Maude flashed her a wry smile. “I’m sure he would appreciate that. He was getting tired of you haranguing him over Alice and begged me to tell you the truth.”
“And you listened?”
Maude shrugged. “He’s a good judge of character. So, then. Now that you have your answer, will you leave me be?”
“Yes,” Phoebe began. “But I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what you said before about not teaching our students the skills they need. And I want to do more to help.”
Maude cocked her head. “Is that so?” Her tone may have been skeptical, but she couldn’t hide the glimmer of interest in her eyes.
“I’d very much appreciate your input,” Phoebe continued. “If you’re willing to give it.”
The woman was too shocked to hide it. “You wantmyhelp?”
“You know this area better than I do,” Phoebe explained. “And understand what these girls are up against. What they need to succeed.”
Maude chewed her bottom lip. “Can I think about it?”
“Of course.” Phoebe then hesitated. “There’s something else you should know, though I’m afraid it may harm your working relationship with Lord Fairbanks.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time, believe me,” Maude said with exasperation. “What’s he done now?”
“He is proposing a bill that aims to close the brothels, and those owned by women will be targeted first. Any violators will be thrown in prison. The rest will be sent to the workhouse.”
“That bastard,” she bit off. “Itoldhim those girls will just end up on the street.”
“I don’t think he cares if it helps Fleur,” Phoebe said. “I know he hides his stake in the club. But if you could give me evidence that proves he is connected to it financially, I can get it in the right hands. Exposing him publicly might be the only way to stop this bill.”
Maude’s eyes filled with determination. “I’ll try.” She then glanced behind Phoebe. “You should go. This place will fill up soon.”
“All right.” Phoebe then stuck out her hand. “Thank you for trusting me.”
Maude eyed her for a moment before shaking it. “I suppose Alice was right about you,” she admitted before heading toward the music hall. But just as she reached the back entrance, she turned back. “Oh, and Miss Atkinson?” Phoebe cocked her head. “Expect to hear from her soon,” Maude said with a small smile, then disappeared through the door.
Twenty
Once Maude left, Phoebe decided to head over to the police station as it wasn’t too far. When she entered Detective Inspector Holland’s office, the man looked even grumpier than usual.
“Ah, Miss Atkinson,” he said, barely looking up from the file in front of him. “Have you come to scold me as well?”
“Beg pardon?” Phoebe asked as she took the seat he gestured to.
“You’ve just missed the duke reading me the riot act.”
“I don’t understand.”
He smacked the file down and crossed his arms before fixing her with a formidable glare. “It seems that someone earned a very handsome sum for discussing your arrest with Lord Fairbanks—and he assumed that someone wasme.”
Phoebe’s stomach clenched. It was distressing to think of the earl knowinganythingabout her, especially her connection to Will. But why had he sought out such information in the first place? Was Fairbanks sour over Will’s rejection of his daughter and looking for a way to force his hand? Given what Maude had told her about the earl, he would stop at nothing to get what he wanted and use any means available.
The inspector loudly cleared his throat and Phoebe snapped to attention.
“I’m very sorry, Inspector,” she said with genuine remorse even while the worries compounded in her mind.
He softened ever so slightly at her apology. “No matter. I set the duke straight,” he grumbled. “And made it clear that I would uncover the leak. But in the meantime, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be here.”
Phoebe nodded. “I only came to thank you. I’ve just spoken with Maude, and I’m sorry I caused such a bother over Alice.”
There was a slight twinkle in the man’s deep blue eyes. “Not necessary,” he said. “You were rightly worried about her. I’m only sorry I couldn’t say more, but I had made a promise to her sister.”
