“If I can help… well, I am most hungry, ma’am.”
“Vella, please. Eat all you wish. I can’t pretend I’ve been in your slippers. I can only imagine what things are like in your life, and I suspect, I haven’t a clue to the actual reality.”
That drew a smile. “Perhaps not, but your interest is, well, ’tis refreshing.”
The candlelight glowed and danced against the walls. Gabby glanced toward the dark windows, organizing her thoughts while stroking Lady Macbeth’s head. There was nothing for it, if Vella was willing to help her and Rebecca, Gabby was obligated in being completely honest with her. She plunged in. “What I’m about to reveal is to remain in the strictest confidence.”
Her face grew stricken. “Oh, milady, I would never.”
It was enough to satisfy Gabby. She looked down at the top of Macbeth’s head, her eyes unfocused. “A young woman from Drury Lane was forcibly taken by a gentleman—and I use that term facetiously—of the upper echelon.” Her anger pierced her, and Lady Macbeth turned her head and licked Gabby’s fingers.
Vella’s brows furrowed. “She was kidnapped?”
“Not exactly.” Gabby took a breath to steady herself. “But the young lady now finds herself with child and feels her future quite hopeless.”
Vella swallowed hard, an audible sound that filled the room. “You mean she was raped…”
She met Vella’s gaze. “Yes, and I’ve learned who the bastard is. I’ve scripted a note, but I have no way in which to dispatch it without being found out. I’m going to make that libertine pay for what he did.”
For the first time since Vella arrived, her eyes glowed with fire. A sense of kinship rose in the air. Thus was the power women had when they united, Gabby thought. Vella’s back straightened and she set her tea aside. “I think my Thomas would be willing to help,” she said softly.
“He would?”
“Thomas. He had a sister who was attacked. I regret to say she was brutalized.”
Gabby leaned forward, set her hand over Vella’s, and squeezed. “You don’t have to say anymore.”
“Thomas almost got himself killed over defending the poor girl. He’s a hero, ma’am. I can promise you that.” Her small tirade ended on a growl.
Gabby considered her quietly, hope swelling through her. “You know, Vella, I believe I do trust you.” She stood and set Lady Macbeth in the chair, then went into her bedchamber to retrieve the missive and some coins from her reticule. When she returned, Vella had risen, too, and was taking the new frock from its container. She shook it out.
“Where shall we hang this lovely gown, milady?”
Once more, Gabby was struck by its magnificence. “It truly is beautiful, isn’t it? You are immensely talented, I daresay.”
Vella’s face flushed under the praise.
“This way.” Gabby led her into the bedchamber, pointing out the wardrobe.
When Vella stepped from the wardrobe, back into the room, her gaze surveyed its gaudy opulence with avid curiosity.
“Horribly gaudy, isn’t it?” Gabby turned serious. She handed her the note. “This is for Lord Bentick,” she said in a low voice. She stopped abruptly, going over to that door, and locking it as well. “There is one other glitch in my strategy, I’m afraid.”
“I’m certain ’tis something Thomas can handle, whatever it is.” Her assurance was conveyed with renewed confidence.
“It’s a little more complicated than I let on. I know I said my plan wasn’t illegal. But, well, I have every intention of blackmailing Bentick.”
Vella gasped.
“The fact is, I am demanding two hundred pounds to be left in the garden near the fountain at Berkley Square. The Faulks’ musicale will be held two days hence. They live nearby. The money shall go to the girl he ravished and left ruined.”
The pulse at Vella’s neck pulsed, but she rallied with a sharp nod. “You’ll need Thomas to wait in the shadows to make certain Lord Bentick does as instructed,” she said after a fashion.
“Well, that is the most desirable outcome, of course, but I will also need a way to learn if he does what I am demanding. What I’m asking is risking scandal but I’m willing to pay.” She handed over the coins she’d retrieved from her private stash.
Vella stared at the shillings, then raised her eyes. “What will happen if Lord Bentick doesn’t pay?”
Gabby lifted her chin. “I shall make an announcement to everyone present congratulating him on his growing family, of course.”
