As Rydell had said. “This is the hold he has on you. Two-fold. You cannot tell Bow Street about the vase because of the second part. You pay him or he lets everyone know you stole the vase and prefer men. You might survive one but not both.”
“I love Margaret.” His words came on a bare whisper.
“I’m sure you do.”
“She is with child.”
“I know many women like her.”
Edmund finally looked up. “I beg your pardon?”
Judith’s heart softened, aching for this son. “She is hardly the only woman who will have children with a man who prefers... others. Does she know?”
He shook his head.
“Watching would be scandalous but not illegal. Have you broken the law?”
He shook his head.
“Where did these visits take place?”
He named an establishment unfamiliar to her, but she knew she would never forget the name.
“Does Atkinson have actual proof of your visits to this ‘salon’?”
“No.”
“Are you willing to tell Bow Street about the vase?”
“Mother, I cannot. If I do, Atkinson will tell them about...” He focused on his fingers again.
“The men.”
“Yes.”
“Why do you not let me take care of that part?”
He looked up, his eyes filled with confusion. “How—I mean, you cannot—”
“Do you trust me?”
Edmund hesitated.
“Have I ever failed you before when you needed my help?”
“No.”
Judith gave a quick nod and stood. “Do not pay him again. When that young man from the Rookeries returns, have the servants bring him to me.”
Edmund’s mouth fell loose again.
She strode to the door but glanced back at him. “One day, you will learn. Dragons rule the world.”
*
Monday, 1 August 1814
Embleton House
