Pamela studied herself in the mirror, hoping the dim lighting would not show her injuries too much, since there was apparently going to be a guest for dinner.
Nick was in the drawing room, sipping on a brandy and speaking with a gentleman whose back was to her. “Ah, there she is.” He placed his glass on the table and walked toward her. The man turned and Pamela studied him and then broke into a smile.
He offered her a bow and said, “Lady Pamela, how lovely to see you again.”
Nick looked between the two of them and scowled.
12
“You two know each other?” Nick’s comment was polite, but Pamela recognized it as lacking its usual warmth.
Pamela looked over at him. “Yes. M-M-Marcus is Addie’s br-brother.”
He didn’t care for the informal way Pamela referred to Mallory. He decided more formality was in order. “Lady Berkshire? She is Mr. Mallory’s sister?”
“Yes.” Mallory turned to Nick. “I had the privilege of meeting Lady Pamela at my sister’s wedding last year.”
Nick walked to Pamela and wrapped his arm around her waist. “It truly is a small world, is it not?” He felt like an idiot being so possessive, but he didn’t like the way Mallory looked at Pamela. However, from what he’d heard about the man from those who recommended him as the person to possibly help in the search for Lizbeth Davenport, he was a known rake, unwilling to please his parents and settle down with a wife and family.
“I heard about your accident. Or rather, it was not really an accident but more of an on-purpose.” Marcus smiled warmly at her.
Nick’s lips tightened and he turned to Pamela. “May I get you something to drink, Pamela?” No point in being formal with her. Just to let Marcus know where things stood. Pamela smirked at him when he placed his arm around her, but she didn’t make a scene and toss it off.
“Yes. A sh-sherry, please.”
Mrs. Fletcher arrived in the room to join them and waved off Nick’s offer of a drink.
“Although you are still lovely, anyway, it appears you took quite a beating when you were run down.” Mallory shook his head in sympathy at Pamela.
She took the glass from Nick and turned to Marcus, giving a brief nod. “I’m j-j-just grateful that I didn’t s-s-suffer anything worse than a few b-bumps and br-bruises.” She took a sip of sherry and viewed him over the top of her glass. “S-since you are h-here, I assume you are the g-g-gentleman who is h-helping us locate M-Miss Davenport?”
“Yes. Mr. Smith contacted me because of my work on a bill that keeps passing in the House of Lords, but not in the House of Commons. It bothers me that my fellow MPs can’t see the benefit of raising the age of consent and thwarting the increase in child prostitution.”
“There are those who object?” Nick asked as he swirled the brandy around in his glass.
Marcus nodded. “Yes. The bill passed the Lords in 1883 but failed in the Commons. It was again introduced in 1884, but for a second time was dropped. Just this year the bill was introduced once more and passed by the Lords, but it now languishes in the Commons again.” He took a sip of his drink and shook his head. “Parliament will adjourn shortly, and I hope to gain enough votes in favor to pass it this time, but it doesn’t look promising.”
“Dinner is served,” Grossman announced from the doorway, gaining their attention.
The four of them proceeded to the dining room. The room was as well-appointed as the rest of the house. Nick had always enjoyed his time with Montrose when he w
as in London and appreciated the man’s generosity with his house when Nick needed it. Montrose was one of the men he’d met on his way up from the streets. He had offered Nick a position in one of his businesses where he learned a great deal. Montrose had then acted as a mentor for years after Nick struck out on his own.
Nick pulled out Pamela’s chair and Marcus helped Mrs. Fletcher into hers. He was pleased to see that Marcus seemed to have picked up on the fact that Pamela was spoken for. He wasn’t sure if there was interest on the man’s part, but before it could develop, it was wise to forestall it.
One footman poured wine while the other offered each diner a whitefish in a cream sauce. Pamela shook out her napkin and placed it on her lap. “T-tell me m-more about this b-bill.”
Marcus picked up his fork and addressed Pamela. “The Criminal Law Amendment Act is meant to protect women and girls and suppress brothels. It will also raise the age of consent and delineate the penalties for sexual offenses against women and children.”
“Why would anyone object to that?” Mrs. Fletcher asked.
“Money. It always comes down to money.” Marcus took a sip of wine and nodded at Nick. “I’m sure you know precisely what I mean, Mr. Smith.”
“Nick, if you please. Since we will be working together, I think formality is not needed.” Especially, Nick thought, since it appeared Marcus was not paying Pamela any more attention than anyone else.
The fish plates were whisked away and soon platters of chicken fricassee, rice, three vegetables, hot rolls and butter were placed on the table. Pamela did her best to maneuver with her wrist still paining her, but Mrs. Fletcher was quick enough to help her when she fumbled with her food.
Nick addressed Mrs. Fletcher. “In answer to your question, there is a great deal of money to be made in the selling of women and children. The ‘cleaner’ the woman is, the higher the price her procurer could demand.”