Page 93 of A Story of Love

Lori hadn’t thought her face could get any hotter. “Yes, that time. In any case, what I saw in the window was proof that his lordship is hardly an angel of mercy. To me he looked more than willing to exploit his own employees for his pleasure.”

Mrs. Marlowe’s smile grew.

“What? Why are you smiling like that?”

“Because I would like to tell you something. But it must go no further than the two of us—not into your article or anywhere else. Is that possible?”

If she agreed to what this woman was asking, then she would have to abide by it, regardless of how useful the information might be. She stared hard at Mrs. Marlowe, who merely waited, expressionless.

“Fine. I give you my word that I won’t tell anyone else what you are about to tell me.”

Mrs. Marlowe looked pointedly at the quill in Lori’s hand.

She laid it down.

“The woman you saw him with was not an employee. She was a lover from his own class. And he didn’t bring her here, she followed him and all but forced her way into The King’s Purse.”

“From his own class?” Lori couldn’t keep the disbelief from her voice.

“Yes.”

“Are you saying that was a peeress I saw kneeling and—er, well, are you sure?”

“Yes. I even know which peeress, but that is something I will not tell you.”

Lori had to bite her tongue to keep from begging. Just who would be brave enough—or careless enough with their reputation—to come down here? Other than Lori—of course—but then she wasn’t a peeress, was she?

She opened her mouth.

“I will not tell you the woman’s name.”

“I wasn’t going to ask,” she said, only lying a little bit. “So, you’re telling me that he’s never had sexual relations with one of the women here?”

“Not to my knowledge. And not very much happens in this building that I don’t know about, Miss Fontenot.”

Lori could believe that. “So… then why does his keep this place?”

“I don’t know. He doesn’t take any profits and allows me to operate it the way I wish.”

“He doesn’t take any money at all?”

“None. And yet he put a great deal of money into the enterprise.”

“That is… Well, I can’t believe it.”

“You have my word of honor that I’m telling the truth.” She lifted her eyebrows. “Or doesn’t a woman’s word carry any weight with you?”

Lori laughed. “Touché, Mrs. Marlowe. You said he lets you operate the business your way?”

The other woman nodded.

“And what way is that?”

“I have final approval over our clients, which means there are no violent or openly diseased men. I don’t sell children or virgins or anyone who is unwilling. If somebody comes here out of desperation, I offer them other choices instead of exploiting their need.”

“What sort of choices?”

“Lord Severn lends his name to letters of reference for anyone who wants to go into service or work in one of the manufactories he invests in. All they must do is show willing to work hard and learn whatever trade they wish to pursue. Most of the time that’s not difficult as so many girls were already in service when their master—or their master’s offspring—took advantage of them and destroyed their lives.”