Page 52 of To Resist a Scandalous Rogue
“She worked at a cobbler shop in Spitalfields?”Torres’s eyes had glazed over, as if he were already mentally combing the streets for said shop.
“That is my understanding.”
“And her husband was an officer with the East India Company. First name of Roderick? Died two years ago?”
“Correct.”
Torres pushed back his chair. “This should be fun. If your suspicions about her in-laws are correct, then you would be doing her a very great service.”
Toying with the lip of his cup to avoid meeting the other man’s gaze, Finlay snarled. “No woman deserves to be treated so callously, and by those she should be able to trust.”
“Indeed.It would be my very great pleasure to reveal their sins.”
“I’ll send word to my solicitor to make a check ready for you. It should cover your travel expenses and hopefully several fine bottles of brandy,” Finlay said.
“I’d rather forgo the brandy.” A grin brightened the Spaniard’s face.“Supply me with a few bottles of the fine whisky from your vault and I’ll be content.”
Finlay chuckled, not at all surprised at the request. His maternal grandfather had one of the finest distilleries in all the kingdom. “I should have known to offer that in the first place. Darington has mentioned he should start paying you in Huntly whiskey.”
“He’d tried to, but Her Grace wouldn’t allow it.” Torres snorted.
“Where will you start your search?”
“In London.” Torres picked up his coffee cup and took a sip. “If she’s from here, then her trail starts here. There’s no reason to believe her real name isn’t Charlotte Taylor. Perhaps it’s not her married name, but I highly suspect she didn’t cloak herself with an alias. From your description of her behavior after the attempted abduction and later at the musical event, she was surprised. Perhaps she didn’t expect her in-laws to reappear in her life. It’s possible they’re threatening her. Or even blackmailing her for reasons she’s not sharing.” He scratched his chin. “If they never approved of her and all but drove her away from India following her husband’s death, there should be no reason for them to contact her now. Unless—”
“Unless they want something from her,” Finlay finished, unease sitting heavy on his shoulders.
“Precisely.” Torres devoured his last bite of pie and swiped his napkin across his face. He grabbed his hat and rose to his feet. “I was just thinking when I walked into this little shop that I was bored. Thank you for spicing things up again.” With a flourish, he donned his hat. “I’ll be in touch.”
Finlay watched him leave, hope brightening his mood. Knowing he had someone working on Charlotte’s dilemma allowed him to focus on his campaign without the feeling of guilt to nag at him.
“Who was that gentleman you were speaking with?” Inverray asked as he sank into his seat once again. He followed Finlay’s gaze to the door and slowly raised a brow.
“He works for Darington. Preceding Allie and him into port, it seems,” Finlay said lightly. If nothing came from Torres’s investigation, he saw no need to reveal private details Charlotte had shared with him.
“I think your campaign will get a much-needed boost from Their Graces’ return.” Inverray nodded distractedly at a gentleman who called his name but did not rise to greet him. “You’ve been doing a stellar job, but having the support of a duke and duchess, especially newly returned ones who all of London will be curious about, will be fantastic.”
For the first time since the morning someone had tried to abduct Charlotte, Finlay allowed himself to set aside the mystery of her troubles and focus instead on his campaign.
…
Lord Inverray had said the dinner party would consist of a handful of gentlemen and their wives. The marquess was attempting to push through a child labor bill, and the event was meant to court potential supporters. A handful still seemed like a great deal of guests to host for an “intimate dinner” to Charlotte, but Lady Flora seemed pleased with the number.
“That is the perfect amount of people for meaningful conversation, and yet enough guests to ensure you’ll find at least one person of interest to talk to,” she explained to Charlotte.
“I expect you to mingle about and speak toeveryone, Flo.” The marquess’s voice had grown stern. “As hostess, you’re to make everyone feel comfortable, and that means taking the time to speak with all those in attendance, even if you find their conversation dull.”
His sister had scowled. “I’m well aware of my duties as hostess, Niall.”
Yet, here Charlotte stood, listening as two gentlemen argued the political repercussions of the Catholic Emancipation bill. Last she’d seen of her hostess, she’d been discussing the racing schedule with a burly gentleman. Charlotte was sure she was nearby but wasn’t at liberty to look for her. After catching a glimpse of Lord Inverray’s frustrated expression, she decided she could assist both of her employers by simply mingling with their guests.
So that’s what she did. Charlotte circulated about the drawing room, smiling, offering greetings, and chatting with various guests. Some immediately pegged her for a servant and ignored her, but most were surprisingly friendly. Charlotte knew she was not expected to participate in conversations, but she couldn’t help but offer observations.
“Is it possible, gentlemen, that now that the Catholic Emancipation bill has passed, relief will be considered for other religious minorities?”
Both men paused, matching frowns contorting their faces. “What other religious minorities, exactly?”
Charlotte flashed a polite smile. “From my understanding, England is one of the most religiously diverse countries in Europe. Consequently, there are many other religious groups besides Catholics. Jews, Methodists, Baptists, and Unitarians to name just a few. If Catholics are given the right to participate in political life and attend universities, shouldn’t the other groups as well?”
