A War by Diplomacy

by John G. Cragg

  “We’ll see about that,” broke in Daphne. “You see, we intend to provide very special services for these most gentile of gentlemen. Landed lords and very well-to-do country gentlemen, not your usual fashionable riff-raff who demand only crude service and do not need complete discretion. Not the sort of men you attract. I can assure you that we can turn this house into a rousing success. We will give our clients entertainment using much higher-class surroundings than these rather tawdry ones. The ladies will be drawn from the elevated ranks of society so they will know how to talk in the right accents that will make the guests feel comfortable and have the correct vocabulary. They will also be skilled in all the arts of seduction, not your common whores. With these changes, we shall have no problem doing a most rewarding business, since our clients will be eager to pay far higher fees for our services than yours can command.”

  “But where will you get your whores? You certainly won’t get them from me,” Mrs. O’Brien sneered. “You can’t make silk purses out of the sow’s ears that you’ll find available in London. The very best are already taken and trained by me and one or two other experts in the needs of gentlemen. We keep them sufficiently in debt that they can’t abandon us.”

  “So you say. I don’t think that you realize that for every one of your well-to-do clients there is a wife at home. She also wants carnal satisfaction, but will seek it in only the most discreet of circumstances. Many of them already have a stream of lovers, but they cannot really capitalize on their dalliance. Of course, they would never work in a tawdry house of pleasure like this one. But with the proper guarantee of confidentiality and reward, I don’t expect that finding willing companions will be a problem among my connections. It is a source of talent that you have no way of tapping.”

  “And our special services?”

  “Why there will be no problem. The ladies will most certainly delight in giving men a good thrashing, and some are quite accustomed to being beaten by their husbands with no return. They are used to dressing in elegant and proper fashions and will undoubtedly make people like the Bishop of Stansbury into the most ravishing of ‘ladies’ since they and their maids are accustomed to doing so themselves.”

  “That will be the day!” Mrs. Marsdon scoffed.

  “It will. And of course, we have the entry to find any number of well-bred men all ready to take on Hector’s other duties, and no doubt with far more skill, isn’t that right, Mr. Giles?”

  “Oh, quite. So many second or lower sons have endured and come to like the perversions of the public schools that they are eager to pursue the pleasures in a safe environment. Oh, that will be no trouble at all. The gentlemen we have in mind are most willing both to give and to receive. It is definitely a quite feasible and rewarding part of the enterprise, since, Lady Ashton, you will be able to collect from both parties to such encounters.”

  “So,” continued Daphne. “You are hereby warned that as of tomorrow morning work on renovating this place will commence. I expect all customers, servants, and ladies of pleasure to be out of here before seven in the morning. I will be hiring some guards who will be here in a few moments to make sure that nothing of ours is taken away. Mr. Giles assures me that everything here, even the clothes that you are wearing Mrs. Marsdon, belongs to us. They will, of course allow you one dress which is more suitable for going abroad. Your clothes are ours by the terms of the documents. It was so good of Mr. Longshank to so vigorously protect our interests.”

  “But you cannot just take everything that is in this house,” protested Mrs. Marsdon.

  “Why not? It was all provided at the late Viscount’s expense and the current Viscount is the heir. That, incidentally, includes the one very fine picture in this house, Mrs. Marsdon. The one on the fifth floor. It is by a very fashionable artist and I expect that the proceeds of having prints made of it to sell in the shops will bring in a pretty penny.

  “Now are we clear about everything? Come along, then, Mr. Giles. We still have other business to attend to.”

  Daphne and her brother-in-law rose from their seats as if to depart. This was the critical moment. If they left, their threats would turn out to be empty and they would be back where they started.

  “Don’t be in such a hurry,” said Mrs. O’Brien. “Maybe we can work something out to our mutual satisfaction.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “I will have to talk with my associates.”

  “I can give you ten minutes, no more.” Daphne responded.

  The three trooped out to go into the opposite room and shut the door.

  Lord David winked at Daphne and murmured in her ear, “The walls may have ears. We should keep up our façade.”

  “They had better be quick, Mr. Giles,” Daphne said in a normal voice, taking up Lord David’s hint. “The man who will be directing the work, Mr. Fitzsimmons, is supposed to be here by one o’clock, and he will start some of the preliminary tasks right away.”

  “Quite right, Lady Ashton,” replied Lord David. “I doubt that those three can come up with any sensible alternative before then. After all, you should make a very hefty profit from this venture, not to mention the extensive favors you can expect from satisfying your clients’ cravings so discreetly yet elegantly. Your influence will rise immensely as a reputable owner of a disreputable house. Any number of prominent men will be happy to pursue your interests to ensure that you do not happen to mention their little foibles. It is certainly important to get started on the changes right away.”

  Daphne was horrified by what Lord David was envisaging, and was only saved from protesting by a large wink that he gave her. “I am just as horrified as you are by what I am suggesting,” he suggested in a whisper. “Let’s hope that they don’t see through our acting. Especially, as I don’t see any other way to close down what is going on here. They will continue their business at our expense if they catch on to what we are really doing, so let’s keep up the charade.”

  “All right, though it would quite sicken me if what we have described were really what we intend to do,” Daphne whispered in reply.

  They were rewarded for their bit of spontaneous play-acting by hearing the opposite door being opened and closed quietly. Hector, it seemed, had been eavesdropping and was now reporting the urgency to be deduced from Daphne’s remark to the people in the room across the hallway.

  “I hope that our play-acting works on them as we hope.” whispered Lord David with a grin.

  Apparently it did, for a few minutes later the trio returned.

  Mrs. O’Brien opened the conversation. “Lady Ashton, we all have the view that you are most unlikely to be a successful mistress of an establishment such as you propose. You are too naïve, too inexperienced. You are certain to fail.”

  Daphne was afraid that they had seen through her act all too easily and were not intimidated by it. However, before she could assure the disgraceful trio that she was quite capable of running a fine establishment for gentlemen, the bawd continued, “We do realize that in you attempting to create a different establishment, and thereby closing down this very successful one, we stand to lose a great deal of money. Possibly we can reach some compromise.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Lord David asked as Daphne tried to hide her astonishment at this development while retaining her haughty demeanor.

  “We thought perhaps we could share some of the proceeds of the house with you while keeping to the same arrangements otherwise.”

  Daphne pretended to think for a moment, pushing herself back into her assumed character. “Madam, you won’t be having any proceeds to share while the renovations are being conducted, while the contracts between us will all expire before the new establishment is ready to open. I see no advantage to me in your silly offer.”

  “Oh, you misunderstand; I meant that the construction should be abandoned.”

  “Ah … no, I can see no benefit to me in such an arrangement either. I will not have my good name associated with
this tawdry enterprise. No, partnership is quite out of the question.”

  “Then can we come to some other arrangement?”

  “Well, I would need some compensation …,” Daphne had to think quickly, for this was going much better than she had expected, “…for the inconvenience you have put me to about this. What do you think would be fair, Mr. Giles?”

  “Let me think…,” Lord David was as unprepared for this turn of events as Daphne had been. It was far more promising than anything they had contemplated. “… I would think £5,000 might be a just recompense, and, of course, the rent arrears would have to be forgiven. Yes, at a very minimum.”

  “That is far too high,” responded Mrs. O’Brien. “We would never get that vast sum back.”

  “Of course you wouldn’t” said Daphne, now hugely enjoying the game. “You do not know how to run a really first-class establishment. The sum sounds a little low to me. I think Mr. Giles is being very generous. Of course, with that being the figure, we would have to retain the special equipment and see what sort of a price it would command. I imagine that there are other such houses which could use the junk.”

  “I will have to consult with my colleagues again, but I know that any transaction will have to include us keeping the furnishings,” said Mrs. O’Brien. The three of them trooped out of the room again.

  “David,” began Daphne in a low voice but she was halted by Lord David putting a finger to his lips, signaling silence. He tiptoed to the door and suddenly showed his head into the passageway.

  “Ah, there you are, my good man. Hector, isn’t it? Lady Giles requires some coffee to pass the time while the others confer. Fetch it now.”

  “Yes, sir. And sir, do you think it would be possible for me to retain my position if you are taking over the premises?”

  “I suppose it is possible, but Lady Ashton expects the operation to be closed for a lengthy period and I am sure she would not need your services in that period.”

  Lord David returned to his place beside Daphne. “I had no idea you could act so well.”

  “I find it very hard to believe that I succeeded. I had a very hard time not showing how revolted I am with the whole idea. It is so completely different from everything I was taught about society and those in elevated positions. Anyway, talking of acting, you are no slouch yourself. I thought I would explode when you named that figure.”

  “I don’t know where I got it from. I also don’t like what they are doing at all.”

  “Aren’t there laws or ordinances or something against such goings on?”

  “I believe there are. But I think the magistrates and judges turn a blind eye to such activities unless the trade becomes a public nuisance that inconveniences them. Many powerful men seem to enjoy this sort of thing. You may have given me the material for my maiden speech to the House.”

  “So you are going to stand?”

  “Yes. Foster is quite eager to be my curate. You will all find him to be an excellent man. Might even be a fallback for you Daphne if Captain Bolton escapes the web you are weaving for Catherine.”

  Further conversation was stopped by the return of the trio of procurers.

  “We have talked over what you are proposing. It is far too much,” announced Mrs. O’Brien.

  Daphne rose to her feet. “In that case there is nothing more to discuss. Expect my workmen tomorrow at seven o’clock.”

  “Let’s not be hasty,” intervened Lord Knockingdon. “I think we can work things out.”

  “What are you suggesting?” responded Daphne.

  “We can offer £1,000, but the rent owing would be included in the figure. Also, we would want Lady Giles to give us the names of the women she will be using.”

  “Absolutely no to that last suggestion. I cannot possibly have their names bandied about. Only I could approach the ladies in question with any hope of their agreeing. I shall just tell those I have sounded out that it will not be feasible after all. Of course, you are free to ask your clients to enquire whether their wives would be interested in the positions.

  “Now about the figure you suggest. It is far too low, but this whole business is somewhat of a bother to me. Let’s say £4,000 in addition to cancelling all rents owing.”

  Lord David shook his head vigorously as if suggesting that Lady Aston was being far too generous. The two sides haggled for a while, settling on £3,000 and the rents owing and for the lease to cease immediately. Lord David quickly wrote out a memorandum of agreement for all to sign to confirm the agreement.

  “That settles it, then,” said Daphne. “Mr. Giles will arrange to have the more formal documents drawn up. Please be at Mr. Edwards’s office in the city at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow to sign them. He has been appointed to handle all Viscount Ashton’s affairs while my husband is away, with my approval of course.”

  The two conspirators left, and were hardly around the corner from the house before they broke down in hoots of laughter. They had succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. Daphne was rid of the Arlington Street problem. All that remained to do was to go to Mr. Edwards’s office so that he would know exactly what was required.

  “What are you going to do with the money, Daphne?”

  “I’ve only just started to think about it. I don’t want to keep a penny of any money derived from that appalling enterprise.”

  “May I make a suggestion?”

  “Of course.”

  “Use it to pay off some of my late half-brother’s debts. If there is any money left over after that, give it to support the Magdalene’s”

  “The what?”

  “It is a charity that tries to rehabilitate fallen women.”

  Still chuckling over some of the more outstanding moments of their confrontation with the proprietors of the house of very disreputable pleasures, Daphne and Lord David went to Mr. Edwards’s office to arrange for the proper welcome when the whoremasters visited him. Then they thankfully returned to Dipton and a way of life that was far more congenial to each of them.

  Chapter XV

  Glaucus left the Øresund and turned east before the sun set. It should be clear sailing to the Gulf of Finland from here. However, Giles felt apprehensive knowing that, if Denmark should choose to block the passages out of the Baltic, he would be trapped, unable to return to England without overcoming impossible odds.

  The winds were light and from the west. Mr. Brooks set a course to take them directly to Russia. Giles would prefer that the Swedish navy not have Glaucus‘s presence flaunted in their face while nothing would be gained by sailing closer to the Germanic and Polish sides of the Baltic.

  The autumn sun still had a good deal of heat. Sir Walcott emerged on deck on the morning following their leaving Danish waters and took up the shipboard habit of taking his exercise by pacing back and forth along the quarterdeck. Giles often joined him, but their conversation was limited. Sir Walcott discovered that he did not seem to impress the captain by the illustrious names he dropped. In fact, Giles and he had no common interests. The baronet refused invitations to the wardroom and the captain’s table, preferring to eat alone, largely consuming the supplies he himself had brought aboard. Giles noted on the basis of the many empty bottles that Sir Walcott’s servants carried from his cabin that he was making a large dent in the crates of wine he had brought aboard. Giles was happy to ignore his passenger and his only regular annoyance due to Sir Walcott’s presence came from muffled sounds from the other cabin, which suggested that, most improper and, indeed, illegal activities might be taking place in the baronet’s cabin. Giles felt he could do nothing about it. Putting Sir Walcott in irons would hardly advance the purpose of the voyage.

  Michaelmas came and went and Giles felt increasing uneasiness about the child that Daphne was carrying. It was due soon. Though Giles was convinced that Daphne would have the best of medical attention and he knew that she was strong and healthy, he also was aware that the risks of childbirth, both to the mother and child, were not negligible witho
ut even contemplating the possibility of a stillbirth. He found himself in the unusual position of being helpless to do anything about the risks he faced. He knew that, even if he were at Dipton, there would be nothing he could do other than worry and that he would be excluded from both the labor and the delivery. Nevertheless, he regretted that he would not be present to give Daphne his support before and after the ordeal.

  Glaucus’s officers saw quite a lot of shipping as they sailed along, merchant ships sailing from St. Petersburg and other ports. They did not stop any of them to examine their destination. They were all neutral ships and there would be no justification for trying to inforce a blockade this far from the French coast. Giles kept his crew active in polishing their skills, despite Sir Walcott’s protests about the racket that they made. They were thumping on the decks loudly as they carried out practices on sail-handling or taking down and raising various spars or fixing rigging. These were all unnecessary preparations for their current voyage if it could be presumed that there would be no warlike encounters or desperate weather, but they were of crucial importance if Glaucus were to be in action or found herself in foul weather. Giles took particular pleasure in the gun drills using actual powder and shot. He moved the time of firing forward so that it would be most painful to a man with a wine-induced headache. Using real ammunition always delighted the crew members and particularly infuriated Sir Walcott with the noise.

  The nights were becoming distinctly chilly as they became shorter, a reminder that they could not stay too long at their destination. Finally, Mr. Brooks announced that, by his reckoning, Kotlin Island, on which the Russian naval base of Kronstadt was located, should come over the horizon on the next day.

  That was not quite what happened. Partway through the forenoon watch, the lookout at the masthead yelled, “Sail ho, two points to larboard.” Mr. Dunsmuir was ordered to take a telescope aloft and report what he saw. When he had neared the main topgallant truck, he took a firm grip around the shrouds* before levelling the telescope. In a moment, his voice floated down. “The ship appears to be a three master. She is on a course to cross our bow.” Soon after, he shouted, “Deck there, the ship appears to be a frigate under all plain sail to the topsails. She is coming into the wind as if to beat up to us.”