Page 91 of A Story of Love

“About what?”

“About what it is like to work here—what her life is like.”

“I see. And I assume you would publish the results of your, er, interview?”

“I might.”

“I cannot encourage any of the employees to cooperate with you if you are going to mention the name of the establishment.” Her full lips turned down at the corners and her dark blue eyes narrowed. “Drawing attention to ourselves in the newspaper would lead to unwanted attention—perhaps we would even be shut down.”

Lori didn’t point out that that is what should happen. “Provided his lordship doesn’t kill me and eventually releases me, then there’s nothing to stop me from writing a story, whether you agree to help me, or not.”

The other woman’s lovely face hardened. “No, of course you may do whatever you wish.” She turned to leave.

“Mrs. Marlowe—please wait a moment.”

“Yes?” the madam asked coolly.

“I—I don’t want to make your life difficult.”

Mrs. Marlowe didn’t look convinced.

“What if I agreed not to mention the brothel by name?”

“I have a better idea.”

Lori perked up. “Yes?”

“You can ask all the questions you like, but you must allow Lord Severn to read your story and agree to its contents before publication.”

“What? No! That’s—”

Again Mrs. Marlowe began to turn. “I can see that you don’t care for that idea, so—”

Lori felt any chance of a story slipping away and blurted, “Fine. I will agree to your terms.”

Mrs. Marlowe paused. “That is easy to say, but how do I—”

“I give you my word of honor. I know that is not something we women are taught to offer each other—as if we possess no honor, or it has no value—but why shouldn’t our word count every bit as much as any man’s?”

The madam hesitated, and then nodded slowly. “Very well, I accept your word. You will not publish anything that doesn’t have the viscount’s approval?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Then I shall tell Dinah—”

“Wait—could I ask you a few questions first?”

Mrs. Marlow’s golden-brown eyebrows lowered. “About what?”

“Just general questions about the brothel.”

Rather than prod her, Lori waited.

A moment later, her patience paid off. “I’ll answer questions as long as you promise me one thing.”

“You mean one more thing other than allowing Severn to have veto power over my article?”

The other woman gave her a small, but genuine, smile. “Yes, in addition to that. I want you to promise me you will tell the truth without sensationalizing it—making it… titillating.”