“The Vigilance Society,” Beatrice repeated. “I rather like that.”
Lark’s brows lifted. “But how…?”
“We teach them.” Beatrice said.
The words settled between them.
Lark was thinking, though. Beatrice could almost see the calculations taking place—propriety, reputation, risk.
“It would have to be discreet,” Lark said at last. “If it’s going to be effective.”
“Yes.”
“And the ladies carefully chosen.”
“Without question.”
A pause.
Then Lark said, “Lady Theodosia could help with that.”
Seeing as Beatrice herself was not always the most sociable creature in a ballroom, it was not a bad suggestion.
“She can be trusted?” Beatrice asked.
“Absolutely.” Lark nodded. “I’ve already told her a little of what we’ve been doing, and she hasn’t breathed a word. She’ll fully support this.”
Beatrice considered that.
“Furthermore, she has influence,” Lark continued. “Respectability. The sort of qualities we would be wise to borrow, if we mean this to work.”
“Borrowing respectability,” Beatrice murmured. “How very strategic.”
She ought to have had respectability of her own as the daughter of a duke. But arriving in London with Dash when they both should have been observing their grief behind black drapes—quietly, visibly, and to society’s satisfaction—had rather complicated matters.
“Exactly. And more importantly, she knows the right young ladies. Who will be sympathetic and who can be trusted.” Lark paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, “She also has an uncanny ability to know when someone is lying to her.”
Beatrice lifted her brows.
Lark’s mouth curved faintly. “Which I’m sure could come in handy.”
Beatrice drew a slow breath, and the Vigilance Society settled even more firmly in her mind.
She could picture it. A handful of young ladies—half a dozen at least—moving through a ballroom with awareness. Not waiting to be chosen or cornered, but watching in return.
Not helpless.
Not easy prey.
Capable.
The thought sent a quiet thrill through her.
Mr. Drake entered then with the tea, placing the tray with maddening precision. Neither woman spoke until he withdrew once more.
The moment the door closed, Lark turned back to her.
“And so… lessons?
