A Dangerous Fortune(102)
Damn Tonio to hell. He was clever—and Papa was a fool, to run his mines like slave camps and then expect to raise money in the civilized world.
But what was to be done? Micky racked his brains. Tonio had to be silenced, but he would not be persuaded or bribed. A chill descended over Micky’s heart as he realized he would have to use cruder, riskier methods.
He pretended to be calm. “May I see the article, please?”
Augusta handed it to him.
The first thing he noticed was the hotel address at the top of the paper. Putting on an air of insouciance that he did not feel, he said: “Why, this is no problem at all.”
Edward protested: “But you haven’t read it yet!”
“I don’t need to. I’ve seen the address.”
“So what?”
“Now that we know where to find him, we can deal with him,” Micky said. “Leave it to me.”
CHAPTER THREE
MAY
1
SOLLY LOVED TO WATCH Maisie getting dressed.
Each evening she would put on her dressing jacket and summon her maids to pin her hair up and thread it with flowers or feathers or beads; then she would dismiss the servants and wait for her husband.
Tonight they were going out, which they did most evenings. The only time they stayed in, during the London season, was when they were giving a party. Between Easter and the end of July they never dined alone.
He came in at half-past six, in his dress trousers and white waistcoat, carrying a large glass of champagne. Maisie’s hair was decorated with yellow silk flowers tonight. She slipped out of her bedroom gown and stood naked in front of the mirror. She did a pirouette for Solly’s benefit then began to dress.
First she put on a linen chemise with a neckline embroidered with flowers. It had silk tapes at the shoulders to tie it to her dress so that it would not be seen. Next she drew on fine white woolen stockings and fastened them just above her knees with elastic garters. She stepped into a pair of knee-length loose cotton lawn drawers with pretty braiding at the hems and a drawstring waist, then put on yellow silk evening slippers.
Solly picked up her corset from its frame and helped her into it, then drew the laces tight at the back. Most women were helped to dress by one or two maids, for it was impossible for a woman to manage the elaborate corset and gown alone. However, Solly had learned to perform these services himself rather than go without the pleasure of watching.
Crinolines and bustles were no longer in fashion, but Maisie put on a cotton petticoat with a flounced train and a ruffled hem to support the train of her gown. The petticoat was fastened at the back with a bow, and Solly tied it.
At last she was ready for the gown. It was of yellow-and-white striped silk taffeta. The bodice was loosely draped, which flattered her large bosom, and caught at the shoulder with a bow. The rest of the garment was similarly swagged and caught at the waist, knee and hem. It took a maid all day to iron it.
She sat on the floor and Solly lifted the dress over her so that she was sitting inside it like a tent. Then she stood up carefully, putting her hands through the armholes and her head through the neck. Together she and Solly arranged the folds of the drapery until they looked right.
She opened her jewelry box and took out a diamond-and-emerald necklace and matching earrings that Solly had given her on their first wedding anniversary. As she was putting them on he said: “We’re going to be seeing a lot more of our old friend Hugh Pilaster from now on.”
Maisie muffled a sigh. Solly’s trusting nature could be tiresome. The normal suspicious-minded husband would have divined the attraction between Maisie and Hugh, and would be bad-tempered every time the other man’s name was mentioned, but Solly was too innocent. He had no idea he was putting temptation in her way. “Why, what’s happened?” she said neutrally.
“He’s coming to work at the bank.”
“Why is he leaving Pilasters? I thought he was doing so well.”
“They refused him a partnership.”
“Oh, no!” She knew Hugh better than anyone did, and she understood how badly he had suffered because of his father’s bankruptcy and suicide. She could guess how broken he was by the refusal of a partnership. “The Pilasters are a mean-spirited family,” she said with feeling.
“It’s because of his wife.”
Maisie nodded. “I’m not surprised.” She had witnessed the incident at the duchess of Tenbigh’s ball. Knowing the Pilasters as she did, she could not help wondering if Augusta had somehow stage-managed the whole incident in order to discredit Hugh.
“You have to feel sorry for Nora.”
“Mmm.” Maisie had met Nora, some weeks before the wedding, and had taken an instant dislike to her. Indeed, she had wounded Hugh by telling him Nora was a heartless gold digger and he should not marry her.
“Anyway, I suggested to Hugh that you might help her.”
“What?” Maisie said sharply. She looked away from her mirror. “Help her?”
“Rehabilitate her. You know what it’s like to be looked down on because of your background. You overcame all that prejudice.”
“And now I’m supposed to work the same transformation on every other guttersnipe who marries into society?” Maisie snapped.
“I’ve obviously done something wrong,” Solly said worriedly. “I thought you’d be glad to help, you’ve always been so fond of Hugh.”