Page 86 of My Gentleman Spy
Will then spent the next half an hour or so retelling the story of how Hattie had jumped ship in Gibraltar, and how he had brought her back to London. Several delicate aspects of that tale Will decided it was best not to mention. It would not aid his cause if Edgar Wright thought Will had taken scandalous advantage of his vulnerablesister.
“And she had been living downstairs all that time, unbeknown to you?” askedEdgar.
Will adopted his best disinterested air. “Yes. It was quite a shock when I discovered her deception,” hereplied.
As soon as the words left his lips he watched closely for Edgar's reaction. Edgar sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. A simple move, but one which spoke volumes to Will. Hattie had just been called a liar and Edgar was making ready to defendher.
Good. About time someone in your family gave a damn abouther.
“Though I fully understand her reasons. Hattie has explained the difficult situation which arose within your family before your parents left for Africa. She felt she could not approach you, and so took shelter with the two most trusted servants of the family,” addedWill.
His last words had the effect he desired on Edgar. Edgar’s shoulders dropped and his gaze fell to thefloor.
Sitting watching as the saddest of emotions played out across Edgar's face Will knew he had the true measure of the man. Edgar was exactly the kind of brother he had hoped he would be forHattie.
“Will she see me?” Edgar finallyasked.
Will stifled a self-satisfied smile as his plan played out beforehim.
“That can be arranged. But firstly, we need to resolve the situation regarding her place of residence. As you can understand it is entirely inappropriate for her and I to dwell under the same roof while we are not married,” repliedWill.
Again, he chose his words carefully. Planting the first seeds of thought in Edgar'smind.
“Ofcourse.”
“I was hoping you would take her into your home. It would allow the courting of your sister to be conducted in a more socially acceptable manner. We were forced to share a cabin on the boat back to England, and so I feel a deep obligation to offer for your sister’s hand in marriage,” saidWill.
Edgar looked Will up and down. Will knew when another was trying to take his measure. He silently granted his approval of Hattie's brother. She needed a champion on her side, someone who did not have motives of self-interest such ashimself.
“If you wish to court my sister I would need to know more about you Mr. Saunders. As you may be aware, Hattie was engaged to the young man who was accompanying my family to Africa. Something tells me that she may be a little warier of a second betrothal. It may take some convincing on your part. Hattie has at times been known to stubbornly stand her ground,” repliedEdgar.
Will chuckled. “You don't say. Anyone would think you considered your sister to have a will of herown.”
Edgar scowled. “You are a brave man, I grant you that. But tell me William Saunders, are you intending to court Hattie just because you feel honor bound to offer for her hand, or do you hold genuine affection for her? She deserves to make a good marriage. I will not have her forced into a match not of herchoosing.”
Will decided his future brother in law deserved to be told as much of the truth as was possible. He hoped the discussion would not end with him having to face Edgar at dawn on Hampstead Heath with pistolsdrawn.
“I do hold great affection for Hattie. You should also know that we shared a bed on the boat and matters of an intimate nature took place between us. That said, I did not ruin your sister. Reverend Brown had already forced his attentions on her before they left London. Unlike the situation with the reverend, it was Hattie’s decision to embark on our affair. It was also her decision to end it before we arrived back inLondon.”
It was unseemly and disgusting to talk of Hattie in such a way. Will felt he was betraying her trust by informing her brother of such privatematters.
“I had already decided to offer for your sister before matters developed further between us. I did at first feel honor bound. Now I find the idea of making her my wife something which I look forward to doing. Which is why it’s imperative for her to move out of my house and into yours,” repliedWill.
Edgar sat silent for a time. Will’s revelations were enough to give pause to any man who valued his sister and herreputation.
“Answer me this William, do you intend to bring Hattie back into the fold of theton? My sister deserves better than to spend the rest of her days working in the filth and degradation of St.Giles.”
Will nodded. If he had his way Hattie would never set foot in Plumtree Street again once they werewed.
At those words, Edgar rose from his chair and offered Will his hand oncemore.
“You do realize we are going to have a fight on our hands. Hattie will not want to move out of forty-three Newport Street, even if you are still residing there. As for her work among the poor, I don’t know how you will find a workable solution to thatproblem.”
He called an attendantover.
“Let us seal our agreement with a bottle of White’s finest, after which you shall accompany me back to my house in Newport Street. I wish you to speak with my wife. If anyone can help with our mutual cause, it isMiranda.”
