As he left, Julian noted that Mr. Cox didn’t look terribly happy with the outcome of the meeting but hadn’t had the balls to say so. Julian stepped out into the stable yard and was immediately hailed by name. Not ideal.
“Morning, Laurent.” Young Calloway was lounging in the shadows with one of the grooms. Was he one of the people Mr. Cox had alluded to? It seemed likely. “Strange to see you here again when you warned me off.”
Julian looked at him. “Good morning. It seems my warnings to you were ignored. Rumor has it that the unknown ladies sent you packing and that you didn’t take it well.” He paused as a flush gathered on Calloway’s face. “Are you back hoping for another glimpse of those females who afforded the press such amusement at your expense?”
“My business here has nothing to do with you,” Calloway snapped.
“Nor does mine with you.” Julian inclined his head a civil inch. “I’ll wish you a good day.”
He walked off into the street, aware of a strange sense of disquiet with the whole incident. Why was Calloway hanging around the inn? Had his rather public humiliation, which had featured heavily in the gutter press, made him angry enough to want revenge? Not for the first time, Julian cursed Olivia and Carenza for their stupid decision to place the advertisement in the first place. If it was Calloway who was pressuring Mr. Cox, how could Julian stop him without exposing himself and the woman he cared about to public scrutiny?
Calloway’s father was an influential peer who had shielded his spoiled son from all the consequences of his actions. Julian had no acquaintance with the older man or any idea how to reach him, which didn’t bode well if Calloway was determined to cause mischief. And being caught coming out of the inn himself was unfortunate. Julian could only imagine the conclusions Calloway was drawing. Julian hoped his social standing would ensure that any gossip emanating from Calloway would be treated with the contempt it deserved.
He hailed a cab and directed the driver to take him to Carenza’s house. It would be prudent to warn her and Mrs. Sheraton about Mr. Cox’s potential inclination to share his story with anyone who had the means to pay for it.
He gazed out of the dirty window as the hackney cab turned a corner. It would also give him the opportunity to subtly remind Carenza that their liaison was supposed to be a light dalliance and not a torrid affair.
Fifteen minutes later, after the cab had battled through the morning traffic, he arrived in Tavistock Square. He’d forgotten how early it was and was ushered into the dining room, where Carenza and her sister were enjoying their breakfast.
He bowed. “I do apologize for my unintentionally early arrival. I had a matter to deal with on the London Road and came straight on from that.”
“Please join us.” Carenza, who was looking very charming in a yellow sprigged-muslin dress, waved him to a chair. “Have you eaten, or would you prefer coffee?”
“Just coffee, please.” Julian sat down and waited until the butler brought him a cup and a newly brewed pot of coffee. “Thank you.”
Allegra had been eating her way steadily through a large plate of toast and marmalade while reading a periodical. She paused to look over her spectacles at him. “I met someone you are acquainted with last night.”
“That’s hardly surprising, Allegra,” Carenza said. “We do move in the same social circles.”
“This was at the board meeting for the London Foundling Society.” Allegra crunched through another half piece of toast and drank some tea before continuing. “A Mr. and Miss Cartwright.”
“Ah, yes.” Julian nodded. “I’m surprised they were at that particular meeting because I don’t believe they deal with newborns.”
“Perhaps it’s something they intend to pursue?” Allegra said. “This city is full of abandoned and unwanted children. A lot of those who take babies in do not do well with them.”
“I’m well aware of that.” Julian shuddered. “The Cartwrights currently house about twenty boys ranging in age from four to fourteen. They teach them to read and write, and when they are ready, they apprentice them to a trade.”
“How excellent.” Allegra nodded approvingly. “I’m surprised you know anyone so worthy.”
Carenza frowned. “Allegra …”
“Well, come on, Carenza. Have you ever imagined our dear Mr. Laurent has a serious bone in his body? He’s an excellent flirt, a great dancer, and knows how to navigate the niceties of society with aplomb, but anything beyond that—”
“I’d be happy to escort you to the Cartwrights if you wish to renew your acquaintance with Miss Cartwright,” Julian said.
“I would love to visit their premises,” Allegra said.
“There’s no need.” Carenza spoke at the same time as her sister.
“I’ve always maintained that education is the key to economic advancement.” Allegra smiled at Julian as she rose from her seat. “Who would’ve imagined you had hidden depths?” She left the room with her small Pomeranian dog, Jester, trotting at her heels.
Julian drank his coffee as the staff cleared away the breakfast and left him alone with Carenza.
“I’m sorry about my sister.”
“Because she is refreshingly honest?” Julian asked.
“That’s one way of putting it.” Carenza sighed. “She prides herself on her bluntness.”
