“This is London, not China. And you are not just any female; you are a duke’s daughter.” He frowned at her. “You must know that what you’re proposing is beyond the pale. I cannot train you. In fact, your very presence at my clinic stretches the bounds of propriety—”
“As her chaperone, I disagree.” Aunt Patty came toward them, Hadleigh behind her. “There is nothing improper about my niece’s desire to acquire new skills. As a former governess, I speak with authority when I say that Glory is one of the brightest pupils I’ve had the pleasure of teaching. From languages to sports, there has yet to be a subject she has not mastered. Why should she not have the opportunity to learn martial arts as well? A healthful practice, evidently, that will also provide her the tools for taking care of herself should, heaven forbid, the situation arise.”
Glory had never loved her aunt more.
“The attainment of knowledge must not come at the cost of Lady Glory’s reputation,” Mr. Chen said tersely. “Society will not tolerate the presence of a popular debutante at an East End clinic for opium users.”
“I can hardly be described as popular,” Glory countered. “I am neither pretty nor socially accomplished. I am prone to social blunders…and my dance card is never full. Most of the time, my partners are fortune hunters or the husbands of my friends.” She jerked a thumb at the duke. “Hadleigh, for instance, only stands up with me because Livy makes him.”
The duke cleared his throat. “It has been my honor to dance with you, Lady Glory.”
Glory snorted. “My point is that my reputation is not going to suffer unduly if I come here chaperoned by my Aunt Hypatia.”
Aunt Patty nodded. “I would be delighted.”
Mr. Chen remained silent. Thinking…but Glory had no idea what.
“If you will not have a care for your reputation,” he said at length, “then have a care for mine.”
Glory knitted her brows. “Why would your reputation be affected?”
“In my experience, the English do not harbor a particular fondness for foreigners. The escalating tension between China and Britain over opium smuggling does not help matters. While I am fortunate to have supporters such as His Grace, many of your countrymen would like to see my clinic closed and need only the slightest excuse to act upon their desire. Some have even conjured up falsehoods to shut me down, accusing my establishment of being its very opposite: an opium den.”
Indignation flared beneath her breastbone. “How dashed unfair—”
“If it were to be known that I entertained a well-bred young lady here, rumors would fly. And the truth would not matter to the mob,” Mr. Chen said flatly. “They would tear down every brick of this place.”
She stared at him. “That cannot be true.”
“I’m afraid Chen is right about some of the local folk,” Hadleigh said with disgust. “Despite all the good that he’s done, they still view him with suspicion. Moreover, he has made enemies: by protecting the neighborhood, he’s made life harder for criminals who would jump at the chance to get rid of him.”
Stricken, Glory said, “I…I didn’t know. I would never wish to put you at risk, sir.”
“Now that you do know,” the master said, “I hope you understand why I cannot grant your request.”
“Yes. Of course.” Ashamed of her selfishness, she blurted, “I fear my presence may be compromising your establishment at this very moment. Aunt Hypatia, we must go.”
Looking concerned, Aunt Patty said, “It is probably for the best, my dear.”
“Allow me to see you to your carriage.” Hadleigh gallantly offered Aunt Patty his arm.
Glory followed with Mr. Chen.
Biting her lip, she peered up at him. “I am sorry if I inconvenienced you in any way.”
“There is no harm done, my lady,” he said quietly. “I am relieved, however, that you have been swayed by reason and have given up your initial plans.”
“Do not worry about a thing.” Seeing that Aunt Patty was engaged in conversation with the duke, she lowered her voice. “I shan’t involve you any further in my mission.”
Mr. Chen’s brows snapped together. “You cannot mean to continue your quest. Not after what I told you about the Fancy. You cannot handle the situation on your own—”
“I won’t be on my own,” she assured him. “Charlie is returning tomorrow, and we will come up with a new plan.”
“You must listen to me, Glory.”
Her breath lodged as he closed a hand around her upper arm, pulling her toward him. His touch sent ripples of heat over her skin. Her stomach did that funny flip again, her knees as wobbly as an aspic. She couldn’t look away from the blazing intensity of his gaze.
“Steer clear of the Fancy, do you understand?”
