St. James’ Street, London, 1764
Joshua was positioned with his back against the wall of the main reception room. He stood up straight, his lean athletic frame impassive and invisible as he could manage. The night passed on around him under the glitter of the chandeliers while the gambling hell filled up with the impossibly rich and titled, chattering among themselves and squandering vast fortunes merely to pass the time.
The Season, during the springtime, was the signal for the gentry to return from their country estates to the bustle of the metropolis. Their sole aim was to find entertainment and ways to spend their money, so this was always the most profitable time for the club. A good night for easy pickings, Joshua thought with satisfaction, since the busier the exclusive den became,
