Loving the Hawke (The Seven Curses of London Book 1)

by Williams, Lana

Lettie glanced at where Nathaniel was looking and sighed at her mother’s frown. She’d thought their position hidden from her view. “I suppose I’ve been speaking with you overlong.”

  “Is that what her look means?”

  “My mother’s look matches your brother’s.”

  Nathaniel turned to follow her gaze and scowled at his brother’s approach.

  Lettie decided it was time to take her leave. His brother did not look pleased. “I look forward to hearing from you as to your answer. The sooner the better I might add.” She curtsied and walked toward her mother, hoping he’d agree.

  ~*~

  “Who was that?” Tristan asked.

  “Letitia Fairchild.” Nathaniel didn’t offer anything further.

  “Isn’t she the same one you’ve been dancing with of late?”

  “Yes.”

  “Twice?”

  “Yes.” Nathaniel refused to be baited into sharing more information. His brother was the one who was supposed to be dancing.

  “Do you expect this relationship to progress?”

  “No.”

  Tristan frowned. “Why not?”

  Because I don’t intend to marry. The words almost spilled out of Nathaniel before he stopped himself. If he admitted that, his brother would want to know why. Nathaniel didn’t care to discuss the reason behind it. Instead, he changed the subject. “Have you fulfilled Mother’s requirement to dance with three ladies?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?” Two could play at this game.

  “Touché.” Tristan smiled. “How is your leg doing?”

  “Improving. I don’t intend to stay long.”

  “You’ve spoken with Miss Fairchild so your mission has been accomplished? Attending a ball for the purpose of speaking briefly with one lady, eh? Despite your denial, I can only assume she is special to you.”

  “We share some common interests.”

  “Truly?” Tristan gazed at him as though genuinely curious.

  His question made Nathaniel realize how unusual it was to find anyone who shared his interests, let alone a woman. He also realized Tristan never seemed to speak with anyone, male or female. Nathaniel thought back over his brother’s time at university. As Tristan was several years older than he, he hadn’t paid much attention.

  They’d rarely brought friends home. Their father’s reaction to others was never certain. Best to avoid having to explain his deplorable behavior and verbal tirades. He and Tristan had never discussed it—it was an unspoken rule.

  “What sort of interests?”

  “For one, The Seven Curses of London.” Nathaniel could only shake his head at the coincidence, still amazed by it.

  “That book you’re reading?” Tristan’s gaze sought Lettie once again. “A bookish sort, is she? I’m surprised such a thing appeals to you.”

  Nathaniel thought that an odd thing to say. “What sort of lady do you prefer?”

  “One I don’t have to speak to.” Tristan’s expression chilled. He gave Nathaniel a nod. “I see someone I know.” Without any further comment, he walked away.

  His brother seemed to have more secrets than Nathaniel had realized, and Tristan didn’t seem the least inclined to share any of them. In the past, that would’ve been fine with Nathaniel, but of late, he found himself wanting to know what his brother was thinking.

  That was odd indeed.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “Although it is not possible, in a book of moderate dimensions, such as this, to treat the question of neglected children with that extended care and completeness it undoubtedly deserves, any attempt at its consideration would be glaringly deficient did it not include some reference to the modern and murderous institution known as “baby farming.””

  ~ The Seven Curses of London

  Lettie and her maid, Cora, entered Madam Daphne’s seamstress shop the next morning. She’d told her mother she was in need of new undergarments, but in truth, she wanted to see if the shop still needed apprentices.

  If Nathaniel refused to help her, she was considering another visit to Blackfriars Bridge to find girls who might welcome a seamstress apprenticeship. While not easy work, it had to be better than a job in a factory.

  “Good morning to you, Miss Fairchild,” Molly, the new proprietress, greeted her. She and her mother had taken over the shop from Miss Maycroft and her aunt earlier this year.

  Lettie hadn’t known the former owners well, but she knew Tessa Maycroft had married an earl and moved to Northumberland along with her aunt, who had been her partner in the shop. Molly continued the longstanding tradition of offering apprenticeships to girls eager to learn a trade and unique seamstress skills that might provide a better living.

  “Good morning, Molly. I wanted to see if you had any openings.” Lettie glanced toward the back of the shop where several girls sat around a long wooden table lit with lamps. Each girl worked on a garment.

  One of the girls glanced up, caught sight of Lettie, and rose with a smile on her face.

  Lettie recognized her instantly from a few days ago on Blackfriars Bridge. “Alice? You came.” Happiness flooded her.

  “Hello, miss.” With a hesitant glance at Molly who nodded permission, she came forward. “Miss Molly has been ever so kind as to give me a job.”

  “I’m so pleased. How do you like it thus far?”

  “Very well. There’s much to learn, but Miss Molly is an excellent teacher and patient with me clumsy fingers.”

  “Alice is being modest,” Molly offered. “She’s a quick learner and has done well on her mending projects. Soon she’ll be learning the more intricate embroidery stitches.”

  “Well done,” Lettie exclaimed.

  “Thank ye again for risking so much to speak with me that day,” Alice continued. Again she looked at Molly as though for permission.

  “I think you should tell her,” Molly encouraged.

  “What is it?” Lettie asked.

  “That man you were speaking with at Blackfriars? The one who interrupted us?” At Lettie’s nod, she continued, “He rescued two girls from a brothel two days past.”

  “He did?” Lettie knew her mouth was agape, but she could hardly believe Alice’s words.

  “The girls live in the same lodging house as me. Anna said they took positions as maids, but it was all a terrible trick. A man took them to a brothel instead and locked them in rooms at the top of this big, fancy house. She was scared out of her wits as they told her she’d never see her family again. Yer Mr. Hawke showed up, and Anna feared he was some man come to take her virginity as that’s what the brothel madam told her was going to happen. But instead, he says how he’s taking her home.”

  “Oh, my goodness,” Lettie exclaimed, goose flesh spreading up her arms as she shared an incredulous look with Molly.

  “Anna said how it got worse when some of the guards tried to stop them. Yer man fought them off single-handed.”

  Your man. The words echoed in Lettie’s head even though she knew they weren’t true. “They escaped?”

  “Yes. True to his word, he took them both home and gave them some money to help their families.”

  A warm glow filled Lettie. Nathaniel was a hero. To take such a terrible risk by himself, find the girls and free them... She could hardly take it in. “Those girls were brave to have the courage to follow him.”

  “Anna said she could tell just by lookin’ at him that he was no ordinary toff.”

  “I know just what she means,” Lettie agreed, well aware of the curious look on Molly’s face.

  “Anna and Tillie are so grateful. They said if I was to see you, I was to ask if ye would tell him again how thankful they are. They’d be trapped in that brothel for the rest of their lives if it weren’t for him.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell him next time I see him.”

  “Is he your man then?” Alice asked with a shy smile.

  “No. Nothing of the sort. We are merely...” She wasn’t quite certain how to d
efine their relationship. “Friends, I suppose you could say.”

  A glance at the rest of the girls in the shop showed them all avidly listening.

  “I’ll be certain to pass the girls’ message to him.”

  Alice went back to work while Molly showed her some of the chemise choices. As Lettie selected one, Molly said, “Forgive me for saying so, miss, but have you ever thought about wearing brighter colors?” She tilted her head as she looked over Lettie’s pastel gown. “I think something like this would be more becoming on you.” Molly reached for a vibrant silk scarf in royal blue and held it up to Lettie’s face then nodded for her to take a look in the mirror.

  The image reflecting back at her startled Lettie. In truth, it made her uncomfortable. “Oh, well, bright colors are reserved for married ladies and widows, aren’t they?”

  “Not always,” Molly countered. “Some of the ladies have realized pastels don’t suit their coloring. Just something for you to consider. After all, it isn’t your first Season.”

  Heat stole through Lettie’s cheeks.

  “Oh, miss, I meant no harm. I’m only saying that if you were presenting at court, you would need to wear pastels but as that’s behind you, you have more choices.”

  Lettie smiled. “Of course.” It was only her own insecurity that made her uncomfortable at the reminder. “I will keep it in mind.”

  Lettie was lost in thought as they returned home, imagining the events Alice had described. Nathaniel was an amazing man. All the same, Lettie was concerned. He’d risked his life to save the girls. No wonder his leg hurt so badly. Why hadn’t he taken someone with him for added protection? His brother surely would’ve aided him. Then again, rescuing young girls from brothels was not proper behavior for an earl.

  If only Nathaniel would confide in her so she knew what he was doing. That would allow her to aid him when needed. Perhaps she could force him to allow her to help. She might have to attempt that next since he was being so stubborn.

  ~*~

  “Set out my other suit as well, Dibbles,” Nathaniel ordered as he dressed for the day.

  “Why?”

  Nathaniel could only shake his head at his butler’s impertinence. “Because I intend to venture out this evening.”

  “To where?”

  Nathaniel leveled a gaze at the older man.

  “I’m merely asking to confirm to which suit you’re referring.”

  Well aware the old man was lying, Nathaniel tried to hold onto his patience. “You know which suit.”

  “I must protest. You should not be venturing to places like you did the other night. Not by yourself. ’Tis not safe, not to mention the additional harm it might cause your leg.”

  “It will be fine. It’s not as if it truly matters.” The words were out before Nathaniel realized he’d uttered them. And Dibbles was all too aware of the significance of those exact words. “Not compared to the lives of others,” he continued, hoping he hadn’t caught Dibbles’ interest.

  When Dibbles cleared his throat, Nathaniel turned to face him. The older man had witnessed many of his father’s tirades. He knew what Nathaniel had been taught since he was old enough to walk. “I beg to differ, Captain.”

  Nathaniel shook his head. “Those young girls I saved matter a great deal more than I do.”

  “Forgive me for saying so, but your father was not sane. He couldn’t have been more wrong.”

  “I’ve tried to tell myself that, and while I know it to be true here,” he touched his temple, “I don’t believe it here.” He placed a hand over his heart. “As crazed as he may have been, he was in part right.”

  “Captain—”

  “I only feel worthy when I help others. I feared that would be over once I left the Navy. After all, how often does the average man have the opportunity to make a difference? But I have found it.”

  “I applaud your efforts, but I disagree.”

  Nathaniel nodded. “Thank you for that. I appreciate it. But it is far more important to me to somehow show the neglected children that they matter.”

  “You are right in that they, too, matter. But with each risk you take, it lessens the likelihood of you helping others. Please remember that for them and me, you do indeed matter.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” That was the best Nathaniel could offer.

  “Very well. I’ll ready your suit.”

  As Nathaniel finished preparing for the day, he ran the conversation through his mind again.

  Dibbles had a valid point. It had been a near miss the other night. Then again, he hadn’t intended to perform a rescue. But tonight he wanted to see if he might find one of the men who’d guarded the brothel. Either to follow him or bribe him or whatever it would take to gain more information.

  Each step he took dragged him deeper into the scheme, but as Warenton had discovered a few months ago, there was far more to the white slave trade operation than they’d realized.

  Did he dare involve Lettie in one of his investigations?

  He immediately dismissed the idea. The risk was too great. He had no choice but to refuse her request.

  But he wasn’t certain if she’d take no for an answer.

  ~*~

  Lettie tucked the advertisements for children for sale in her purse as she prepared to leave the house to meet Nathaniel. Her heart had pounded in anticipation since she’d received his message earlier, suggesting they meet at a bookstore that afternoon.

  She could only hope he intended to tell her he’d assist her with her goal. Surely that was the reason for the meeting. While she didn’t know why they didn’t simply speak at the ball tonight. Perhaps he thought their conversations were drawing too much attention.

  She wondered if his leg was better. The way he’d clenched his jaw and the tightness around his eyes had told of his pain. At least now she knew why. What Alice had told her shocked her. The first thing she intended to do was ask him to be more careful. How could he insist she wasn’t taking proper precautions when he took such risks?

  “Where are you going?” Holly asked from the doorway of her bedroom.

  “To the bookstore.”

  “Again?” Her little sister eyed her suspiciously.

  “I like books, therefore I spend quite a bit of time at bookstores.” All of that was true, Lettie reminded herself. She did her best to meet Holly’s gaze. The girl remained suspicious. Unfortunately, she was right, but Lettie didn’t dare admit it.

  Holly turned to stare at the books Lettie had purchased a few days ago, which sat on her desk untouched since she’d brought them home.

  Lettie smiled brightly. She only hoped it wasn’t too bright. “I do enjoy books.”

  “You’ve been gone so much the past week. You’re hardly ever home anymore.”

  “It’s June, my dear. That’s when the social Season is in full swing. In a few more years, you’ll be joining the madness.”

  “But by then, you won’t be. Either you’ll no longer attend or you’ll live with Aunt Agatha.”

  Lettie paused in her movements. Where would she be in a few years? The answer wasn’t as clear as it had been even a week ago. But now was not the time to dwell on that.

  “I won’t be gone long,” Lettie promised. At least she didn’t think she would be. “What are your plans for the day?”

  “Nothing exciting, although Mother says I can accompany the family to the Robinson’s gathering on the morrow.”

  Lettie had nearly forgotten about it. “What are you going to wear?”

  Holly’s eyes narrowed as she considered her options. “I’m not certain.”

  “Why don’t you pick three gowns, and I’ll help you decide upon my return?” Lettie patted her little sister’s cheek as she passed, noting how tall she was growing. “I’m wondering if you have any gowns that are long enough.”

  Holly smiled proudly. She had high hopes to be the tallest of her sisters. “I suppose I’d better make certain.”

  “I’ll see you sho
rtly.”

  “What is this?” Holly asked as she moved toward a piece of paper on the corner of Lettie’s bed.

  Lettie grimaced. It was Nathaniel’s message, asking to meet at the bookstore.

  “Who is N?” Holly asked, a scowl upon her lips.

  “A friend. You don’t know her.” Lettie walked over and plucked the message from her sister’s fingers. “I must be going. I’ll see you soon.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief as she walked down the stairs, hoping Holly would focus on which gown to wear on the morrow and not on Lettie’s whereabouts. Even if Nathaniel did agree to aid her, Lettie would need to be careful about what excuses she used to leave the house with Holly interested in her every move.

  “Lettie?” Her father’s voice called from the library doorway as Lettie stepped into the foyer.

  Lettie nearly groaned. If these interruptions continued, she was going to be late.

  “Yes, Father?”

  “Are you going out?” he asked as he looked at her purse in her hand.

  “I’m meeting a friend at the bookstore. Did you need something?” She crossed her fingers that he didn’t.

  “I was looking for the book you gave me, but I can’t find it. I finally have time to review it more closely.”

  Lettie hesitated. In all honesty, she doubted he’d follow through. How many times had they already had a conversation with no results? On the other hand, if he was bringing it up, then maybe he would truly take an interest.

  But she wanted to work with Nathaniel.

  No offense to her father, but between the two men, she’d prefer Nathaniel for this particular task. He was the one who truly understood and had already taken action.

  With a sigh, she relented. She didn’t know for certain if Nathaniel would agree to help her. If he declined, that left only her father. “I’ll bring it down for you. Thank you for taking the time to have a look.”

  He stepped closer to reach out and squeeze her hand. “Anything for my eldest daughter.”

  Once again, she was reminded that he truly did love her even if it often felt as though she took second place to the rest of her sisters.