Page 31 of The Virgin and the Viscount

“I can support those efforts. But assigning these women to the streets to confront thieves and other criminals is reckless and foolhardy.”

She eyed him carefully for several moments. “What is it that you want, Viscount Glenbrook?”

“I want you to dissolve the organization.”

“Impossible. I have worked too hard and too long building this group to shut it down because you wish it.” She pointed a delicate finger at him. “You are but one man and Tilly, though I adore her, is but one member of my group.”

He hadn’t expected her to agree to his demands. He’d heard the rumors about her, how she had once played a significant role in protecting Queen Victoria from an assassination plot. Lord Somersby was one of the only men in London taller than Sullivan. He was a beast of a man who adored his wife. Nothing Sullivan did or said would change the group. He’d have to find another way to meet Lady X’s demands while keeping his wife safe. He needed the information she had.

“It would appear we’re at an impasse,” he said.

“Might I offer some marital advice?”

He nodded. “Very well.”

“Allow Tilly the freedom to be who she is. She is a remarkable woman and rather talented. I hope you will nurture that and not try to stifle her. You will find your marriage will be much happier if you can keep your wife happy.”

“I’m not certain I can do that.”

“It’s my experience that women like Tilly are remarkably stubborn and determined.” She smiled broadly and patted her chest. “I know this because I am one. We’re headstrong and independent. You cannot lock her away. She will find a way to do the things she wants to do, with or without your permission. The best way to keep her safe is to support her.”

He suspected there was truth to Lady Somersby’s advice, but he didn’t have the luxury for that. He needed to find the proof that Thomas had killed Roderick, and likely another man who had witnessed the ordeal. Sullivan stood.

“Thank you for your time. I’m sorry to have interrupted your afternoon.”

Lady Somersby smiled and took a sip of her tea.

…

Tilly was humming to herself when she stepped into her bedchamber. It had been a good day. What a relief to resume her Ladies of Virtue duties. Bond Street had been relatively quiet, but she and Justine had managed to stop a pickpocket before he’d caused too much damage.

There had been no sign of any child thieves. She was grateful but suspicious of their absence. It was a good thing, she supposed. After speaking to Lady Somersby about options, the woman had suggested Tilly speak to a handful of orphanages in the city. Unfortunately, none of them had any room for additional children. She’d have to come up with another solution for when she ran into one of them again.

She dropped her reticule and cloak on her bed and turned around. She screamed when she saw Sullivan sitting across the room.

Her hand flew to her throat. “You scared me half to death!” Her heart pounded forcefully.

His expression was dark and he said nothing, merely tilted his head.

He sat, legs spread wide, no cravat, no waistcoat, with his shirt rolled up to his elbows and an expanse of his chest exposed. There was a smattering of brown hair on the part of his torso she could see. Her eyes drank in his bare forearms and she couldn’t help but admire the well-toned muscles and veins cording up his arms.

“What are you doing in here?” she asked, her mouth suddenly dry. “Just waiting to see if you could frighten me?”

“What have you been doing today?”

Her stomach bottomed out and her heart froze in her chest. “I told you, I went shopping.”

“Shopping? That all?” His jaw tightened.

She swallowed. Did he know? How could he? “Yes.”

“Did you buy anything?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t find anything I liked or needed.”

He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. One brow slowly arched. “I could have sworn I saw you with a pocket watch. Perhaps a bracelet.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You followed me?” Her palms grew damp with perspiration and she wiped them on her skirts. “Why would you do that?”

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