A Rational Proposal (Furze House Irregulars Book 1)(41)
Nick raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite a list. You haven’t thought he may be Flint?”
Charles shook his head. “I don’t believe so. His life is too open. I have had a man watching him - or I did until he felt himself to be observed in turn. Simon Eastwick is bad through and through, but I do not get the sense of a great criminal mind at work. He preys on women whilst maintaining a home life that is just on this side of the law. He strives to be the lord of his village pond, not of the whole ocean.”
Fitz nodded. “What is your next move?”
“I am open to suggestions. Julia already has proof of his deceit where one young lady is concerned. Sadly, it is not sufficient to bring him to trial without compromising the family concerned and exposing the young woman to scandal and shame. I would prefer not to create a scandal, so exposing his card-sharping activities seems the most promising line.”
Nicholas sipped his wine. “It maybe an irregular source of knowledge, but your womenfolk are certainly getting results, Charles. Look how quickly they found out about the Pool when they put their information together.”
“Irregular is right. They do not know when to stop. I would have both Verity and Julia safely out of town, but they will not leave without Mrs Eastwick and she is too scared to move at present. You may believe me when I say I am expediting the matter of Furze House as fast as the due processes of the law allow. I do think Kitty will talk more freely when she feels safe. “
Fitz regarded him thoughtfully. ”Nick’s levity has more than a grain of truth,” he said. “Ladies go where we cannot. They trust each other where they will not trust us. I have noticed it with my sister. A few careful female conversations now and again could save us a deal of time.”
Charles beat down the irrational rage that filled him at this statement, and forced himself to examine the idea coolly. He came to the reluctant conclusion that Fitz might be right. “It is a possibility, yes,” he managed, “but I would still have them away from London. There may yet be hope for a word from Molly. Verity’s latest plan is to invite her to Newmarket with them and to turn the rear of Furze House into a laundry to help finance the place.” He winced, bracing himself for the inevitable ribald comments.
“A laundry?” said Nick, with a shout of laughter. “Is that what those houses are called these days?”
Charles drained his glass. “Exactly so, but she insists it will be respectable. She says they will entertain morning callers and hold card evenings and sewing afternoons for their friends and go about their normal daily business.” He paused, then added unwillingly, “She also suggests, if you please, that if Furze House is not thought entirely respectable, then it would be the perfect location for the Pool to meet or exchange reports when out of town, because any curious outsiders will imagine us gentleman are otherwise engaged. I declare I will hang for the minx. She should not even know of these things. She will be tarnished by association if such a rumour gets abroad. Now do you see why I wish to remove her from town and settle her respectably?”
The other two men exchanged a considering look.
“What?” said Charles into the silence.
“I understand your objections regarding Miss Bowman’s reputation, but it is not necessarily a bad plan to have a house in Newmarket where we could meet,” said Nick cautiously. “I certainly could have done with one last week. Arriving at the race meeting so late, I had a desperate time finding a half-decent room. I ended up in a truckle bed in the loft of the White Hart along with half-a-dozen of the worst topers in town. Don’t hate me, Charles, but I did look over your Furze House out of curiosity - and was favourably impressed. Think about it. Rothwell keeps horses with his brother-in-law. You have clients in Suffolk. I daresay Fitz visits the racecourse from time to time.”
“I don’t, but I do have a sister who would be delighted to request my escort in order to search out any or all antiquities in the area. I daresay she would be as ready as the others to join your irregulars, though preferably without the taint of scandal.” He shrugged. “Newmarket is less than a day’s journey from London. It seems a workable plan when we have large schemes to put together. If you require more finance, it’s yours.”
“You are both impossible,” said Charles shortly. He passed a hand across his forehead. “Forgive me, gentlemen, I am appalling company today.”
Fitz rose. “We are done in any case. I shall ensconce myself in a corner of White’s and no one will know how long I have been there.”
“I will fence, I think,” said Nicholas, lazily stretching. “I’ll give you five minutes to get clear, Fitz.”
Fitz nodded and left.
“You know, Charles,” said Nick, “I’ve seen you flatten a bully, I’ve seen you tie up a thief with one hand and I’ve seen you at the card table stripping a cheat of his winnings without breaking sweat. It is not like you to be plain out of sorts. Is it Miss Bowman?”
“Damn your eyes, Nick.”
“What is the objection?”
“There is no objection, because it will not happen. She is a gentleman’s daughter. I am a working attorney with barely a pound to my name - and will be for many years yet. If I am out of sorts, it is because I am concerned for her reputation.”
Nicholas tossed down the remains of his wine and sauntered towards the door. “I’ll tell you one thing for free, my friend, there are only two options when a woman gets to you. Love ’em or leave ’em.”