He left his curricle and proceeded on foot, as it was futile to try and drive through the jostling crowds that filled the narrow streets. Shouts and shrieks of laughter blended with the yaps of ladies’ lap dogs and the silvery ring of bells over shop doors. Aidan waved and smiled at the ladies’ effusive greetings and their enthusiastic kisseson his cheek. Even away from the clamor of the theater doors, drama was never far.
    Aidan bowed and smiled at a fluffy little blonde who giggled behind her fan at him, and turned toward the cafe that was his destination.
    “Aidan!” he heard someone call as he reached for the door, and he turned to see his friend Lord Frederic Bassington hurrying toward him. A red-haired lady in a bright pink tippet held on to his arm as he pushed his way through the bustling crowd.
    “Freddy,” Aidan said, happy to see his friend and fellow theatergoer. “It’s good to see you again. You haven’t been in town much of late, I hear. But then neither have I.”
    Freddy smiled, but there was a strange shadow on his expression. It was most puzzling in a man usually so lighthearted. “I fear I’ve been busy.”
    “Care to go to the theater this week? I hear Mrs. Parker is appearing at Drury Lane, a few select performances only. She’s a favorite of yours, I think? I need to make up for my time away from England.”
    “Quite so. I just haven’t—”
    “Freddy,” the lady said, tugging impatiently at his arm.
    “Oh, Aidan, I don’t believe you’ve met my sister, Lady Christabelle,” Freddy said. He looked surprised she was still there. “Christa, this is Lord Aidan Huntington, who is only recently back from the West Indies.”
    Lady Christabelle batted her eyes at him from beneath her flower-laden bonnet. “The Duke of Carston’s son, of course. Freddy has told us an awful lot about you.”
    Aidan gave her a polite bow. “All Banbury tales, I fear, Lady Christabelle.”
    “Oh, no!” she protested. “He says only very good things, I assure you.”
    “Christa,” Freddy said, “why don’t you run ahead to the carriage and meet Mama there? I need a quick word with Lord Aidan.”
    She pouted, but left after another eye-bat and curtsy. Freddy, though, looked terribly solemn.
    “I say, Aidan,” he whispered after looking to be sure his sister was really gone. “I need your help.”
    “Of course, Freddy,” Aidan answered in concern. This wasn’t like his friend at all. “Anything. Do you need money?”
    “No, no.” Freddy shook his head. Even his red hair seemed faded. “At least I don’t think so, not yet.”
    “What do you mean? I can’t help you, my friend, if you don’t tell me the problem.”
    Freddy bit his lip. “I… I can’t say here. Meet me at the coffeehouse next week? Christa and Mama will be gone to Brighton by then.”
    “Of course. Just send me word of the time.”
    “You are a true friend, Aidan,” Freddy said, looking a bit more relieved. He ran off after his sister, leaving Aidan alone. Freddy Bassington was one of his most lighthearted, uncomplicated friends, always good company, always ready to help him forget his own brooding. What trouble could he possibly