I tapped my cheek theatrically. “It’s the ponies, isn’t it? Gave up on the dog races—too small-time—and moved on to something more lucrative.”
William’s eyes bulged, but his father laughed, clapping once with a loud smack. “She’s got you there, son. To a tee.”
William stared between his father and me before finally finding his voice. “How dare you accuse me of such a thing, you who admittedly grew up in the gutter.” He turned to his father, his voice rising in pitch. “I will not see you humbugged by a pair of harlots. Harold!”
The butler appeared.
“Remove these women at once.”
Mr. Vanderbilt held up a hand to stop Harold. “William, please. You’re making a damned spectacle of yourself. You should be the one to be removed.” He flicked his long fingers at his son in a gesture of dismissa
