Page 46 of A Dream of Redemption
Still…He cleared his throat.
“Apologies for calling upon your lordship without an appointment but the Duke of Lyttleton said you might be able to help me with the hunt for Mr. Glover, the man who used to oversee the Southwark orphanage, and who I believe is selling children off the streets. It’s imperative that we find him as soon as possible and stop his despicable trade.”
The next few minutes would tell Clary all he needed to know about his chances of wooing Helen. The fact he was still contemplating any relationship with her after the warning from His Grace was telling.
The reception he received from Helen’s brother, Lord Coldhurst, would give an indication of how his lordship treated those below him. A hostile reception and Clary knew Lord Coldhurst would never condone any sort of relationship with his sister.
“Please, take a seat, Mr. Homeward.” His lordship’s gaze was wary but not openly hostile. “My wife has spoken of the good work you and Her Grace are doing, and my other sister, Lady Helen, has become quite enthused with the cause as well.” Lord Coldhurst paused and leaned back in his chair. “You do know that it’s likely someone else will simply take Glover’s place or indeed simply set up elsewhere.”
“I am fully aware of the realities of life, my lord. However, Lady Helen believes we should at least try to change the world. I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do and because I do not wish to disillusion her ladyship.”
Coldhurst eyed him coolly. Clary’s reference to not disappointing her ladyship had not gone unnoticed. “I’m sure you are well aware of the realities of life, unlike my youngest sister.”
Clary decided to ignore the implication that he had no right to worry about Lady Helen’s desires in this matter. “The Duke of Lyttleton indicated that you have knowledge and contacts in shipping. From my men’s investigations we believe Glover is using a warehouse network. Each time we get close he slips away so I am sure he is using a series of warehouses. He must contract with nefarious captains of various ships to move the children to overseas buyers. That is what is making it hard to find him. Most captains are prepared to turn a blind eye to illegal cargo with the right financial incentive. His Grace said you would know which captains would have no problem with cargo being children.”
“You want me to use my contacts to find where he is based and what ships he’s using? It’s likely they are going to Persia. They are the only ones to be so bold. It should not be too difficult to find a list of captains who’d transport such cargo. The halting of the prosperous slave trade has seen many turn to other risky trade. I shall discreetly ask around.”
“We would appreciate discretion. What I’d really like help with is finding out what warehouse he could be using. My men have thoroughly investigated, even put up a reward, but no one is talking.”
Coldhurst looked at Clary. “This is a bad business. How long do you think Glover has been in operation?”
“You know the answer to that. A long time. Too long.”
“We should do more to look after the children.”
Coldhurst’s look of sympathy was hard to bear. No one had been there to help him or his brother. He sat up straighter and returned Coldhurst’s gaze. He did not want sympathy. Nothing anyone did now could change his past.
Clary also understood the “we” was a royal we—Coldhurst was referring to the House of Lords, of which Clary was not a part. Before he could answer, there was a tap on the door and Lady Beatrice entered followed closely behind by Helen.
He immediately got to his feet and bowed to the ladies, his heart lightening at the sight of Helen, yet he was careful not to show his enthusiasm in front of her brother and his wife.
Beatrice looked worriedly between the two men. “Sorry to intrude, my dear, but we heard Mr. Homeward had called and once you gentlemen have finished whatever it is you are talking about, could you send him to the drawing room as we have a few things to discuss around the charity ladies’ luncheon.”
Coldhurst looked at him with pity again. “A ladies’ luncheon, oh dear, you are going above and beyond for the cause,” he said to Clary.
He watched Helen standing there nibbling on her bottom lip and his groin tightened. He remembered just how pleasurable those lips were sliding up and down the hard length of him.
Coldhurst must have noted him staring as he cleared his throat before saying, “I think I understand your request.” He said to Clary, “Mr. Homeward is free now. I shall send word if I have any news.”
“Thank you, your lordship.” With that, Clary indicated that the ladies should precede him and he waited before following them from the room.
When they reached the drawing room Beatrice exclaimed, “Oh, I forgot to mention something to Sebastian. I’ll just pop back to his study and have a quick word.”
That’s how he found himself alone with Helen, the door to the room open of course. He hadn’t seen her since they had been intimate and his body roared to life. He took in her welcoming smile, and he wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life—and given he’d almost starved to death that said a lot.
Since he was in her brother’s home, more than ever Clary had to remember to behave like a gentleman. But he was conscious of every subtle nuance; her floral scent, her elaborate hairdo, with fair curls framing her heart-shaped face. He wanted nothing more than to take Helen into his arms and whisper words of love.
No, he wanted more. He wished they were alone in a place where he could remove every stitch of clothing, and feel bare skin to bare skin.
“Beatrice and I were going over the final arrangements for the charity luncheon in three weeks. The invitations are ready to be delivered. You haven’t forgotten your promise to come and talk to the ladies?”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
She stood there awkwardly, her smile fading slightly at his lack of engagement. “Was there a reason you needed to see my brother?”
His heart almost stopped as he suddenly realized it was concern showing on her beautiful face. He wondered for a moment what she might be concerned about and then the answer crashed over him in waves of disappointment. It was his presence in this house that was causing her distress. A dark suspicion poisoned his mind. “Did you think I’d come to talk to your brother about us?”
She gave a shrill laugh as her hands played with the lace on her gown. “Of course not.”
