Page 67 of Why Do Earls Fall in Love?
Chapter 14
The Hen’s Tooth, the coffee shop in the Strand where Stoneacre had summoned him, sat not far from Half Moon House, where the earl’s wife held sway. All the staff in the shop were female, and Whiddon wondered if they were beneficiaries of Hestia’s famous vow to help any woman who asked.
Perhaps. Perhaps not. But they all paid attention when Chester entered right behind him, his big form blocking the light from the doorway. Stoneacre looked up too, from where he sat with coffee and a pile of newspapers. He indicated they should sit with him and he wasted no time once they were settled.
“Whatever, however you are messing about with Perry, stop it at once.” It came out an order.
“Why?” Whiddon asked bluntly.
“I could give you a hundred reasons. Officially, he’s a printer and publisher, connected to every radical and revolutionary group in England and across Europe. He will print anything, even the most vile and vicious calls to arms. It’s said he funds some of them, as well.” He leaned in. “Unofficially, he runs one of the most particularly violent criminal gangs in London. The government is watching him from several different directions. And he’s watching back. He has eyes and ears everywhere.”
“In the Privy Council?” Whiddon asked, surprised.
“Lord, no. Thank goodness. But in the Home Office. And elsewhere.” Stoneacre raised a brow at him. “He’s one of your refugees, isn’t he?”
Whiddon glared at Chester.
“Don’t look at me like that,” his friend protested. “I didn’t tell him.”
“Nobody told me.” Stoneacre sat back and folded his arms. “Did your father think no one would ever speak of his . . . treachery? There are several old reports and complaints filed against him.” He shrugged. “As far as I can tell, nobody was ever able to produce any proof, so he was left alone.”
A serving girl brought two more cups and fresh coffee. Stoneacre waited until she had finished and gone, then he met Whiddon’s gaze directly. “The Home Office knows what you have been up to, as well.”
Whiddon bristled. “Do they think they can tell me to stop altogether?”
“Only with regard to Perry. I haven’t heard any other orders, or even any suggestion of it. A few who know your purpose think you daft, but most find the notion honorable.” He frowned. “If you think Perry is—”
“We think he’s the Comte de Perette,” Whiddon interrupted. “Is he?”
Meeting his gaze, Stoneacre gave a slow nod. “If Perry is on your list . . .”
“Of course, he is,” Chester huffed. “Why else would we be mucking about with such a man?”
“Well, the worry did cross a few minds that you might be revolutionaries yourselves, but I disabused them of the notion. But in the case of this particular refugee, you should stand down.”
“Good luck getting him to listen to sound advice,” Chester muttered.
“Actually, you might be right. Both of you.” Whiddon gave Chester a look. “This time.”
“Quick. Write it down.” Chester searched frantically among Stoneacre’s papers. “Have you a quill? Note the day! Whiddon is taking advice.”
“Very funny.” Whiddon sighed. “But if you are right, Stoneacre, and if Perry is so well connected, then he also must have heard what I am up to. I’ve approached him. He’s not interested. Perhaps it should stay that way.”
“I am relieved to hear you say so. You do have more than yourself to worry for, now, do you not?” Stoneacre raised his cup. “To leaving this alone.”
Chester echoed him enthusiastically.
Whiddon made the toast, but the brew went down bitterly.
* * *
After Whiddon disappeared,Charlotte went to her room to press a cold cloth to her eyes and to struggle for a bit of composure.It was just a setback. She told her reflection so, sternly. A setback. That’s all. She was playing the long game and she would not give up now.
She could not take the silence and inactivity for long, however. With a sigh, she went to check on the progress with the dining room.
She met Hurley on the landing. He was dressed like a lord, in buff and blue. “How very smart you look, Hurley.” She eyed the hat in his hand. “Going out?”
“I am. I have an appointment with a brewer. I’m searching for a new contract for the house.”
