Wingless Bird - стр. 17
"The Den" was a small two-storey house that Anthony and his two friends rented almost on the outskirts of London. The purpose of this place was: drinking hard liquor, having fun with corrupt women and playing cards for money. However, it was not something blatantly obscene: almost all the young aristocrats of London partied as if these were the last nights of their lives. Anthony Cranford was one of them, and not even his mother could stop him from going out drinking with his friends! Youth, what can you take from it? Its desires are only to be resigned to, or looked down upon.
– Ah! Cranford! – There was a loud shout as Anthony crossed the threshold of the Lair. – Caught in that dreadful downpour, mate? How lucky you are!
His best friend, Jeremy Wington, the only son and heir of a wealthy banker, came out to meet the newcomer. This young gentleman could not boast of aristocratic origin, but, thanks to his father's millions, Jeremy was among the friends of almost all the young aristocrats of London. With Anthony Cranford he was associated with a particularly strong friendship: when and how these two met, as well as how they found a common language so different in character and thinking gentlemen, it seems, will forever remain a mystery. However, Lady Cranford, who disliked Jeremy because of his 'pernicious influence on her son', suspected that Anthony had had the misfortune to meet Jeremy Wington at one of the student parties when they were both at Oxford University.
Jeremy Wington was a jolly fellow with a pleasant, even handsome appearance: he was tall, with shoulder-length dark hair and brown eyes, and his face never showed a hint of vegetation-he was always smooth-shaven. The banker's son was always tastefully dressed, had a talent for writing love poems, was a good dancer and could drink a bottle of whisky in a quarter of an hour. Jeremy was loved in the world for his cheerful character and future millions, which will bring happiness to one of the London aristocratic beauties. The only person who had to smile a false smile at this brave gentleman was the Countess of Cranford.
– The damned rain has spoilt my new suit! – said Anthony, with a light laugh, as he took off his wet coat and threw it into a corner of the small, sparsely furnished anteroom. – I shall not catch a cold after the Thames has poured over me!
– You're right, my friend, not another word! – Jeremy clapped his hands together and shouted, "Eddie! Get me a glass of brandy, and a full one at that! And don't you dare drink half of it on the way, you moustache! – Then he turned to Anthony again: "You're soaked to the skin! Well, take off your rags and we'll dry them by the fire. We won't be needing clothes tonight anyway: Mrs.Bree's whorehouse is waiting for us upstairs.
– It's going to be a busy evening," Anthony grinned, and suddenly a beautiful woman's face appeared before his eyes, causing him to ask, "Any redheads?
– Since when did you start liking redheads? – Jeremy chuckled at that. – You're lucky, though: there are two redheaded girls at our little gathering. And Eddie's already got his eye on two blondes.
– If there are two redheads and two blondes, how many girls have you ordered? – Anthony laughed. – Half a board? Am I right?