Annette had offered to support me with part of her inheritance. I could only imagine the sort of influence and help she would be as my wife. John had never considered his wife a distraction—at least, he had confessed no such thing to me. His work had not stopped him from marrying. It had not stopped him from having a family and loving them to the fullest. Displaying his affection openly.
Why had I placed such restrictions upon myself? Was it solely because I had seen my own father champion his goals and pursuits above my mother and her needs? Likely so. But I had evidence that families could also be supportive. Not every marriage looked as my mother and father’s did.
My marriage could be different.
It would be.
Finally, the patron accepted a key from the housekeeper. She directed him up the stairs, motioning for him to follow. After they reached the top, I climbed the stairs, intending to catch her before she returned to the ground floor and began working again. I waited at the head of the long corridor, watching her lead the man to the far end. He went into his room, and when she turned around, her eyes settled on me.
Mrs. Galvin approached, a bemused tilt to her brows. She stopped in front of me. “Can I help ye, sir?”
“Forgive me for the imposition, but I wished to have a private word with you. Is there somewhere we can speak where we shall not be overheard?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Speak about what?”
I could not blame her for not trusting me. Yes, we had interacted several times over the past few days, but I was still a stranger to her. “It is of great importance, ma’am. I swear I have no ill intentions. Should you find my behavior lacking, you may go directly to Viscount Paxton with your complaints. I am staying as a guest in his home, and the matter which I would like to discuss with you involves him.”
This time, her brows rose with intrigue. “If ye be a guest of the viscount’s, then I suppose it’d be fine. He’s a good man, Lord Paxton.”
I nodded my agreement. “He is.”
“Alright, then. Follow me.” She led me back downstairs and into a private parlor. Once inside, she closed the door and spun around to face me. “Make it quick, then. Just because I agreed to speak with ye, don’t mean I have all day.”
My lips twitched. “Very well. I was hoping you might have information about the man who recently purchased Willowbrook Manor.”
“Willowbrook?” She eyed me warily. “I thought ye said this be about Viscount Paxton.”
“He and I are working together. We believe the man who purchased the estate is…well, he is dishonest and possibly engaging in criminal behavior.”
Possibly? Hardly. I had seen his crimes with my own eyes, but still, caution was a necessity until I felt certain Mrs. Galvin could be trusted.
The woman shifted on her feet and glanced about us as if she feared another person might appear at any moment. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “I don’t know much about him, but something do not be right about that man.”
“You’ve met him, then?”
“Aye, he’s been here a few times, but not since he purchased the manor. Always got a bad feelin’ about him. Real snake-like, his behavior. An’ I’ve heard rumors…”
My chest constricted. “What sort of rumors?”
She sucked in her lips. “I fear speaking too much.”
“Nothing you say will ever reach his ears,” I assured. “He will never learn where I gained my information. That I promise.”
Mrs. Galvin looked me over, seemingly still uncertain. It took all of my willpower to remain silent, but it would do no good to press her. She might retreat more if I became too pushy. Sharing information needed to be her choice.
She sighed heavily, shaking her head. “Alright. Mind you, I can’t guarantee the information holds any truth to it.”
I nodded, and she continued. “One of the lads who helps out with odd jobs on occasion mentioned doing some work at the manor. Said the man who owned it could become rather vicious. Not toward himself, but toward the dark-skinned working there.”
“The dark-skinned—did he mention any more about them?”
Her gaze held mine for a long moment. “He did not, but I would wager they have something to do with the criminal activity you speak of. It’s illegal, the kind of work they are likely doin’.”
“Yes. Lord Paxton and I are determined to put an end to it, but we need evidence. Slavery is illegal, but it is often described as an apprenticeship to avoid punishment by the law, while those forced into servitude lie about the true nature of their work due to threats on their lives. In order to guarantee the magistrate will act, I need solid evidence. Would this lad you mentioned be willing to speak with me?”
Mrs. Galvin pursed her lips. “Perhaps for a price, he could be persuaded. His family is in a rough way, you see. Lost the father some months ago. Too many mouths to feed. Now the mother has taken ill herself. Were you to offer Lucas compensation, he would not likely refuse.”
Theskyhadgrownovercast by the time I left the inn. Mrs. Galvin had provided me with Lucas Pomfrey’s direction, and I decided to visit him later that evening, as he was currently working at Willowbrook.
