Violeta Beatrice Paddington, the Black Sheep of the Paddington family, is well-known throughout the east side of the ton.

Once Violeta arrived and stepped out of the carriage, she was approached by a handsome doorman who escorted her into the main room of the establishment.

The gentlemen here came for only two reasons: indulgence in gambling, games, and idle chatter, or to pursue women with less-than-innocent reputations—like me. She glanced around, noting their fine clothing as they engaged in various activities. Some were playing cards, others were drinking and chatting.

Violeta made her way through the chaos, soaking in the sights and sounds of the place. She was quickly approached by several men, eager to strike up conversations—mostly for one thing: a mistress. But she wasn’t one for shallow, half-hearted attempts. She brushed off their advances with practiced ease. She was here to prove something, to show that even she could find a match… somewhere.