Page 11 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Yes, but we both know he was so much more than that,” Baldwin pressed, “especially after that assignment in France.”

Corbyn pursed his lips together. “I do not like to talk about that mission.”

“Neither do I.”

Oliver glanced between them and asked, “What assignment?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Corbyn said dismissively. “It’s not an assignment that I like to revisit. It was a disaster and resulted in the loss of an agent.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” Oliver stated.

Corbyn abruptly rose. “I just wanted you to hear about Hannity’s death from me.”

“I appreciate that,” Baldwin said.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to try to find out who killed Hannity and left me a blasted note,” Corbyn grumbled.

Oliver looked at him in surprise. “Are you working this case?”

“I am,” he replied. “All of my agents are assigned to other cases, and I’m afraid Hannity’s death is personal.”

“Would you care for some assistance?” Baldwin asked.

Corbyn gave him a pointed look. “Need I remind you that you are retired?”

“I would be happy to come out of retirement to assist in this case,” Baldwin responded eagerly.

“We shall see,” Corbyn said. “For now, I am going to meet with one of my informants and see if they’ve heard anything.”

“I wish you luck,” Baldwin remarked.

“Luck has nothing to do with this assignment,” Corbyn stated as he walked over to the door. “I will find the person who killed Hannity and shall return the favor.”

Baldwin rose from his seat. “Don’t get yourself killed, Corbyn.”

Corbyn gave his friend an amused look. “The fact that I’m not already dead is a testament to my abilities.” He opened the door. “Good day, gentlemen.”

With a stiffback, Jane sat in the coach as it traveled through the disreputable part of Town. She watched as dirty young children dressed in tattered clothing raced along, occasionally skirting the coaches in the street. She couldn’t help but wonder where the parents were, and if they were aware of what their children were doing.

Madalene’s voice broke through her musings. “Don’t you wish you could help them all?” she asked, glancing out the window.

“I do,” she replied honestly.

“It is a travesty that our peers are not doing more to help the people in these sections of Town,” Madalene said firmly. “Frankly, it is a social injustice.”

“I agree.”

“Most likely, the parents are at work and the children have been left to fend for themselves,” Madalene explained.

“That is awful.”

“It is better than the children working,” Madalene remarked. “Some of the jobs that require the use of children are horrific, such as chimney sweeper or factory worker.”

Jane frowned. “I can’t even imagine putting children in such dangerous situations.”

“Sadly, it is commonplace here.”

“I am glad that you opened your orphanage,” Jane praised. “You are helping all of those girls to have a real future.”

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