“A pleasure, I’m sure.” Aragon stepped forward and shook Miss Cartwright’s hand with great enthusiasm. “What a wonderful establishment. Reminds me very much of my days at Harrow.”
“Indeed.” Her startled gaze fixed on Aragon, Miss Cartwright stepped back and almost collided with her brother.
“You should both be bloody proud of yourselves,” Aragon continued. “And Julian’s your treasurer! You couldn’t have a better man for the job.”
“Perhaps Mr. Cartwright could show you around the classrooms, brother,” Julian suggested. “While I have a quick word with Miss Cartwright.”
“Or Miss Cartwright can take me.” Aragon offered her his arm. “I’d prefer that.”
Julian was surprised when Miss Cartwright agreed, leaving him alone with Mr. Cartwright.
“How may I help you today, sir?” Mr. Cartwright asked as he led Julian into the office.
“You’ll forgive me if I dispense with the usual small talk, sir, I wanted to warn you that there has been some press interest in my activities here and, as you might imagine, none of it portrays me or this place in a good light.”
“That’s unfortunate, but it’s not the first time our motives have been challenged,” Mr. Cartwright said. “We’ve been called all kinds of names from those who cannot believe good people exist in this world to help others.”
“That’s ridiculously unfair.” Julian grimaced. “I hate to bring such unpleasantness to you again.”
“It is of no matter,” Mr. Cartwright said. “If the press turns up, I’ll be happy to let them in, educate them as to our mission, and explain your part in it. I often find that attempts to shame us end up working in our favor and increase donations.”
“I hope you are right.”
Mr. Cartwright smiled. “We’re tougher than we look, sir—especially Jane. The slightest hint that she’s not working in the best interests of her charges brings out the tiger in her.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Julian said. “The article intimated I was using your school and Mrs. Mountjoy’s place to make money for nefarious purposes.”
“You mean selling the children for prostitution?” Mr. Cartwright shook his head. “We’ve heard that one before.”
“I will be consulting a lawyer as to the best way to defend myself against such insinuations,” Julian said. “I’ll obviously keep you informed.”
Mr. Cartwright went to open the office door. “If I might offer you some advice, Mr. Laurent? I wouldn’t bother taking this matter to court. Such rumors die down when left alone. If you defend yourself too vigorously, it stirs the pot, and everyone begins to wonder whether there’s some truth in the insinuations after all.”
“I’ll bear that in mind,” Julian said. “Now, we must be off to Mrs. Mountjoy’s.”
They walked back to the entrance hall where they were soon joined by Aragon and a slightly bewildered-looking Miss Cartwright.
“All settled?” Aragon looked at Julian.
“I believe so.” Julian bowed to the Cartwrights. “Thank you, both, for your time, and please let me know if anything untoward happens.”
“That’s the spirit.” Aragon took Miss Cartwright’s hand and kissed it. “My mother wouldn’t like you, but you’re just the kind of woman I’d love to bring home as my wife.” He studied her approvingly. “You don’t gabble on and make me feel like a fool. I appreciate that.”
Julian took a steadying breath. “Aragon …”
“I’m coming, brother.” Aragon shook Mr. Cartwright’s hand and winked at Miss Cartwright. “I’ll be back.”
Julian shepherded him out to the carriage, and they got in. Aragon waved vigorously at Miss Cartwright, who was watching them leave, her cheeks bright red.
“What a woman!” Aragon exclaimed as they pulled onto Whitechapel Road. “Knew exactly how to put me in my place.”
“I thought you were only interested in women who understood horses,” Julian said.
Aragon looked pleased with himself. “Miss Cartwright is very knowledgeable about horses. Grew up in the countryside and could ride before she could walk.”
Despite his worries, Julian regarded his brother with some fascination. “She told you that?”
“Yes, we had a long chat. I liked her immensely. So less intimidating than the ladies at the balls Mother makes me attend. I promised I’d go back and see her as soon as we’ve resolved this current matter.”
