Her father, however, would definitely be scandalized by his daughter receiving a missive from a man well known to be involved with another woman—a woman for whom Eloise had been acting as chaperone. She folded the letter and tucked it into her sleeve, gathered her wits, and stood. She needed the privacy of her own bedchamber to formulate a response.
Because Eloise was not going to overlook an opportunity to help her brother. Robert Ashton had offered his services—had opened a door—and she planned to walk right through it.
Chapter Six
Robert read thecrumpled note three times before laying it flat on the table and pressing hands, fingers splayed, on either side of it. Then he read it again, his jaw clenching.
Sunday, 17 July 1825
Lady Rose,
My apologies for contacting you so abruptly, but I am in need of your help. My brother Timothy surreptitiously left our home late last night in the company of two friends from Eton. He has not returned, and we are all worried beyond measure. Would it be possible for you to reach out to some of your contacts in Covent Garden to inquire as to whether he was seen in any of the gambling establishments?
Timothy is but five and ten and easily swayed by those who entice him with the wonders of “manhood,” such as gambling, women, and boxing. I know their intent was to visit such an establishment, but I had hoped he would have returned by morning. My father has contacted Bow Street and we await a constable’s visit.
If anyone has information but needs remuneration, it can be arranged.
Timothy is slight and fair, appearing younger than his years. Even though he would be dressed as a servant—in a misguided attempt to avoid cutpurses—I would think he would stand out in a room full of men.
I would be grateful for any assistance.
Your worried friend,
Lady Eloise Surrey
It was the penultimate line that made Robert’s chest tighten, and he closed his eyes against the words.He would stand out in a room full of men.Dear God in heaven.
“How many times have you read it?” Rose’s voice was almost inaudible.
His, however, sounded as if it emerged from a gravel pit. “Four.” He swallowed. “Have you answered her?”
“I was about to when I saw you in here.” She paused. “You know there are only a few possibilities.”
He nodded. “Four, to my count.” He opened his eyes and looked at her. “The best is that he woke up in a strange bed or doorway and is still putting his head back together before going home.”
“The worst is that he’s dead.”
Another nod. “Cutthroats. Robbed, killed, and left in an alley or the Thames.”
“Press gangs?”
“That would be the third possibility. They have been outlawed, but they still happen. Not everything the government decrees comes to pass. If that is what has happened, we might be able to find out, but it will not help them if he is halfway across the Atlantic.”
Rose frowned. “You said there was a fourth possibility. I cannot think—”
Robert pointed to the crucial line. Rose stared at it a moment, still not understanding, then her eyes widened and her lips parted. “No! They wouldn’t. He’s the son of an earl!”
“He’s a youngmanof five and ten who looks like a child, dressed in servant’s garb. He would be a ripe target for men who like boys. Not all hells are as diligent as Campion’s at keeping the purveyors out.”
Rose gripped his arm. “We have to help her!”
He shook his head and tapped the note. “We don’t even know ifthisis what happened. We are speculating. You can make inquiries, but I do not see what I can do.”
“Robert! He’s a child!”
He stared at her. “Five and ten isnota child!” He tapped Lady Eloise’s note. “Why do you think they pursue young men like Timothy, who are of age but look younger? It’s intentional, Rose. They do it because if they are apprehended by Bow Street, the older man can claim any actions were consensual. Who do you think that Bow Street will believe? A duke or baron or someone out of the rookeries who has a history of cutting purses?”
“That’s insidious. And it is still illegal.”
