She laid a calming hand on Dickie's arm. "It's not what he's done. It's what I'm afraid he might do. You see, he thinks he knows everything about our business, and he's determined to expose what he doesn't understand."
Dickie remained silent for a matter of seconds while his clever ten-year-old mind clicked into a dawning awareness. "Oh...he thinks you're taking advantage of the people you help. He doesn't know what we really do."
She gave the boy a slow smile and nodded her head. "He's convinced I'm guilty of dark deeds, the knowledge of which he intends to use to stop me from investing in his brother's publishing business."
Dickie stroked his chin. "If he's going to snoop around all three country estates, I'll have to spend lots of time following him..." He shot her a meaningful look.
"Name your price." El was prepared to be at the bright young runner's financial mercy for the great task she was about to entrust to his wisdom. "And include Olivia's time, since I need her knowledge of the languages her students speak so that she can assist in questioning them to see what he's up to. We have to organize the hundreds of eyes that are in place at all my estates."
Dickie turned to his sister. "Olivia, could you please go see what's taking so long for our tea?"
The young woman rolled her dark blue eyes and headed out into the hallway. Dickie waited until only the echo of her slippers could be heard hastening down the steps leading to the vast kitchens on the first floor.
Only then did he turn back to El. "I don't need the money so much as I used to, Captain. I live with CB, Nathaniel, and Aunt Camilla now. They take care of whatever I need."
El's mouth flew open in surprise.
The look on Dickie's face turned speculative. "There is one thing, though, I need from you."
"Anything. You know you can count on me."
"It's Olivia. I want more for her than a position as a laundry maid."
"But she's the best laundry maid in London. I take very good care of her financially. Otherwise, someone would have hired her away by now."
"I want something for my sister money can't buy."
Now El was intrigued. "What would that be? I'll help if I can."
"I want Olivia to grow up and marry a kind gentleman who'll take care of her and give her a family. My sister deserves to be a lady, with fine, soft hands covered inside silk gloves. You have the power to make that happen."
* * *
Col had heardhundreds of stories from men who came to him for assistance in solving a "woman problem." However, the Duke of Chelmsford's "story" had all the trappings of a Banbury tale.
"Your Grace, if I may, could I repeat what you've told me you'd like me to do, to make sure I understand?"
The duke nodded, his expression telling Col he was absolutely convinced in the might and right of his quest.
"You'd like me to investigate the most powerful woman in London to find something you can use to blackmail her into withdrawing from her business partnership with your brother. Is that correct?"
Chelmsford's eyes widened in anticipation of what he obviously assumed would be joyful compliance from Col.
Col calculated quickly in his mind what the repercussions would be if he refused and the duke found another, more corrupt runner to take his money and perhaps even plant evidence somehow to cause trouble for Captain Goodrum. There were several ways the stubborn man's single-mindedness could end, none of them good. And so, in spite of his better judgment, Col made a quick decision. At least this way, he could minimize the damage the duke's snooping might cause.
"I'll take the case, on one condition."
Chelmsford gave him an annoyed look down the length of his nose. "And that would be?"
"Whatever I find out about Captain Goodrum, you will accept my report and cease meddling in her affairs."
5
JUNE 1826
PORTNEY MANOR, HERTFORDSHIRE
Percy adjusted the ill-fitting trousers he'd borrowed from one of his grooms and pulled the slouchy hat the young man had given him lower over his eyes.
