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“Such boldness may be acceptable for writers of renown, but your name has not appeared in print. And respectable women cannot be too careful with publishers. Some, you know, produce the most scurrilous rubbish under the guise of informing the public of the very vices they promote.” She turned to her husband. “Arthur, what say you?”

“Yes, my dear.” He turned to Lady Melforth. “The Society has recently discovered a publisher on Babylon Street, whose premises are to be”—he gave a polite cough behind his hand—“investigated by the police.”

“Investigated?” Viv asked. “You mean, invaded.”

“Quite justly,” said Mrs. Stryde. “The police know very well what this fellow is up to. The Society recently collected samples of the vile material he prints.”

It occurred to Viv that the Society was quite keen to collect its samples. “Will the Society send members to Babylon Street to aid the police? Will you go, Mr. Stryde?”

Mr. Stryde swelled a bit in his chair. The drooping whiskers at the side of his face gave him the look of a startled fox. “It is our aim to offer the magistrates every assistance in the discharge of their duty.”

“Mrs. Stryde, do you not fear that your husband may be tainted by a foray into such a neighborhood?” Viv asked.

“My husband is a gentleman, Miss Bradish, and a staunch member of the Anti-Vice Society. He can hardly be tainted by doing his duty.”

“And you, will you do your duty as well? With no fear of being tainted?”

“In doing her duty a woman is always respectable.”

“I’m glad to hear you say so. Exactly what I thought this morning when I called on Mr. Dodsley.”

A warning look from Lady Melforth made Viv drop her gaze demurely, the perfect lady’s companion. It would not do for Mrs. Stryde to understand Viv’s meaning too clearly.

“Really,” said Mrs. Stryde. “We did not come to discuss the Society’s work, but to consider what’s to be done about your betrothal, Miss Bradish. We’ve not seen an announcement in the papers.”

“Naturally, we are waiting to tell our own people first.” Viv kept her voice mild.

“I thought Mr. Larkin said his was an old London family.”

“Alas, his only family is an aunt in Somerton.” As she said it, Viv realized Lark had no one but himself to vouch for his respectability.

“Has he told his employer of his betrothal?”

“That, of course, will be between them.”

“Well, he can hardly have done so if the papers are to be believed, for they report that the Duke and Duchess of Wenlocke have gone into the country for the coming fortnight.”

Viv felt Mrs. Stryde’s usual effect on her temper. The Stryde’s had made it their business to check up on her, and she was at a disadvantage because her betrothed had not informed her of his true situation. The holiday Lark had spoken of was not due to the duke’s generosity after all, but to his absence. No wonder Lark could freely wander about London with her, and how odd of him not to tell her.

“You understand our concern must be for Aurora. No doubt you will resign your situation when you are married, for you can hardly be of any use then as a companion.”

Jenny returned with a fresh cup of tincture of elderberry, which Viv placed on Lady Melforth’s table. Her ladyship managed a few sips before the cup wobbled in her hand, and she put it aside. Viv spoke at once. “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stryde, thank you for keeping Lady Melforth company, but now we must let her rest.”

Mrs. Stryde looked as if she might object, but glanced at Lady Melforth and rose. “Come along, Arthur,” she said. “Don’t worry, Aurora, we will never abandon you.”

Viv saw them into the hall. As soon as the drawing room door closed, Mrs. Stryde turned on her. “Miss Bradish, we have been sadly mistaken in your character. I can only suppose it is your irregular upbringing that disposes you to be so careless of your good name.”

“If Lady Melforth is satisfied with my upbringing that is all that matters.”

“Aurora is too feeble to take you to task, but I assure you I am not.”

“Please do not trouble yourself.” Viv drew herself up to her full height. “Your husband, as Lady Melforth’s cousin, has, perhaps, a right to speak directly to her, but for a person of so slight a connection as yours to her ladyship there is nothing to do. Good day to you both.”

Mrs. Stryde opened and closed her mouth. The little curls at the side of her face shook. Her husband mumbled something and took his wife’s arm. Viv clung to the banister at the top of the stairs, listening to their talk as they descended, letting her temper cool. She did not underestimate Mrs. Stryde. The woman wanted Viv gone. Viv’s only satisfaction was the hope that their Babylon Street adventure might open their eyes to the true nature of London.

When at last she heard Haxton shut the front door, she returned to the drawing room. Lady Melforth’s eyes were closed, but opened as Viv approached.

“They really are insufferable.”