Page 50

Clarence selected the top volume from each set and checked the dates inscribed on the first page. Then he lay them side by side on the desk and scanned the first few pages of each book.

“That would appear to be the case. Both accounts are for the same time period, but the second set has extra financial entries.”

“Fuck.” My father had entrusted me to oversee the running of the school, and I’d failed him and every child who’d been enrolled since its opening. And because of my oversight, Claire and two young girls were now in danger. “This is all my fault.”

Clarence said nothing as he made a cursory examination of the two ledgers.

Rexford clapped a hand on my shoulder. “You lack a talent for deceit. That’s why the rest of us are here.”

We all had our strengths, but above everything, we were loyal to one another. I would follow this man anywhere, but I also knew that he would never demand more than I could give.

After a few minutes that seemed to stretch into eternity, Clarence looked up, his spectacles perched low on the bridge of his nose as he looked at us over them.

“The good news is that the second set of ledgers only goes back a few months. And it seems that the two children, H and G⁠—”

“Hope and Grace are two sisters who’ve only been here a few weeks. Claire is fond of them.”

I didn’t share that whenever I saw them together, I couldn’t help thinking I was being given a glimpse into the future. All three had dark hair and blue eyes, and there was something about the way they interacted that had me thinking this is what Claire would be like with her daughters. Of course she’d gone after them.

Clarence nodded. “Well, Mrs. Atkinson was being paid a not-insignificant sum of money weekly for the last month. And then today, when she came to collect the girls, Mrs. Beauchamp paid her a very handsome amount of money that isn’t recorded in the ledgers she would have shown you.”

I glanced at the note and read the address aloud.

Rexford’s expression was grim. “That’s a brothel.”

I swore again and slammed my fist against the desk. “She sold the girls to a brothel, and now Claire is there. I’m going after them.”

“Not without Fairfax and me,” Rexford said. He turned and looked at Clarence. “Keep going over the ledgers. If there is too much, take them with you when you leave.” Rexford turned to me. “Let’s get Fairfax.”

Three Legends stepping foot in a brothel would be quite the coup for that madam, and I had no doubt we’d be welcomed with open arms. We weren’t known to frequent such establishments since there were more than enough women willing to share their bed with us.

I was glad that the other three weren’t with us. Moreland, Clifton, and Kendrick were happily married, and I didn’t want to be responsible for causing rumors that would call into question their fidelity to their wives.

“Let’s go,” I said, leaving the office and making my way to the room where Fairfax was questioning the headmistress.

Rexford was right behind me.

“I am not waiting another moment.”

It was absurdly easy to gain admittance to the home. The madam couldn’t hide her excitement as she greeted us and led us to the drawing room, which was as garish as I’d expected.

I’d been in a brothel once when I was young, but I’d always found it easier to allow women to come to me.

The scene that greeted us was as predictable as one would expect. Rowdy music played on a pianoforte, glasses clinking, laughter and bawdy humor as women draped themselves over the shoulders and in the laps of the male clientele. I knew many of the men by name, if not personally.

When they noticed us, those same men cast significant glances at their friends. They knew very well that the Legends didn’t frequent bawdy houses, so seeing us here was noteworthy.

Thankfully, Fairfax did the talking for us, because my anger was threatening to overcome my sense. I couldn’t shake the thought that, even now, Claire could be upstairs while someone forced themself on her. I made a silent vow that if anyone had dared to lay a hand on her, I would kill them with my bare hands. There would be no gentlemanly duel. I would need them to suffer.

Fairfax lowered his voice and bestowed his signature smile on Mrs. Beauchamp. “We’ve heard that you have someone new here tonight.” He glanced at me before winking at the madam. “My friend here has had his eye on someone, but she’s refused his overtures for a brief liaison. A source told us that she might be upstairs.”

Mrs. Beauchamp frowned, clearly upset with the headmistress, who she’d assumed had shared that information with us. But as quickly as it came, her annoyance cleared. Or at least she hid it well. “I’m not sure how you would have heard about that so soon,” she said with a casual shrug. “But I might have someone new that Lord Greyson would enjoy. If you will follow me, she’s upstairs.”

Fairfax laid a hand on her arm, stopping her for a moment. “My friend has particular tastes. Is he the first tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes, I thought to give our newest girl a day to acclimate to the way the house is run.” She looked at me. “You are lucky you came tonight. Tomorrow would have been a different story.”

I couldn’t keep the annoyance from my voice. “Girl?”