The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(92)

“Wait, I might know somethin’.”

“Indeed?” The man nodded. Clearly this was not one of the bullies of St. Giles. He wondered briefly where Miss Betsy had found him. “Very well. What do you know?”

“She, Miss Susan, was right chatty. She was happy when we picked her up. Said someone called Sir Reginald was comin’ fer her, and they was goin’ to get leg-shackled.”

Sir Reginald? The only man Con knew by that name was not only at a standstill but wasn’t fit company for a young lady. As far as he knew, the man was not received in Polite Society.

“Do you happen to know where Miss Betsy was to meet him?”

“A hedge tavern not far from here. Called the Gray Horse.”

“You have been helpful. I’ll have more questions for you later.” A loud crash sounded from above them. “Please excuse me. There is something I must see to.”

He strode out of the room in time to see a big bruiser come tumbling down the stairs with Jeffers running after him, shouting, “Don’t let him get away!”

The blackguard landed at Merton’s feet and tried to get up, but Merton held a pistol to the side of the man’s head. “I wouldn’t if I were you. in general, I object to using violence around ladies. However, I will make an exception for you.”

The next thing he knew, a woman was screaming. “Sam! Did he hurt you?”

The woman bustled forward, and Charlotte whispered in Con’s ear, “Mrs. Wick.”

“This seems to be a family affair.” The landlady looked as if she was going to jump on Merton. Before she could act, Con drawled, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Unless you want Sam dead?”

“You!” Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll get the magistrate on you.”

“Please do call him. I believe he will be extremely interested in the part you and your family have played in a flesh-selling scheme.”

“Flesh-selling?” Mrs. Wick’s hands fisted at her hips. “I’ll have you know I’m a good Christian woman.”

Charlotte took in the vignette. Merton still had his pistol pointed at Sam’s head. Jeffers seemed to be frozen on the first stair tread. Mrs. Wick still looked as if she would like to fly at someone, but could not decide who. Two outriders stood in the doorway to what Charlotte assumed was the common room, holding a man whose hands were tied, and Constantine was surveying the scene through his quizzing glass. She could only think he was attempting to intimidate the landlady.

Standing to the side, Mr. Wick looked like a scared rabbit—although, hare might be more appropriate—ready to spring.

She decided to deal with the landlady first. “Mrs. Wick.” The woman’s eyes rounded as she finally noticed Charlotte. “The truth of the matter is that Miss Betsy was a procuress. She did not rescue women and children. She took orders from men just as you might order a bonnet, and sold them.” The older woman’s mouth dropped open. “I—none of us”—Charlotte waved her hand at Dotty, Constantine, and Merton—“believe that you were aware of her activities. As a matter of fact, based on the short conversation I had with your daughter, I am quite sure you did not know what Miss Betsy was doing.”

Mrs. Wick shook her head. “No, my lady. I didn’t.” She pointed her finger at Sam. “But I’ll wager my last penny if that blackguard didn’t know.” She speared him with a furious look. “And didn’t say a word to me.”

Sam, apparently, had the good sense to keep his mouth shut as he said not a thing.

“Well, then,” Charlotte continued, “my cousins and my betrothed came here to rescue the young lady Miss Betsy was to have collected.”

“She’ll make ye pay for interferin’, Peg,” Sam said.

Not so sensible after all. “She died yesterday,” Charlotte replied. Sam seemed smaller all of a sudden. “What we would like to know is how many times she brought women and children here, and if you can tell me anything about them.”

Mrs. Wick straightened and nodded slowly. “I’ll write it all down for you.”

“Thank you. We appreciate all the help you can give us. Your daughter might be able to help you.”

Constantine had lowered his quizzing glass sometime after Charlotte had begun to speak. “Nicely done, my lady. What made you decide to intervene?”

“The look on her face when you accused her of being in league with Miss Betsy. She was so furious I did not think she would listen to anything else you had to say.”

He drew out the room key. “I should tell you that the young lady may not believe she requires rescuing. Apparently she has been deceived by Sir Reginald Stanley. What I don’t understand is how he got anywhere near her.”

“Who is Sir Reginald? I’ve never heard of him.” Charlotte waited while Jeffers and another outrider removed Sam from in front of the stairs.

“Your brother would have put a bullet into him if he had come within a half mile of you or your sisters. A year or two ago, dear Sir Reggie tried to make off with an heiress who did not appreciate his efforts. Suffice it to say he is shunned. Not only that, but he’s been barred from his clubs for not paying his gambling debts.” Constantine held his arm out for her. “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him around Town lately.”