Page 9 of Scandalous Heiress
“It’s not a topic discussed in public much, is it?”asked Ezzie.
All three turned to her.
“My father talks of it.Of those who transport it.It is lucrative.”
Ada did not stop the grin from forming on her lips.“But how do we stop it?That’s the question.Isn’t it?”
Ezzie tipped her head to and fro.“I’d say we need a politician who takes it up as his cause.”
The duchess nodded, a smile wreathing her face at Ezzie’s words.
His turquoise eyes gleaming, Victor seemed to struggle to hold back a grin.
Ada didn’t.“How right you are.”
“Nothing will happen without some moral conscience in Parliament,” Ezzie said.
“I had no idea you were interested in politics,” said the duchess.
“I am.I know it isn’t considered a fine thing for a young woman.An unmarried woman.And an American.”Ezzie smiled to herself as if she were a conspirator and slowly sipped her tea.
Ada took up her friend’s banner.“Ezzie is not only a realist, she is also modest.I will sing her praises.At balls and dinners, she’s talked with a few members of Parliament about the matter.”
“Few are interested,” Ezzie said with a twist of her lips.
“And no wonder why,” said Victor.“Most of them have family or friends who make their living from the China trade.”
“Precisely,” said Ezzie.“Lord Ridgemont—your son, Ma’am, and your brother, sir—is interested in supporting a bill to end the evils of opium’s import.”
Victor stirred, sitting forward.“Miss Moore, you’ve spoken with my brother Richard about this issue?”
“I have.”
“My, my,” said the duchess with some surprise and delight, “how good of you.What did Richard say?”
“He has discussed it with his father who agrees with him.”
“Well, well,” said the duchess, tapping a fore finger to her lips.“Intriguing.”
Ada wondered to what degree Richard’s interest would bring any results.He was not a sitting peer, but a gadabout.His father, the Duke of Brentwood was a sitting peer in the House of Lords but he had not budged from this house—according to all accounts of his wife and his oldest son—in over a year.Any legislation he might advocate was no more significant than words on the wind.
“We must speak of this to your father, Victor,” said the duchess.“In the meantime, do tell us, Victor, what progress is there in London with your book?”
“I’ve signed a contract with Williams and Hastings.It’s to be published in the autumn.”
“Congratulations,” said all three women in turn.
“A reputable publisher,” said Ada with a suitable nod of approval.
“I think so,” he agreed.
“My step-sister will publish her first novel through them in August.”
“She is to be congratulated and for one so young, too,” said the duchess.
“It’s a great coup,” said Ezzie.“For a woman to publish a book.Rare, isn’t it?We’re all very proud of Camille.”
“I’m sure you’re delighted for her,” his lordship said.“Cornell Hastings is eager to publish fiction.Very popular.”
