Mr. Smith nodded. “Do you still want to win against Guthrie?”
Bartholomew tilted his head. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I’ve just heard that there might be a typhus outbreak in St. Giles. If we can ensure the disease takes its course and everyone dies, the entire area can be leveled and—”
“I could offer to purchase it.” The prospect definitely appealed. And with the counterfeit bills they’d perfected during the last six months, he could afford any sum.
“As long as you tell the king you’ll build some attractive properties, I’m sure he’ll agree. Especially if part of the profit you make on selling those properties goes back into the Crown’s coffers.”
Bartholomew stared at Mr. Smith for a moment and then he suddenly laughed. “That’s genius!” Guthrie wouldn’t stand a chance—an idea that filled Bartholomew with pleasure. For years they’d been at odds. Ever since Guthrie had realized Bartholomew’s whores came from St. Giles and that they didn’t just include women and men.
There had been good money in catering to the perverse needs of those who were willing to pay. Which was yet another reason why he’d wanted that house Amelia Matthews had bought. His intention had been to turn it into an exclusive brothel for the elite—the sort of place that offered discretion and catered to every fantasy. But if he managed to secure the entire area, the possibilities would be endless, extending to opium dens and gaming hells. All under the guise of complete respectability.
Dipping his chin, Mr. Smith held Bartholomew’s gaze. “As long as we stop your son from doing his job.”
“Of course.” If Florian started saving everyone, this plan would go to hell. “Let’s wait and see what he does for now. Keep an eye on him and inform me of further developments.” Picking up his glass of brandy again, Bartholomew swirled the amber liquid before setting the glass to his lips. If he played his cards right, he’d get his revenge on Florianandtake over St. Giles. All in due course.
Chapter 5
When her sister, Amelia, came to call on her five days later, Juliette greeted her by the door and led her through to the parlor where their sister-in-law, Gabriella, sat waiting.
“It is so good to see you,” Juliette said as she poured the tea. “How long has it been since the last time we did this? Two weeks or three?”
“I am not entirely sure,” Amelia confessed. Her belly was larger than Juliette remembered, which was normal since her due date was only a little over a month away now. “It is surprising how time gets away from me these days. Having a husband and a child while running a business keeps me tremendously busy.” She’d married Thomas Heathmore, the Duke of Coventry, the previous year, becoming stepmother to his then five-year-old son, Jeremy. It was a position she took most seriously.
“How is Jeremy doing?” Juliette asked.
“He is thriving. Thomas made the right decision, choosing to educate him himself instead of hiring more governesses. Spending additional time together has allowed father and son to bond in a new way. It makes me wonder if it is wise, leaving your children in other people’s care for extended periods of time.”
“I know what you mean,” Gabriella said. She’d surprised everyone by giving birth to twins earlier in the year. “It is the reason why I have been nursing David and Rose myself. Mama and Papa were both horrified by the idea of it. I believe Mama said she had never heard of a lady doing such a thing. And I have to admit it is exhausting.”
“With two hungry babies, I wonder you have time to rest,” Amelia said.
Gabriella smiled. “I suspect it is easier than if I had triplets.”
Juliette and Amelia both laughed. “Oh dear,” Amelia sputtered. “I am not surethatwould be manageable without a wet nurse.”
“Truth is, I have been incredibly fortunate in my choice of husband,” Gabriella murmured with a dreamy element to her voice. “Your brother is so devoted and loving. I honestly could not be happier.”
“Me neither,” Amelia said. “Knowing the man I fell in love with loves me in return is a true blessing. I hope you will experience the joy of it one day, Julie.”
Taking a sip of her tea so she would not have to answer immediately, Juliette thought of Florian. She’d enjoyed his company tremendously the other evening and had missed him last night at the Wilmington Ball. Not that his ability to hold her interest or the occasional attraction she’d felt toward him meant anything at all. In fact, she wasn’t really sure why she was thinking of him in the context of this particular conversation.
Unwilling to encourage any talk of courtship when the whole ordeal felt overwhelming and futile, she said, “I believe a similar kind of joy can be found in achieving one’s goals.”
Amelia and Gabriella shared a dubious look. “Doing so can be rewarding,” Amelia agreed, “but it will not satisfy your soul in quite the same way.”
“I suppose I shall have to take your word on that. But since I have no romantic feelings for any gentleman—”
“Are you sure about that?” Gabriella asked. “Considering Lord Yates’s attentions, among others...” Her words trailed off as she glanced toward Amelia. “Never mind. You were saying?”
Taking the chance to avoid discussing potential suitors, Juliette spoke without hesitation. “Are you aware of the typhus outbreak in St. Giles?”
“Yes. I read about it in the newspaper this morning,” Amelia said. “Thomas has suggested we close the school until further notice in order to stop contagion since it is located on the edge of St. Giles.”
“That does make sense,” Gabriella said. “The last thing you want is to get sick and then infect your own family.”
“I still worry about the children,” Amelia confessed. “If they are not in school they will be home and more likely to get into contact with other sick individuals.”
