Page 29 of Betrayal from Beyond
“So, Your Grace, I can only surmise that you have heard of the investment opportunities available for the new school I am forming.” Hanlin poured two brandies and handed one to Niall. “I confess, I can think of no other reason for your visit.”
“I have indeed heard of your new venture,” Niall confirmed.
Palpable relief flowed off the man. “Oh, good. You must agree, it is important work. Preparing a generation of capable, highly educated governesses can only benefit us all, as a society. After all, they will help mold the new crop of our leaders, noblemen, and businessmen.”
“I agree, wholeheartedly,” Niall said. He still had not drunk from his glass. “A first-rate education is so important to these women. Valuable knowledge that she can pass on—it seems crucial. As you said, a governess can be such an important influence in a child’s life.”
Hanlin nodded affably.
“I am very glad we are in accord,” Niall said.
“As am I.” Hanlin gave a little shrug. “I admit, I was afraid you might be here for another reason altogether.”
“But you just said you could not imagine another reason for my visit.”
The educator gave an uneasy chuckle. “Well…”
“Petra Scot,” said Niall.
“Indeed.” Hanlin took a long drink. “I suppose you heard that Scotland Yard was around, asking after her. They said she was making threats against you.”
“Yet you chose not to help them locate her,” Niall said evenly.
“Well, I don’t know where she is, do I? And you must know how it is with her. I don’t dare cross her again. Ungrateful chit. We gave her the most superlative education. A brilliant mind, that one. And we provided her with the best tutors. The finest scholars. We gave her access to far more than she might have learned, even had she been a legitimate royal. And what did she do? She used that brilliance to ruin us.”
“Only after she discovered you had been siphoning off funds meant for the care and upkeep of her and her fellow students—the children of your great experiment.”
Hanlin flushed. “A first-rate education does not come cheap.”
“Nor does a place like this. Or the second home you keep in Brighton. It seems you have recovered from the blow she and her League dealt you.” Niall raised a brow. “I surmise that you musthave squirreled away funds that even William Barnstable, with his superb grasp of finance, did not locate?”
“Now, see here—”
“But of course, there can be no price put on ethics, can there? On character. Which leads me right back to your original statement on the value of the governesses you mean to train.” He directed a level look at the man. “It stands to reason that a steady, stable temperament is equally important for these women, wouldn’t you agree? Forming the minds of our children is important work, as you said. It should be undertaken by those who are healthy in mind and spirit, as well as learned.”
Hanlin looked confused.
“And given the truth of that, it stands to reason that the man who undertakes the training of these women should nurture them gently, should value them accordingly. He should take the greatest care of the girls he is entrusted with. In fact, I should think he would wish to be an example of how to treasure all women, wouldn’t he?” Niall stopped and stared expectantly.
“Ah, of course,” said Hanlin.
“Then explain to me, sir, how forcing your attentions on a girl in your care, a girl who has come to you in hopes of fulfilling her dreams, is in any way nurturing or valuing her?”
Hanlin gaped at him.
“No true gentleman would use such a girl in such a way,” Niall sneered. “You are no gentleman, Hanlin, but rather a snake. Aworm. You were entrusted with her care. You were paid to safeguard and teach her—and instead you abused her and made her a vessel for your betrayal and basest weaknesses.”
“I don’t know what…who—” the man began to sputter.
“Miss Rose Martin, that is who.”
Anger and shame flooded the man’s features. “I don’t know what she has told you—”
“Everything, sir,” Niall interrupted. “She has told us everything.”
“Lies!” Hanlin cried.
“Are they? Peculiar, then, that they should be so similar to Miss Penny Baldwin’s, isn’t it?” Niall deliberately set his glass down. “And no, Miss Baldwin is no longer in residence at your little nest in Pelton Road, just as Miss Martin is no longer at the workhouse where you abandoned her.”
