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“That, I do not know.” Jarvis paused. “But this is what Shadows do. We are not criminals. We are looking out for the regular folk. Take care of people Parliament cares nothing about.”
“How do you know Parliament doesn’t care about these issues? Have you tried bringing them up?”
“For centuries, Parliament has cared nothing for people other than peers. You cannot tell me you are naïve enough to believe otherwise.”
Blake thought for a moment. “No. I’ve learned as much from my father. But if you seek to change things, is getting dressed in black clothing and running around at night the best solution?”
“It is a short-term solution. Even if we bring up those issues before the House of Lords, it will take years for policies to change. But some people cannot wait years to be saved. They need saving now.”
Blake gave a nod. “Like I did. I needed immediate saving, and it took me over a year to save myself.”
“I am sorry I couldn’t do it for you. I am sorry I couldn’t help you get out sooner.”
Blake smiled, but it wasn’t a cheerful smile. It was a bitter one. “Now that I am not in need of immediate saving, perhaps I can do something long-term.”
Jarvis looked at his friend curiously. “What do you have in mind?”
“When Parliament opens, I am going to do all I can to stop the slave trade,” Payne said resolutely.
Jarvis raised a brow. “The slave trade? Do you think the great British empire is about to give up its major source of income? I do not think you will be able to convince them. You will encounter major backlash and perhaps incur the king’s disfavor. And even if you do start now, slavery will not get abolished for at least another century.”
Blake shrugged. “Then I better not tarry.”
Jarvis gave a small smile. He did not think anybody was going to listen to Blake. But he admired the fire and determination in his eyes. He had surely changed from the drunkard and wastrel he was before his capture. “Well, if it’s worth anything, you have my vote.”
One side of Blake’s mouth kicked up in a smile. “It is worth everything.”
They turned the corner and were getting close to the main entrance of the house.
“What was wrong with your honeymoon?” Jarvis finally asked after a long pause.
“Well, the trouble started when we boarded the ferry. Turns out I do not take well to water travel. Not anymore. Then Annalise started getting ill.” He shook his head. “We were foolish to go away while she’s in a delicate condition.” His words were harsh, but a ghost of a smile appeared on his face.
“But everything is well now?”
“Yes. The moment we stepped back on the English shores, her illness abated, and I could breathe easier.” Blake smiled widely.
“I am glad that things are getting back to normal for you.”
By this time, they already made it to the entrance, and Jarvis slowed his steps to a near halt.
Blake shook his head. “God forbid. No, things are not back to normal. They are better. And I am determined to keep them that way. So, please forgive me while I go in search of my wife. She asked me to find her some cheese”—he raised the white cloth he had been holding all this time—“and it is getting squished.”
Jarvis entered the main hall and ran into his cousin, who was rushing out of the house.
“Pardon,” Greyson said and continued with hurried steps.
“Greyson, wait,” Jarvis called out.
“Not now, cousin,” Greyson said without stopping.
“I want to apologize for acting like an arse last evening.”
Greyson turned and raised his brow. “You do?”
“How you conduct your affairs with your wife is none of my concern. I am just—”
“I know, Jarvis. I know you care for Helen, but so do I. And I am her husband. But right now, I do not have time to either argue or agree with you. Helen is feeling unwell, and I need to arrange for a vehicle out of this place. Except that our carriage seems to be broken.”
