Page 78 of The Duke's Forbidden Bride
After what felt like an eternity, he spoke up. “I know Belgrave. I have… I have had clients who have spoken about him in the quietest of moments, when I refused to touch them after they told me how they came to me.” His eyes turned distant for a moment, his throat working around a swallow. “I do not take people who are not here willingly to my bed.”
It was a warning, a reminder, a hint that his earlier teasing may have been genuine but would only hinge on real interest.
“These women,” Spencer began. “They came to you for… for what?”
“Lessons,” Julian clarified. “They were sent here. It was not contracted work. Lord Oa?—”
“We may drop the pretense,” Spencer allowed.
Julian didn’t miss a beat. “Your Grace, I know London’s underworld better than most because I have serviced it. That is also why I know the inner workings of other countries’ underworlds. Men who are as powerful as Lord Belgrave do not need false names because nothing can ever touch them.
“He sends women to me to teach them how to perform in the bedroom, thinking he may get more money for them. I have tried to usurp the operation, and I send them away without any lessons, of course. I tell them that in order to survive, they must pretend as much as they can. London’s underworld is far more sinister than you may realize. It isdangerous, and if you are venturing into it, then I beg you to tread carefully.”
“How many women did he send to you?”
Julian’s jaw was tight as he answered, “Enough to know that they likely only had a short reprieve before they were thrust into terrible new lives.”
“I wonder,” Eleanor spoke up, her voice shaky, “if they were sent here under the pretense of becoming ruined.” The thought was too sinister, and it made her shudder. “That way, Lord Belgrave’s accusations could have more substance. Of course, he would not check if you had… done anything.”
“It is a possibility.” Julian grimaced. “Lord Belgrave is a powerful, untouchable man who has too many connections. He and an associate?—”
“Lord Follet,” Spencer offered.
Julian nodded. “The two of them have their hands in just about every business and industry. I have long tried to get the girls to safety. I’m afraid the operation is larger than me and my contacts, but I have offered all of them a way out. So many declined out of fear. Others did not take my warnings seriously, choosing to believe the lies Lord Belgrave would have told them.”
Spencer let out a vicious curse. “You have helped some, though?”
“A mere drop in the ocean, in the grand scheme of things. But yes. I had them use my contacts, offered employment in far-off estates where they might find support from the families I asked to help them.”
“Do you think any of them would be willing to speak to us?” Spencer asked.
But the look on Julian’s face said enough, and he nodded.
Doing so could endanger those women, especially if they had already escaped Lord Belgrave’s clutches. What did he think of the occasional girl who had disappeared?
“Have you ever been threatened by Belgrave?” Eleanor asked. “If he ever connected the dots, I mean.”
“Oh yes.” Julian barked a laugh. “But a quick flirtatious comment and a mention of my very good friend, the Duke of Blackstone, is enough to chase him out of the door. I am protected enough here, Your Grace.”
Eleanor nodded, but her heart still raced.
At least one good man still looked out for the ladies’ well-being, and even though he could not save every one of them, he was aware of the situation and kept them as safe as he could when they came through his door.
“Your Grace,” Julian said after a moment, “a word of warning. I will tell you the same thing I told the last duke who threw around his power and authority, thinking he could investigate any dark corner of London without incurring the consequences.” He shot Spencer a withering look. “Do be careful. For the ones who get hurt are often the ones who are not investigating, such as yourself.”
His eyes flicked to Eleanor, and she stiffened.
“I have already survived Lord Belgrave’s schemes. I believe I am safe,” she answered hurriedly.
“And she will continue to be safe under my care,” Spencer added sharply, drawing the escort’s attention. “I will stop at nothing to keep my wife safe.”
“Indeed, you intend to. But sometimes the dangerous players are already a step ahead.” Julian gave him one last warning look before turning back to Eleanor. “I won’t pry. But do stay safe, Your Grace. Know your limits. And stay with those you trust most.”
Eleanor nodded once. “I will. Thank you, Mr. Gray.”
“You are most welcome,” he answered. “Now, I do not wish to be rude, but if you do not want to enjoy my services, then I must ask you to leave.”
He stood up, giving them both a small smile as he nodded toward the door to the drawing room.
