The man warily glanced about again as though expecting Rutter to jump out from a doorway. Yet temptation sparked in his eyes. “I’m not interested.” He started to turn away.
“I’d pay well.” Nathaniel kept his voice casual, as though it didn’t matter if he said yes or no.
“How well?”
When Nathaniel named a price, surprise registered on the man’s face. “I only need a few minutes of your time.”
After several moments of consideration, the man asked, “How do I know you’re good for the money?”
“I’ll pay half now and the rest at the end of our conversation.” Nathaniel held out his hand. “My name’s Hawke. What’s yours?”
“Teddy,” the main offered reluctantly.
“Do we have a deal, Teddy?”
“All right. I have a bit of time before I’m expected at my job. No need to buy me a meal. I’d rather just have the money.”
Nathaniel withdrew the coins from his pocket, counted them out, and handed them to Teddy. By the look on his face, it had been some time since he’d held that much. Did that mean he wasn’t paid well? That would work to Nathaniel’s advantage.
“What is it you want to know?” Teddy asked, pocketing the shillings.
“Who does Rutter work for?”
With a scowl on his face, Teddy shook his head. “That would cost you extra. There’s too much risk speaking his name. He has eyes and ears everywhere.”
Despite his refusal, Nathaniel was pleased. At least Teddy knew who it was. Perhaps he needed to gain the man’s trust before he asked for the name again.
“What role do you play?” At Teddy’s frown, Nathaniel rephrased his question. “What do you do for Rutter?”
“I offer jobs to girls at Blackfriars or wherever else I find them.”
“What sort of jobs?”
Teddy smiled, but it wasn’t pleasant. “What do you think?”
“Brothels?”
“Well, we never tell the girls that, but yes, that’s where they’d be taken.”
“Just one brothel?”
“No. There are three or four, plus he has an operation that hauls them across the Channel, to Brussels. The men there pay high prices for English girls.”
Nathaniel’s stomach clenched as anger filled him. Obviously the operation he and Warenton had stopped was only a small part of the whole endeavor. “Why?”
“The money. Why else would we do so?”
“How many are involved in the operation?”
Teddy chuckled. “More than I can count.”
The man seemed to be relaxing. Hopefully that meant he’d share more easily.
Yet his answer disturbed Nathaniel more than he cared to admit. He was only one man. He had Langston to aid him, but the odds were not in their favor. This operation was even larger than he’d anticipated. How could he possibly make a difference in this fight? Warenton remained in Northumberland and as his wife was expecting their babe, Nathaniel didn’t anticipate him venturing to London any time soon.
Who was he to think he could make a difference, that who he was or what he did mattered? He shoved back the voice in his head. It always sounded in his father’s voice, telling him that he didn’t matter, that he was of no use. He’d spent his military career proving otherwise to no avail. None of that silenced the voice.
He took a deep breath, well aware of Teddy’s stare. He needed to gather himself and focus on the moment.
“Anything you can tell me will be helpful. The more the better,” Nathaniel said, still trying to keep his voice light.
Teddy shared far more than Nathaniel hoped, giving Nathaniel a good idea of how the network operated. Rutter played a central role as Nathaniel had expected. But Nathaniel needed to know to whom he reported. Rutter had escaped their clutches far too many times.
As the conversation drew to a close, Nathaniel retrieved more shillings from his pocket and paid Teddy the agreed upon price. Then he held out another ten schillings. “These are yours if you tell me to whom Rutter reports.”
The man stared at the money for a long moment, obviously weighing his options. Whoever the leader was, he obviously instilled fear in his men.
Teddy glanced around once more, searching the area carefully. “Jasper Smithby.” He grabbed the schillings from Nathaniel and stuffed them in his pocket. “But you didn’t hear it from me. The man’s a nasty character.”
“How do I find him?” Nathaniel asked.
“There’s no amount of money that will have me telling you that.”
“No one will hear it from me,” Nathaniel reassured him.
Teddy shook his head adamantly. “The man uses special...powers. He knows all.”
“What do you mean by special powers?”
“Unspeakable, dark powers. He has a book. The Book of Secrets. It tells him everything and gives him the power to do terrible things.”
“Such as what?” Teddy was clearly frightened of Smithby and his ridiculous book. Nathaniel couldn’t imagine how Smithby had convinced the men who worked for him that he had some sort of dark magic.
Teddy visibly paled. “I’m not saying anything more.” He backed up a step. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your distance. Stay away from Smithby.”
Nathaniel watched him hurry away then turned in the opposite direction and walked, his mind churning. The next steps in this fight would need to be planned carefully. First he needed to make certain Alice and her family were safe, preferably far away from here until this was all resolved. He also needed to make certain Langston understood the risks they faced.
In truth, they needed more men for this fight to improve the odds. But who? He considered many of the men with whom he’d served, weighing their availability, willingness, and trustworthiness. One man came to mind, but he’d left the Navy nearly two years before Nathaniel had. They hadn’t stayed in touch.
A particular nasty operation he and Oliver Bartley, Viscount Frost, had been in together had seemed to change his friend’s attitude. At the time, Nathaniel thought he’d work through it, but Frost had left the service soon afterward. Perhaps it was time to see if he still lived in London. And more importantly, if he was willing to help.
The true question was how could he make certain Letitia remained safe, that she kept her distance from the situation. Somehow he didn’t think explaining the danger they faced when they stopped this operation would do any good. Then an idea came to mind that would keep her safe but allow her to aid him. Could he convince her to agree to it?
He certainly hoped so because the idea of Rutter ever getting his hands on Letitia was unthinkable.
~*~
Lettie’s mother hovered at her side as the Grant’s party dragged on that evening. The Grant’s gathering was one of the highlights of the Season. A smaller party of just under one hundred people, it involved supper, music, and conversation on a more intimate level than a ball.
Lettie found her mother’s presence quite annoying and couldn’t understand what she was thinking. After all, Rose, Violet, and Dalia were there. They normally took her full attention.
“Is all well, Mother?” Lettie asked at last.
“I want you to introduce me to Captain Hawke when he arrives,” her mother replied as she glanced about the room.
Lettie felt her cheeks heat. “I don’t know if he’s coming this evening.”
“His brother is here, so I thought he’d come as well.”
“May I ask why you want to meet him?”
Her mother gave her a bland look. “Surely that is obvious, Lettie. If he has some sort of interest in you, I intend to meet him.”
Lettie couldn’t help her surprise. “He isn’t interested in me as anything more than a friend.” Too late, she heard the bleakness in her own tone.
“Why do you say that?” Her mother raised a brow.
Unable to explain why they had developed their unique relationship without revealing how she’d met him, she shook her head.
She had no idea how to explain their friendship—if that was what it could be called.
“We have some mutual interests.” Lettie kept her voice casual, hoping her mother wasn’t truly listening. “Who is speaking with Rose?”
In truth, no one unusual was, but a man stood near her sister, and Lettie hoped that was enough to distract her mother.
With an almost comical movement, her mother quickly turned her focus on Rose. Unfortunately, Lettie’s relief was short-lived.
“I don’t believe he’s speaking with her.” After a long moment, she turned back to Lettie. “Now then, what were you saying about the captain?”
Lettie decided there was nothing to be done but share as much of the truth as she could. “It’s the strangest coincidence, but Captain Hawke is reading the book I gave Father last week.”
Her mother looked incredulous. “That terrible curses book?”
“Yes.” Lettie nodded enthusiastically, well aware how much this information would annoy her mother. She disliked Lettie speaking about books. “He is quite concerned with the problems in London.”
Her mother sighed. “I believe we’ve spoken about this many times over the years, dear. One simply does not discuss books with men. They do not find it attractive in the least.”
“I’m not trying to attract him.” She’d given up on such attempts shortly into her first Season.
“Why else would he be speaking with you if he isn’t interested?”
Lettie sighed. “Because we’re friends of a sort.” She refused to consider the passion she’d found in his arms as she had no idea what to make of that. After all, it wasn’t as if he’d declared his affections for her despite the intimacy they’d shared.
Yet she couldn’t set aside the hope that it had meant more.
What if—no.
She couldn’t possibly allow herself to hope.
But what if—
She swallowed hard, trying to set aside the idea that he was the first man who’d looked past her appearance and truly seen her for who she was. Hope was dangerous. She’d learned that all too well during her first Season.
In truth, she very much enjoyed their time together. Conversing with him was infuriating at times, but it also made her think. He seemed to appreciate her opinions, even if he didn’t always agree with her. He treated her as a person with a right to an opinion.
Certainly her heartbeat sped when he was near, but that was only because...
Her shoulders sagged in defeat.
Because she was growing to care for him.
Her mother at last gave up and moved away to speak with Rose. Lettie was quite relieved. The evening was proving to be endless.
A tingle of awareness teased the nape of her neck. Before she could turn to confirm the cause, she felt his presence at her side.
“Good evening, Miss Fairchild.”
She glanced toward him, all too aware of the heat in her cheeks as her pulse sped. “Good evening.” She dipped into a curtsey as he bowed.
“I trust the evening finds you well?” His observant gaze swept over her face, making her feel like she couldn’t hide anything, including her growing feelings for him.
“Quite. And you?” The pain that sometimes lined his eyes had eased, much to her relief.
“Well.” His gaze shifted to take in the other guests.
“How does the patient fare?” she asked after making certain no one was listening.
“Alice is recovering. Her family has settled into their new lodging house, at least temporarily.”
“When will she be able to join them?”
“The doctor wants her to remain in bed for at least two more days. If her symptoms have eased, she should be well on the mend.”
“That is excellent news.” Relief filled Lettie. The poor girl had been through far too much. A movement out of the corner of her eye revealed her mother making her way toward them. “I have a small problem I feel I should warn you about.”
“Oh?” The concern lacing his tone warmed her.
“My mother is approaching.”
He stilled for a moment, making her wonder if he’d heard her.
There was no time to repeat the warning as her mother halted at her side.
“Captain Hawke, my I present my mother, Mrs. Thomas Fairchild.”
After the pleasantries were exchanged, Lettie hoped her mother would be satisfied, but her mother remained firmly at her side.
Lettie sent a look of apology to Nathaniel.
He appeared rather disconcerted and remained silent for a long moment. Lettie could only guess he wasn’t used to conversing with mothers, though she knew he had one.
“Your brother is the Earl of Adair?” Lettie’s mother asked. “I believe I saw him earlier this evening.”
A small muscle in Nathaniel’s jaw pulsed. Lettie had to wonder why the question upset him.
“Yes.” The terse answer had her mother glancing at him inquiringly. The smile he gave her looked forced. “He is several years older than me.”
“Perhaps you might introduce Lettie and her sisters to him,” she suggested. Lettie was appalled at the idea, especially since she knew the reason behind it.
“I’d be pleased to do so.” He glanced at her, and she shook her head ever so slightly, trying to signal that she had no interest in meeting his brother.
“I understand you were in the Navy. How exciting.” Her doubtful expression suggested it had been anything but.
Lettie wanted to put her hand over her mother’s mouth. Anything to stop her from sounding so insulting.
“Options for second sons are limited.” The tightness in his voice caused Lettie to watch him closely. “The Navy was the best choice for me.”
Though she knew her mother’s words might be appropriate on the surface, she also knew her meaning was disrespectful at the least. But Nathaniel’s reaction held some underlying pain she couldn’t identify.
She didn’t care to see him unhappy, especially if her mother was the cause of it. If only they could have a moment alone so she might explain that he should ignore her mother. Maybe then she could discover why her mother’s words bothered him so much.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“This, perhaps, would be tolerable if their earnings increased with their years; but such an arrangement does not come within the scheme of the sweaters and slop-factors, Jew and Christian, who grind the bones of little children to make them not only bread, but luxurious living and country houses, and carriages to ride in.”
~ The Seven Curses of London
Nathaniel reined in the helpless anger and feelings of inadequacy that always poured through him when his position as second son was mentioned. It wasn’t as if Mrs. Fairchild had directly referred to it. But there was no denying she thought less of him as he was the spare heir. It only made sense as most of society did the same.
But the emotions remained.
He could feel Letitia’s questioning gaze. She had never made him feel less than worthy. His status didn’t seem to matter to her. For all of those reasons, he appreciated her all the more.
“Will you be attending the Maverson’s ball tomorrow night?” Letitia asked.
“I am not yet certain.” He appreciated her attempt to change the subject. “I have one other engagement that may take my time.”
A subtle look of disappointment crossed Letitia’s face. The idea of her missing him helped to calm his roiling emotions.
“Fine weather we’ve been having,” he said. The weather was the only subject he could think of that might interest Mrs. Fairchild.
“Yes, today was especially pleasant for June,” she agreed.
After several more moments of awkward silence, and a few pointed looks between mother and daughter, Mrs. Fairchild finally departed to speak with a friend. He breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’m terribly sorry about that,” Letitia offered with a look of apology. “I don’t know why she’s suddenly taken an interest in you. I suppose i
t’s because I don’t normally speak with...”
“With men?”
“With anyone, really.” The note in her voice did not beg sympathy. She was merely stating a fact.
“Why?” Nathaniel truly didn’t understand it. She was an attractive, intelligent woman. How had the men at these events passed her by?
The look on her face was one of confusion. “For any number of reasons. I don’t care to name them.” A rosy hue filled her cheeks, and he realized with remorse he’d embarrassed her.
“I truly don’t understand.” He turned to face her, wanting to erase any possible insult. “You’re attractive. You’ve an excellent mind. You’re interesting and have a sense of humor.”
Her eyes went wide. “Thank you. Those are very kind words.”
But a shuttered look came over her expression, and he knew without a doubt she didn’t believe him.
He glanced about, wishing they had some privacy so he could make it clear how he felt about her. He stopped short. If he had time alone with her, he knew exactly how he’d spend it. Her passion hadn’t surprised him in the least. It was exactly what he’d expected from his interactions with her—that she’d be responsive.
But he couldn’t dwell on how she’d felt in his arms. He had no intention of marrying. His father had made it clear that would be a waste. And in truth, society reinforced that opinion. He knew he’d do more good spending his days helping others than married and trying to please a wife.
“I discovered some new information today,” he said, needing to change the subject. “I wondered if you might assist me with it.”
Her face brightened at his request. “I’d be delighted to help in any way. What is it?”
“Apparently one of the leaders in this group uses the supposed powers he receives from a book to frighten his men into complying.”
Lettie looked as confused as he was on the topic. “That is unusual for a book. What is it called?”
“The Book of Secrets. Have you ever heard of it?”
“I can’t say that I have.”
“I thought that perhaps as much reading as you’ve done—”
Loving the Hawke (The Seven Curses of London Book 1) Page 17