James POV

Henry and I knew that it was only a matter of days before the news of our engagement with Joan and Emily Whitman landed in every household of Ombersley and beyond.

We were working on our new contract with a French textile firm when we received a missive and invitation.

"Oh! It's from that good old Charles Humphrey!"

"Ah..." I said without lifting my head from my documents.

"He has heard about our coming weddings and wants to give a little bachelor party in our honor next week in Manchester!"

"I'm sure you will have a lot of fun!" I said, still not interested.

"Oh, but you are coming with me, Jamie! It specifically says you are invited too!"

This time I raised my head and frowned. "You know I hate this kind of 'parties', Henry..."

Not only did I hate these social gatherings, but I also did not like this Charles Humphrey; he was a stupid bully who always mocked my "feminine" appearance.

"Don't be like that, James! Let's have some fun before we tie the knot!" Henry said.

He passed his arm around my shoulders and smiled at me. I sighed. He knew I was too much of a pushover to refuse.

"Fine... But don't get mad at me if I ruin your 'fun'."

"Great!" Henry exclaimed, ruffling my hair. "I will send a reply to Charles then."

Our trip to Manchester was decided for the following Saturday; we rode Henry's carriage to downtown Manchester and stepped down to a parlor that had been privatized for the occasion. Charles was waiting for us on the front porch when we arrived around 9 pm. He and Henry gave each other a big brotherly hug while I was greeted with a handshake, which was more than enough for me.

"I have booked the best girls for tonight! You are going to have a great time in there, my friend!" Charles boasted with a grin that betrayed the plans he had for the night.

That man was already a womanizer at the age of 16, so I doubted he had changed one bit after getting married... I shook my head and entered the building.

The decor and furniture of the parlor was old-fashioned, but the atmosphere was quite cozy and welcoming, drowned in orange candlelight. I coughed as heavy cigar vapors reached my nostrils and could see that the main lounge room was engulfed in a thick layer of smoke. Behind the fog, I recognized each of the four other men present in the room; all were Henry's friends, and none of them had been friendly with me in the past. The evening had just started, and I already wanted out...

The group grabbed Henry and I and made us seat at the center of a big sofa.

"You are in for a treat, my friends!" one of them said with a wink.

After a minute, a group of young women passed the threshold of the lounge room. The clothes they were wearing left no doubt on their profession, and the various animalistic sounds made by our companions indicated why these women were here. I glanced sideways at Henry, who shrugged and patted my shoulder.

"Try to relax, okay?" he said, perfectly aware of my growing discomfort.

I saw two of the women walk towards us from the corner of my eyes and winced when a hand touched my arm.

"Hello m'lords!" A blond-haired girl said. "Me and my girls here are at your service for the night!"

She was about to sit next to me, but I moved sideways and let her get between me and Henry instead.

"Let's open up some wine first!" Henry said with a cheerful smile.

"Aye!" our friends shouted. "Let's toast for your coming wedding!"

A plate a various spirits and alcohol was brought forth, and the ladies served all of us partygoers. The girl next to me handed me a glass of red wine with a lavish smile.

"Here you go m'lord! Can I help you with anything else?" she asked.

I felt her hand slowly caressing my lap and up. My face started to burn as she brought her face closer to mine and planted her red lips on my cheek.

"I-I don't need—"

"My friend is a little shy, miss. He will not be much fun tonight I'm afraid." Henry's voice rose.

He already had a girl on curled on his lap and a glass of whiskey in one hand. He was grinning from ear to ear, clearly amused by my flustered face. I scowled at him but remained courteous.

"Y-yes, he is right! My friends will give you much more, err, satisfaction."

"Alright then! Feel free to ask if you change your mind, sweetie!" the woman said.

She planted another peck on my face and turned to Henry, who was staring at me with a smirk. I swallowed a big sip of my drink and glanced back at Henry. He was now kissing the young lady who had tried to seduce me just moments ago. His deep gray eyes were still on me though, and the piercing gaze sent shivers through my body. I averted my eyes and served myself another drink, then another. I knew this was a bad idea...