“The same for me, and I must say I’m also enjoying the shrimp. Getting back to the key. Would Julian know? I mean, you wouldn’t tell him, would you?”

“Of course I wouldn’t; anyway, he’s in New York. I explained that.”

“But you’ll write to him, won’t you?”

“Yes. And I’d never betray you. Surely you know that after all these years.”

“I know. But I doubt I’ll use it … the key.”

“I realize that, Robert.” Having finished the first course, Adrian glanced around, and exclaimed, “The club’s rather busy for a Thursday! Usually all the married chaps are on their way to the country at this hour, off to be with wife and family. Mandatory two days before back to town, and for many the life of Riley, as the saying goes.”

“Only too true,” Robert agreed. “It’s a man’s world we live in, but then it always has been for centuries. Always will be.”

“That’s right,” Adrian agreed. “We do what we want, and get away with it. Out at work, if we have a profession or business. Then palling around with men at night, going to dinner clubs, gentlemen’s clubs like this, gambling clubs, variety shows, card games, and some go to Madame Paloma’s seeking entertainment of a more carnal nature.”

“What you say is true. To each his own.” Robert let his eyes roam around White’s and then he leaned closer to Adrian and said, “I’d bet my bottom dollar that eighty percent of the men in this room have mistresses. What say you, Addy, my boy?”

“I’d say ninety. Men have always had mistresses, since time began. It’s the thing, the normal thing for men. And as often as not, the mistress is a married woman. The preferred choice for most.”

“I’ve often wondered why that is so,” Robert confided. “And I came to the conclusion that men prefer mistresses with husbands. They’re safe in the long run, too much to lose if caught. So they are careful?”

“Were any of your mistresses married, Robert?”

“Several, although I’m not sure I would call any of them mistresses. They didn’t last long at all.”

“I see what you mean.” Adrian chuckled, and went on, “I often wondered how many men know they are being cuckolded.”

Robert shook his head. “Can’t answer that, I’m afraid, but some husbands are quite compliant, know about their wives’ antics.”

“Do you really think so?”

Robert nodded. “Look at Mr. George Keppel. There goes a genuinely compliant husband. His wife Alice has been the King’s mistress for donkey’s years, since he was the Prince of Wales, in fact. So far she’s his longest-lasting mistress. And still there.”