Pippa fought a surge of anxiety. “Charlie probably blames me for going after Hastings on my own. What if she holds me responsible for Mr. Cullen’s interference—and thinks I’m more trouble than I’m worth?”
“She would never think that.” Reaching over, Livy patted Pippa’s hand. “Don’t forget our vow. We Angels stick together.”
Upon joining the society, the Angels had taken an oath of secrecy and sisterhood:
No matter what danger may await
An Angel is loyal, brave, and true.
We will not betray our society’s aim:
“Sisters first” will see us through.
“Following one’s instincts can land one in hot water.” Glory shrugged. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Following my instincts or getting into trouble?” Pippa asked.
“Both,” her friends chorused as one.
Their laughter was cut short by approaching voices. They quieted instantly, moving to the chairs in front of the viewing holes. Peering through, Pippa saw Charlie lead Lady Julianna Hastings into the study.
A thin, plain brunette, Lady Hastings was around Pippa’s age. At social gatherings, Pippa had found the lady timid, always deferring to her charismatic spouse. The viscountess’s violet silk dress and matching bonnet emphasized the pallor of her cheeks, her gloved hands clutching her reticule as she took the seat facing Charlie’s desk.
In contrast, Charlie radiated vitality, and it wasn’t just because of her lustrous honey-gold hair and flawless figure, shown to exquisite advantage in a flounced butter-yellow gown. Charlie had an innate, magnetic confidence: one couldn’t help but be drawn to this woman in her prime, who lived life as it suited her.
Not long ago, Pippa had occupied the same chair as Julianna Hastings. She remembered her own desperation and hope as she’d divulged her troubles to Charlie. As she’d shared things she hadn’t shared with anyone else.
“Do you have information on my husband?” Lady Hastings asked in a timorous voice.
“He was in Limehouse last night.” Charlie handed the client a cup of tea; she’d perfected the art of being comforting yet direct. Seating herself across the rosewood desk fancifully carved with birds and flowers, she said, “He visited a gaming house, where he lost five hundred pounds on dice.”
Lady Hastings’s hand flittered to her bosom. “F-five hundred? In one night?”
“He has gambled three out of the seven nights since you hired us to watch him, wagering similar sums. He has also indulged in…”—Charlie paused, no doubt to prepare the lady—“other vices.”
“Such as?” Lady Hastings said faintly.
“Whores and opium.”
“Father was right.” Lady Hastings spoke as if to herself. “He married me for my money.”
The only child of wealthy mill owner Jonas Turner, Julianna had married the impoverished Hastings against her father’s wishes three years ago. Hastings had apparently wooed her with promises of love. After her father’s death, Hastings had shown his true colors, promptly taking control of Julianna’s inheritance and squandering it on depravity.
Charlie’s expression was sympathetic. “At our last meeting, you mentioned seeking legal counsel?”
“I spoke to a solicitor.” Lady Hastings’s chin quivered. “Even if I were willing to brave the scandal, I haven’t sufficient grounds for divorce. Hastings is too well connected; his cronies in Parliament would kill any petition I submitted for a divorce. And the truth is…I am afraid.”
Even through the peephole, Pippa saw the fear etched on the lady’s face.
Charlie grew still. “Has your husband hurt you?”
“He…he hasn’t laid a hand on me, if that is what you mean.” Lady Hastings exhaled. “But he constantly criticizes me, and nothing I do is ever good enough. As hard as I try, I can never please him. I know that he has been keeping secrets from me since the start of our marriage.”
Anguished empathy squeezed Pippa’s chest.God help me, I have more in common with Julianna Hastings than I realized.
“I have no say in anything, and sometimes…” The lady’s voice hitched. “Sometimes I fear he wants to be rid of me altogether.”
Pippa’s blood ran cold. Looking at her fellow Angels, she saw their brooding expressions. Was Lady Hastings implying that her husband wanted to kill her?
