Page 81 of The Armor of Light
‘No, thank you,’ said Hornbeam. He turned to the butler, who was about to leave the room. ‘But I’d appreciate a cup of strong coffee with cream.’
‘Right away, sir.’
Hornbeam sat down. He was uncomfortable at the same table as Mariana. He thought prostitution was disgusting. But he neededWill’s help. ‘I’ve been trying to organize a ban on this so-called Socratic Society started by Spade.’
‘And that mad cow Sal Clitheroe.’
‘Yes. Alf Nash has been beaten up, and Viscount Northwood, our member of Parliament, declines to help.’
‘But you’ve got a plan, haven’t you?’ Riddick said knowingly.
‘Oh, look,’ said Mariana. ‘I’ve spilled marrow on my chest. Can you help me get it off, Willy?’
Riddick picked up a napkin and wiped the visible tops of her breasts.
‘Why don’t you use your tongue?’ said Mariana.
This was too much for Hornbeam. ‘Look, Will, can we talk in private?’
‘Of course,’ said Riddick. ‘Off you go, sweetheart.’
Mariana got up, pouting.
‘I’ll use my tongue on you later, darling,’ Riddick said.
‘I’ll be waiting.’
When the door closed, Hornbeam said: ‘It’s about time you gave up this sort of thing. You’re getting married soon – to my daughter.’
Riddick looked embarrassed. ‘Of course, of course,’ he said. ‘In fact I was really just saying goodbye to Mariana.’
‘Good.’ Hornbeam did not believe that for a second. But he did not press the point. He was not willing to jeopardize the fat profits he was making with Riddick’s help.
‘I’ll be a model husband,’ Riddick vowed. ‘The bachelor life is over for me.’
‘I’m very glad to hear it. Having a whore at your breakfast table is really beyond the bounds of respectable behaviour.’
The butler came in with Hornbeam’s coffee.
Riddick said: ‘Tell me about your plan.’
‘The people likely to go to Spade’s meetings are already sympathetic.There may be no one to present a different point of view. What they need is some vigorous opposition.’
‘Vigorous?’
Riddick caught on fast, Hornbeam reflected. ‘I’ve no doubt there are many stoutly patriotic lads in town who would be outraged by the sort of nonsense spouted by Spade and Sal.’
Riddick nodded slowly.
‘I imagine you might know some of those lads.’
‘I certainly know where to find them. The Slaughterhouse Inn, down at the waterfront, would be the place to start.’
That sounded good. ‘Do you think you could get some of them to come along to the next meeting?’
‘Oh, yes,’ said Riddick with a grin. ‘They’ll be very willing.’
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