Page 14 of A Wicked Business

“Oh, I can’t decide between chocolate and the pistachio,” Doris lamented sadly.

“Fine, have both,” Belinda said, snatching the list from her and handing it back to the harried waiter, who was becoming impatient.

“Ain’t she the best young lady in the whole of England?” Doris said to Cat, grinning widely.

“Indeed, she is. Save for me, of course,” Cat said with her usual modesty, winking at Belinda. “Now then, tell me everything you have been up to.”

“She’s been having fun,” Doris said, pulling a face and mouthing the word. “But not the kind of fun that a healthy young lady ought to enjoy, in my opinion.”

“Doris, keep your voice down,” Belinda protested.

Doris blushed. “Beg pardon, my lady,” she said, for she knew how to behave when they were out in public, she just forgot herself now and then when she became excited.

Belinda patted her hand reassuringly before turning back to Cat.

“I’ve bought a print shop. Which reminds me, didn’t you tell me about a young lady who couldn’t get her work published?”

“Yes, indeed, she made the mistake of not pretending to be a man,” Cat said, frowning. “A print shop? And you’ve bought it? Whatever for?”

“Because she’s also the kindest young lady in the country,” Doris said, though she kept her voice low this time.

Belinda smiled at her, touched by her regard before explaining to Cat all about Miss Ludlow and her horrid brother, and the business they had begun together.

“Well, you are a dark horse,” Cat said with obvious admiration. “Here I was thinking you were the model of propriety and you’re plotting to print seditious pamphlets,” she said with a delighted laugh.

“Hush!” Belinda said, though she could not help but laugh too. “I am doing no such thing. But I may stir things up a little with the things I do publish.”

“And Miss Ludlow is aware of your intentions?” Cat asked curiously.

“Of course, what do you take me for? I would never drag her into something where she might cause scandal without her knowledge and consent. Having discovered just how powerless she was to stop her brother selling her livelihood out from under her, and how impossible it was to persuade other printers to believe she could do the job when she was a woman, she’s ready to do her bit for the cause.”

“How marvellous,” Cat said, admiration shining in her eyes. “You will tell me if I can do anything to help? I should adore to stir things up a bit.”

“I’d think you’d had enough of that, but I shall indeed,” Belinda said, grateful for her support.

“And when I think of how apoplectic your papa will be….” Cat let out a breath and shook her head. “You’re a brave woman.”

Belinda swallowed, wishing Cat had not mentioned her father. Whilst she was very aware she was playing with fire and resented it when Mr Knight stated the obvious, she did not much want to think about those very obvious consequences. Happily, the waiter returned with their ices at that moment, and they were busy tasting and exclaiming and sharing the various flavours and they did not mention her father again.

“So,” she said, trying her best to steer the conversation in a more agreeable direction. “About that young lady with the novel. Is it any good?”

Cat nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I rather think it is, though I do not know the author, you understand. A friend of hers who is trying to get it published for her gave it to me, hoping I might have the right contacts. It’s a little unpolished in places, but for a first novel, it’s wonderfully well done, it’s only—”

“Only?” Belinda said with interest.

Cat smiled, a wicked expression which Belinda was acquainted with and promised her friend was up to no good. “It’s only I think it will be the perfect thing for you to print. Start your new enterprise with a bang and set the ton on its ears.”

“Why? Whatever is it about?” Belinda asked in wonder.

“It’s about a young girl, ill-treated by her grandfather, who tries to marry her off to a wicked husband many years her senior. The thing is, though, it’s a thinly disguised version of a true story, and the cast are people we all know, and many of them most richly deserve to be parodied.”

Belinda’s eyes grew round. “Oh, Cat,” she said in awe. “You’re going to get me my first libel suit, aren’t you?”

“Well, what are friends for?” Cat said with a smirk and took a large spoonful of her ice.