Page 53 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
“It is. That period also marks the first time that my husband became interested in the charity. He vowed to help us find just the right person for the position.”
“So your husband recommended Mr. Royston?”
“My husbandinsistedthat we engage him. Royston was newly arrived in London. He had experience as a factory manager. He was presented to us as afait accompli, already hired and eager to begin.”
They sat silently for a moment.
“We heard no complaints about the manager in our dealings with the charity in the last few days,” Kara offered.
“Nor have I heard any, and believe me, I have listened.”
Ah.The reason for Mr. Chambers’s appointment as secretary became even clearer.
The duchess lowered her voice. “And yet, my dear, I cannot shakethe feeling of suspense. I await the dropping of the other shoe in a sea of anxious anticipation.”
“You think your husband placed Mr. Royston into the charity to cause trouble?”
“I have no evidence to think so, and yet I absolutely believe it with everything in me. The duke wants the Wardrobe to fail. He wantsmeto fail. It would be his greatest pleasure to rub my nose in it forever, just as he does my more personal failures.” The duchess set down her cup and met Kara’s gaze directly. “When I heard from my secretary about Miss Foulger’s wish for a meeting, and when I heard about what she believed might be happening to the women associated with us, Royston was the first thought in my head.”
“Do you have any information on his background?”
“No.”
“Your husband didn’t give you any specifics as to his past employment?”
“None.”
“So you would like someone to dig around a bit, to see what might be uncovered about Mr. Royston’s past?”
“Yes, exactly,”
Kara nodded. “I am persuaded. I will take on the mission, for all of our sakes.”
The Duchess of Rowledge did not do anything so plebian as to slouch in relief. But it was there in her eyes, just as her gratitude sounded clear in her voice. “Thank you, my dear. I look forward to hearing what you discover, but we must be careful.”
“I will report only to you.”
“Or to Mr. Chambers, as long as Royston does not see it. The young man may be trusted.”
“Understood.”
The duchess stood. “Thank you, once again. I should not linger.” She paused in the doorway and looked around at the room once more. “Your mother would be very proud of you, for so many reasons.”
Kara only nodded, but as the duchess disappeared, she slumped back into her chair, suddenly overcome with myriad emotions. A fresh wave of grief for her mother chased gratitude, pity, and determination around her chest. It took her several minutes to gather her composure and dry her tears, but she managed at last, and stood to head upstairs. By the time she had changed into one of her modified skirts and matching bodice, full of hidden pockets and useful objects, Gyda had returned.
Her friend’s eyes lit up when she saw her. “Why are you wearing—”
“Gyda, listen,” Kara interrupted. “Do you recall what Niall said about Mr. Royston owning a mill? Did he say where?”
“No. It was only that he had opened a second mill here in London somewhere.”
“Drat. That’s all I remember, too. Come on.” Kara grabbed her friend’s hand and started pulling her toward her room. “Let’s get you into something plain and sturdy. I’ll wager Stayme knows where to find that mill. I want to go and check it out. We’ll pose as a workers’ aide society or something similar and see what we can find.”
“Niall …” Gyda started.
“Who knows when he will return? I don’t want to wait. Do you?” Kara already knew the answer.
“No. You go ask Stayme while I change.”
