Page 60 of Affair

“Whom do you fear? Perhaps I can assist you.”

“Assist me?” Juliana gave her an incredulous look. “You can have no notion of what you are talking about.”

“Do you know, Miss Post, in other circumstances, I believe we might have been friends.”

“What in the name of God makes you say such a thing?”

“I would have thought it was obvious,” Charlotte said quietly. “I suspect that we have many mutual interests and concerns. For instance, do you send your bills to your clients after their appointments or do you request that they pay you before you provide your services?”

Juliana frowned. “I expect reimbursement at the time of the appointments. I learned long ago that clients have a habit of letting their accounts languish if I wait to send my bills.”

“I learned the same lesson early on in my career.”

Juliana hesitated warily. “What, precisely, is the nature of your career?”

“You mean, you do not even know that much about me?”

“I know nothing about you, except where you live and that you are engaged to Baxter St. Ives. I was employed to act a role and I did so. That was to be the end of it.”

“I see. Well, as we are both engaged in a similar line, I do not mind telling you something about my business. Generally speaking, though, I do try to maintain a degree of confidentiality.”

Juliana was clearly curious, in spite of her uneasy mood. “What services do you provide?”

“Very discreet services. Ladies who have received offers of marriage sometimes seek me out. I make inquiries into the backgrounds of the men who have expressed a desire to wed them.”

“Inquiries? I do not understand.”

“I attempt to verify that my clients’ suitors are not rakehells, gamesters, or fortune hunters. In short, Miss Post, I endeavor to ensure that the ladies who consult with me do not make the mistake of marrying a man such as your guardian or my stepfather.”

“That is astounding. You make these inquiries by yourself?”

“I have some assistants.”

Juliana appeared reluctantly fascinated. “But how do you obtain your information?”

“From many sources. Servants in the household or those employed in gaming hells and brothels supply some of the answers.” Charlotte smiled wryly. “No one ever notices the staff in such places.”

“That is very true.” Juliana shook her head in amazement. “Inquiries into gentlemen’s backgrounds. What an extraordinarily clever notion.”

In spite of the situation, Charlotte was unable to resist a modest smile of pride. “Coming, as it does, from one who also understands the difficulties and rewards of inventing a singular career for herself, that is a great compliment.”

Juliana’s mouth thinned. “It also sounds an exceedingly dangerous business.”

“On the whole I cannot say that I have had any great difficulty.”Until recently, Charlotte added silently.

Juliana looked uncertain. She glanced over her shoulder as if she half expected to see someone materialize there. And then she took an urgent step closer to Charlotte and lowered her voice. “You say you feel that, in other circumstances, we might have been friends and colleagues.”

“Yes.”

“Speaking as a person who could have been your friend and colleague, I will give you this advice. I do not know what you have got yourself into that involves Baxter St. Ives, but I do know this much. You would do well to abandon whatever course you have set for yourself that is connected to him.”

Charlotte stilled. “What do you mean?”

“I can say no more.” Juliana flung out a hand to indicate the door. “You must leave at once. Do not return. Ever.”

Charlotte was stunned by the undisguised fear that flickered in Juliana’s eyes. “Very well.” She turned and walked slowly toward the door. “But should you change your mind or wish my help, I pray that you will send a message to me. You have my direction.” She put her hand on the knob.

“Miss Arkendale?”

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