Page 58 of A Literary Liaison
He left the sentence hanging, but Hereford nodded in understanding. In the charged political atmosphere, with Chartist uprisings and Irish unrest, such literature was dynamite.
“Now,” Edgar said, pulling out Miss Lovelace’s letter to lighten the mood, “What do you make of her response?”
Hereford scanned the letter, a smile tugging at his lips. “What do you know? She’s accepted the challenge. A brave soul, she is.”
“That she is, but…” Edgar sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t anticipate how it would feel to wound her, even in my guise as Steele.”
Hereford’s expression softened. “It is adorable to witness you wearing your heart on your sleeve. I do not believe I have seen you thus, not even when…”
Edgar nodded, understanding his friend’s intended words. “I loved Lucia but not with the urgency I feel now. Elisha, on the other hand… I care for her more than I should. More than is wise.”
Hereford clapped him on the shoulder. “The heart wants what it wants, old friend. But for now, we must focus on the task at hand. This wager will make Miss Linde the talk of London’s literary circles. It’s a step toward making her acceptable in the eyes of Society.”
Edgar nodded, squaring his shoulders. “You’re right, of course. We must see this through.”
Carefully replacing the pamphlets, Hereford paused. “Lancaster,” he said softly, “are all these,” he gestured at the controversial literature, “because of what Miss Linde said? This is dangerous.”
Edgar’s expression was somber as he nodded. “I know. Believe me, I know.”
“I must ask. What exactly is your purpose with these pamphlets?”
Edgar turned to face Hereford, his expression resolute. “My only duty is to store them. The Pioneer’s contacts will access them as needed.”
“Can they be trusted?”
Edgar nodded. “Adams has obtained a signed letter from the leader, leverage I can use for protection should it be required.”
“My next question is why are you showing me this?”
“These shall be hidden behind the erotic literature. I would not wish to disappoint any gentleman by giving them the wrong prohibited material. The letter from the leader is kept here.” Edgar pulled out a small brick from behind the desk.
Hereford exhaled loudly. “I do not mean any offense, but I thought you did not believe in radical changes.”
“That is true, but I am beginning to see that the reform is more urgently needed than I had believed. The Factory Act was a start, but it’s not enough. We need comprehensive labor reform, Hereford. Shorter working hours, better conditions, a living wage.”
“That’s a radical position for a duke.”
“It is, but I have a better chance of survival than all the others who are directly involved. These pamphlets are a way to spread the message but also to gauge the pulse of the reform movement. I must protect the authors who risk everything to speak out.”
Hereford opened his mouth agape as realization dawned. “She is one of the authors! You are doing this to protect her!”
Edgar nodded. “Aye.”
“Edgar, you’re a noble fool. You are risking everything for a woman? What would your family say?”
“They are unaware.”
Hereford puffed out air. “I must say, I did not realize how deeply you felt for Miss Linde. I cannot comprehend it.”
“I pray you will one day,” Edgar said. “Was it erroneous to involve you?”
Hereford shook his head. “No. The four of us have always helped each other in any way we could. You made the right decision by uniting as many powerful families as possible. It is about time my stuffy family did something good for others. I shall blame it on my least favorite uncle if I must.”
“Ah, the one with a penchant for groping boys?”
“Aye, that one. And now, to the most important question… What is happening with our original venture of erotic literature?”
Edgar’s eyes twinkled. “We continue as planned. We need a cover, more so now than before.”
