"I would think a man of your standing, money was no object. Didn't think you'd be cheap or so foolish to pay first!" Darius laughed as he relaxed and drank the wine. "And I already told you I hadn't seen any one matching your description. I just got here moments ago anyway. Maybe she's in another room and you're wasting my time, have you looked? Or maybe she went cold seeing you and all these men if she isn't used to.. such a thing. But then I guess.. i'd be scared too. You are a rather ugly lot and if you see each other naked.' He held up a hand like he was going to be sick.

She had to smack her hand over her mouth in order to keep from laughing out loud at the muffled conversation.

The old man did not look amused... "You insolent pup," the old fart ground out and then he jerked his head, "I ought to challenge you for that but you're probably too easy to shoot." With that he stormed out with his friends who were frothing at the mouths.

The door slammed.

"I'm not the one who is aimlessly looking for a prostitute, and being angry and cheap about it because even your money can't keep her around." He laughed as he watched them leave. "Sure, whatever excuse you want. Just leave me alone. I want to relax with my wine." He called out and drank his wine, listening to make sure they had really left.

She waited with baited breath, and then she cracked the door open to see if the coast was clear. Then she nearly fell out of the cupboard, doubled over with pent up laughter. "Grazie," she said eventually, after catching her breath of course. "His friends were not part of the deal... Ugh... He owes me for escorting him to the party though, bastardo." She huffed. That and she just lost her query that she was spying on... On the other hand, if this was the son of Mr. Carrington as she had heard, she now had a new query to spy on? Except she didn't want to.

Darius smiled huge . "Sorry I couldn't get the money, I couldn't think up a clever enough reason and I didn't want him finding you. Just be careful when you go. But I hope to see you maybe next weekend at my house so I can paint you?" He looked at her hopeful.

"I'll figure something out," she said, and then headed to the door. She opened it a crack and peeked out, then closed it quickly enough. She turned to him. "I'll be here for a time it seems," she said thickly. "May I have some wine?" She moved closer and sat on the floor near the hearth.

Darius rose his brow then shrugged and moved so she could sit on the bed beside him without fearing he was too close. He raised the bottle. "I have no glass."

She moved to sit on the bed, then took the bottle when he offered and downed a good gulp or so before passing it back. "And I am a courtesan, I am paid to sometimes exchange saliva with mankind." She snorted and sighed, looking down at her hands.

"So? You do that for a job doesn't mean you shouldn't be treated like a lady." He took a deep gulp and offered it back as he laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling. "I haven't paid you anything, so you had every right to ask for better." He grinned to himself as he ran a hand over his jacket. "Ever wear velvet? I am now in love with this. I need my bed covered in it."

She smiled a little. "Well, thank you... Mister Carrington, is it? I am Sonia, by the way." Sonia took the bottle, chugged, and passed it back. "I am not as fond of velvet as I am silk. Gossamer, in particular."