Gorgeous As Sin

by Susan Johnson

  Rosalind nervously glanced around, the woman’s voice having risen in volume. “I haven’t seen him for days,” she quickly replied, needing to rid herself of this dangerous interrogator before a customer took notice. This was not the time for false modesty since the woman knew Fitz had been with her. “I have no idea of his whereabouts and I doubt I’ll see him again.”

  “Is that so?” Clarissa’s smile was gloating. “I suppose he tired of your common ways,” she snidely declared, surveying Rosalind with a contemptuous glance. “Dear Fitz has such a droll sense of adventure, not to mention a libertine’s indiscretion. He allays his boredom with women like you,” she said with pointed rudeness. “I hope you didn’t get your hopes up.”

  Rosalind swallowed her heated retort. She dared not antagonize this woman, the risk too great with customers near. “I believe you’re right. Ultimately, he was bored.” She even went so far as to look down in feigned mortification.

  “I do believe you’re toying with me, you little trollop,” Clarissa murmured. “If you’re not telling me the truth about Fitz’s whereabouts, I’ll make a scene, you little bitch.” Her smile was chill. “Consider your reply carefully, Mrs. St. Vincent. I care nothing for your reputation.”

  Having been unmasked as an actress, Rosalind was momentarily at a loss. She wished to ask, How do you know my name? But more important, she needed this woman gone. “As you apparently know, the duke visited on occasion, but I assure you, he left several days ago without mentioning his plans. I have no idea where he is. And that’s the truth.”

  Clarissa stared at her, her gaze coldly appraising.

  Rosalind turned red under the scrutiny. “If it matters,” she said, “I have no illusions about my position in the duke’s life. We are the merest acquaintances.” There, that was the best she could do other than pray for deliverance.

  “Hmm…” Clarissa weighed Rosalind’s words for a moment. With deceit so prevalent in her life, she recognized dishonesty better than most. “You’re right, of course,” she finally said. “It’s best you have no illusions about Fitz. He’s quite out of reach for someone like you.” Then without another word, she turned and swept from the store.

  Only after Clarissa’s carriage pulled away from the curb did Rosalind allow herself a sigh of relief. Disaster had been averted.

  And whomever her fashionable visitor had been, the lady wasn’t likely to return-rather like Fitz, Rosalind ruefully decided.

  NOR DID SHE see him in the following week, her life reverting once again to a familiar routine.

  Sofia stopped by to visit, and Rosalind’s Saturday night lecture was a smashing success thanks to the strong interest in new job opportunities for females of the laboring class. The lecture offered definitive information on the skills required, suggested various scholarships that were available for training programs, and explained how to apply not only for them but also for college scholarships at schools receptive to women. The enthusiasm of her audience was heartwarming. Rosalind felt as though she was making a small difference in the lives of the working poor.

  Her sense of satisfaction was partially mitigated by the lingering sense of loss over Fitz. But she wasn’t so foolish as to expect to see him again. She knew better; it would just take time to forget him.

  And so Sofia reminded her. Since she was the quintessential person to give advice about leaving lovers behind, Rosalind couldn’t discount her counsel. But after the Saturday night lecture, when Sofia suggested, “Let me have Arthur bring along a friend tomorrow. We’ll go on a picnic,” Rosalind shook her head.

  “I wouldn’t be very good company.”

  Sprawled on the sofa as usual, Sofia studied Rosalind for a moment “How long has it been? ” There was no need to elaborate.

  “Slightly more than a week-ten days actually.”

  “You know, darling, he’s not apt to come back. It’s just his way,” her friend added, looking at Rosalind over her wineglass. “He’s a selfish man.”

  “I know.” Rosalind smiled faintly. “I’m fine-really. I don’t talk about him with anyone but you. And I’m getting better.”

  “You are. I saw you laugh tonight-more than once.”

  “The crowd was wonderful, wasn’t it-so engaged and interested, asking questions for such a long time. I think we might have helped those three young women apply for college, too.”

  “Indeed we did,” Sofia said with a grin. “You have become our local benefactor, Mrs. St. Vincent of Bruton Street Books.”

  Rosalind grimaced. “That reminds me-the word benefactor,” she explained. “My brother sent me another carping letter, reminding me that it was my duty to be the benevolent hand of charity for my family.”

  “What he really means is for him,” Sofia grunted out, having met Rosalind’s brother.

  “Exactly. In fact, Mother has written to say both she and Father are quite content with whatever I decide. They are in no need of money.” Rosalind smiled. “Which is very sweet of Mother, who has been stretching Father’s meager income for years.”

  “Then your brother can go to hell,” Sofia brusquely said, up-to-date on the state of Algernon’s coercive measures.

  “I said as much to him in my last letter, although perhaps more diplomatically.”

  “I’m not so sure diplomacy works with him. You might have to be blunt or he’ll never give up. He wants that money.”

  “Well, he’s not getting it.”

  “Nor is Groveland it seems,” Sofia pointed out with a lift of her brows. “He’s not sent over any agents lately, has he? ”

  “No. I think he understands my position. I was very plain about my feelings on several occasions.”

  “So at least something good came from your friendship. He has ceased making demands.”

  “Yes, apparently.” He’s ceased making demands of any kind, unfortunately. “Naturally, I appreciate his kindness and consideration,” Rosalind said, complimenting herself for her maturity and practicality. As if you have a choice, the unhelpful voice inside her head pointed out.

  Chapter 27

  NOT MORE THAN five hours later, in the dead of night, Rosalind came awake to the sounds of an ax breaking down her door and in due time, learned to her disgust and chagrin that the Duke of Groveland was not in the least kind and considerate.

  She barely had time to throw on a dressing robe before her bedchamber was invaded and she was read her arrest warrant by a beefy constable who clearly took pleasure in citing each of the obscenity laws she was accused of violating. It was also plain that he found a woman who wrote erotica repugnant, for he’d look up from time to time as he laboriously read the legal citation and glare at her with contempt.

  She unflinchingly met his contempt. The Pitt-Riverston bloodlines preceded the Norman invasion; she could stare down any second-rate functionary.

  While the red-faced officer droned on, Edward’s manuscripts were being dragged from the armoire by two of the dozen men who had swarmed into her bedroom, and Rosalind suspected this assault was related to Mr. Edding’s surveillance. But it wasn’t until her unfinished manuscript was plucked from her desk drawer that she experienced alarm. Now she was implicated and any possible hope of evasion was gone.

  Once the evidence was in the policemen’s hands, she was allowed only a brief opportunity to dress. Even more mortifying, two constables remained in her bedroom while she changed behind a screen in the corner. It wasn’t until she’d been shoved into a closed police wagon and the door locked behind her, that she had a moment to gather her thoughts.

  Or try. Myriad questions raced through her mind: How could she, perhaps along with Mr. Edding, have been exposed? What or whom had first brought him under surveillance? How was the location of Edward’s manuscripts known when Mr. Edding had never been in her apartment?

  The police had gone directly to the armoire.

  Was it possible Edward had mentioned the location to Mr. Edding? She doubted it. They didn’t appear to be more than acquaint
ances from what she’d gathered. Had Mr. Edding drawn the attention of the constabulary for some other infraction and she’d simply been dragged in by accident? Had he been arrested tonight as well? Not that the origin or motive behind her arrest particularly mattered now that she was on her way to gaol. Her immediate dilemma was how best to confront the criminal charges against her.

  If she had any hope of prevailing against the accusations, the first thing she must do is find a competent barrister and the necessary funds for his services. Groveland’s offer immediately came to mind of course. There was no other way she could secure the large sum required to defend against a case as serious as hers.

  Even as she came to the conclusion that Fitz’s offer was her only salvation, a more damning thought insinuated itself into her consciousness. A notion so malevolent, she quickly brushed it aside. But no matter how many times she dismissed the scurrilous idea, her mind refused to be diverted and presently, she was forced to at least entertain the possibility that Fitz might be involved. Because the simple fact was: other than Sofia, no one but Fitz had been in her bedroom since she’d begun writing for Mr. Edding. And clearly, Sofia was not a suspect.

  Unwilling to acknowledge Fitz’s infamy, she tried to conceive of some other causative link that might have brought the police to her door. She must have overlooked some other connection, she insisted, not wishing to admit to something so dastardly. Fitz simply couldn’t be so tender and indulgent and then turn on her with such sinister purpose. Unless he was a monster in the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde vein.

  At base though, even should diabolical behavior be involved, Fitz’s offer for her store was her only hope. Her parents couldn’t help, and while her brother was perhaps slightly more prosperous, he wasn’t likely to come to her aid when he wanted her to sell her store anyway. So, Fitz’s offer, iniquitous as it might be, was in the way of a last resort.

  Not that she didn’t desperately long for some reasonable explanation that would exonerate Fitz. Stupid fool, she thought with a grimace. Half in love with him, she was willing to forgive him anything. Like all the other women he’d known.

  Rosalind’s musing was curtailed as the wagon came to a halt at the station house and she was unceremoniously pulled from the wagon and marched to a cell. While Captain Bagley had taken it upon himself to serve the warrant for reasons of personal gain and moral duty, the private warrant also signified an offender of possible gentility-as did the woman’s hauteur, he disgruntledly noted. He decided it might be circumspect to separate her from the rabble in the common holding cell.

  Rosalind, unaware of her special treatment, took one look around the small wretched cell and decided she’d remain standing until such a time as she was allowed to see a barrister. The stone floor and walls were damp, small puddles evident in low areas of the floor, the single, barred window too high to reach, although a sliver of moonlight dimly illuminated the area. A plank bed with a stained blanket hung from chains on the wall, and a low sink apparently was meant to function as both a toilet and wash basin. She shuddered.

  Never one to be fainthearted, however, she gave herself a bracing talking-to, told herself she would seek justice in the morning, and began to pace. Now, how best to secure a barrister, she reflected, trying to organize a plan of action as well as distract herself from her sordid surroundings.

  First, she would not become demoralized or tearful over the necessity of selling her store. She’d simply buy another with what money remained after her trial, she briskly decided. That she might be convicted, she’d not even consider. It wasn’t as though she hadn’t faced serious challenges before in her life. There was no point in bemoaning one’s fate. Right now, she needed solutions.

  AN HOUR AFTER the cell door closed on Rosalind, Prosper Hutchinson was wakened by his valet.

  “A message, sir. I was told to see that you received it immediately.”

  Under the light of the kerosene lamp in his valet’s hand, Hutchinson read the note, crumpled it in his hand, and immediately abandoned his bed. “Don’t wake up, dear,” he said as his wife turned over and gazed at him with drowsy eyes. “I’ll be back by breakfast.”

  As he swiftly dressed, he asked for details on who’d delivered the note and when. Damned idiot in Brewster’s office, but at least the clerk had the good sense to alert me. Then he swore roundly, consigning all the incompetents in the bureaucracy to hell. “Sorry, Philip,” he muttered, “but this is going to be one helluva mess. Have the carriage brought round.”

  “I have already, sir.” The elderly man spoke with the immutable calm of an experienced retainer. “It’s beginning to rain out. You’d best wear your mackintosh,” he added holding out the coat.

  Five minutes later, swearing under his breath, Prosper was being driven across town to the police station near Bruton Street. A short time later, after accosting the stout, obstinate constable who was captain on the night shift, Prosper’s curses were decidedly more forceful.

  “I done my duty, sar, and that’s that,” Captain Bagley said, his mouth and jaw set firmly. He didn’t approve of taking the Lord’s name in vain. “That female prisoner ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

  Hutchinson glared at the heavyset man behind the desk. “Who authorized her arrest, dammit! There were distinct orders to hold the warrant until further notice!”

  “It ain’t right, sar, to ignore criminal activity, no matter what. The law’s the law fer you and me and everyone,” the captain stubbornly declared, a pious fanatic against all forms of what he perceived as vice.

  “Who’s your superior, you imbecile!” Hutchinson shouted. “You had no right to serve that warrant!”

  “I don’t rightly know that it’s any of your business, sar,” the constable pugnaciously replied. “I’m in charge here tonight.”

  “Damn right it’s my business, and when I’ve gotten to the bottom of this fiasco, you’ll be out of a job, you cretin!”

  “That may be, but I doubt it. Ain’t right fer anyone to athwart the law,” Captain Bagley muttered belligerently. “The prisoner is guilty as sin,” he added with a sneer. “We found all the evidence we need right there in her house-no mistake.”

  Short of shooting the stupid oaf where he sat, Prosper had no recourse but to return to his carriage and hie himself to the home of one of the judges he knew who owed him a favor.

  Even there, he was foiled.

  “Once the lady is jailed, she passes into one of Her Majesty’s prisons to await trial at Clerkenwell or Central Criminal Court.”

  “I know that, dammit! I also know she won’t stand trial for at least a month.”

  “I’m sorry, Prosper, but I can’t simply override an arrest warrant”-Judge Hillard shot his friend a jaundiced look as they sat in opposing chairs in his study-“that you yourself instituted by the way.”

  “It was on hold until final approval.” Prosper’s hands were clenching and unclenching on the leather chair arms. “How the hell it made it’s way to Bruton Street Station is an issue I’ll deal with later. I want her out-now!”

  “I wish I could help you, but my hands are tied. And unfortunately, Captain Bagley is known to have a crusading zeal when it comes to enforcing the obscenity laws.”

  “I want him cashiered,” Prosper said coldly, leaning back in his chair and meeting the judge’s gaze with an icy stare.

  “In due time, my friend. It’s certainly not going to happen tonight. If I might be so bold as to ask, why this raging urgency at this ungodly hour? Is the lady a friend of yours?” he slyly inquired. “And more to the point,” the judge added with roguish smile, “does she indeed write lewd stories? ”

  “Judas Priest, William. I have neither the time nor the inclination for adultery or any interest in satisfying your salacious queries. If you must know, the lady is a special friend of an important client.”

  The judge’s gaze narrowed. “How important? ”

  “Important enough for you to make sure the lady is freed in the morning. I don’t
care what you have to do, just do it.” Prosper smiled thinly. “My client will reward you generously.”

  “Christ, Prosper, you’re asking too much. I’m not sure I can do it. The court views these cases of moral depravity harshly. I can’t guarantee her release.”

  “He’s a duke.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thank you,” Prosper crisply replied and rose to his feet. “I’ll wait to hear from you.”

  But he dared not wait to notify the duke, and to that end, he had himself driven to a telegraph office where he sent Groveland the unhappy news. Since Prosper handled his business affairs, Fitz generally left word of his destination on leaving the city.

  EARLY THE NEXT morning, at the same time Rosalind was watching a tin plate of unappetizing porridge being slid through a slot at the base of her cell door, Hutchinson’s telegram was delivered to Fitz’s dressing room where he was being shaved.

  For a moment his heart seemed to stop.

  “Have a mount saddled,” Fitz barked, frightening a servant who was carrying away his breakfast tray with the rough fury in his voice. “Now!” he shouted at the terrified man. “Give me that,” he growled, swiping the razor from Darby’s grasp and lunging to his feet. “Rosalind’s been arrested, damn someone’s stupidity.” Striding to the mirror, he proceeded to shave himself with rough, quick strokes.

  Wiping the lather from his face, he dropped the towel, grabbed the shirt Darby held out, and shoved his arms into the sleeves. “Follow me later. I’ll commandeer whatever train’s in the station, so you’ll have to take the next one.” He wrenched his trousers from Darby’s grasp and jerked them on. Three minutes later, dressed and booted, he was taking the stairs at a run.

  Reaching the drive a few moments later, he leaped into the saddle, waved off the groom, and spurred his mount.

  He rode to Aberdeen like a man possessed, using whip and spur, his racer gallantly responding. The Thoroughbred was lathered and winded by the time they reached the station. Tossing the reins and two guineas to a street boy, Fitz shouted directions to his hunting lodge as he ran toward the platforms. Fortunately, the stationmaster knew him, his consequence and fortune, and quickly accommodated his wishes. Conductors were sent through the station, warning travelers of the imminent departure, and short minutes later, the engine pulled out of the station an hour early.