Page 81 of Dick Stone, Regency Stud
“I’m no agent of the devil,” she replied. “I’m just a girl, and your complete disinterest all those years ago hurt me badly.”
“I’m sorry, Phily,” he said, planting a kiss on her hair while reaching for the letter that contained information about Tabby.
“Don’t you want to know how much is in that purse?” she asked faintly. “It’s a king’s ransom.”
“If it would make you feel better to see me waver, I’ll do it,” he said, “to heal old wounds.”
What remained unspoken was that, for all the theatrical indecision he might muster, Edward had already decided; he’d unhesitatingly chosen that urchin girl.
Phily seemed deflated yet unsurprised. “You’ll need to rush. It’s all happening tomorrow night.”
“What’s happening?” asked Edward as he broke the seal. On the paper, there was an address. He was unfamiliar with the place, but the neighborhood suggested a seediness at odds with the information networks of a duchess.
“She’s a charming thing. Should fetch a good price,” said Phily, closing the drawer.
“Good price for what?”
“Your girl has arranged to auction herself off. A virginity auction for aspiring courtesans.”
Edward felt the blood drain from his body. Had he pushed her down this lane by begging her to more quickly become his equal? He was sick at the thought; if she’dwantedto become a whore, she could have done so any night and maybe even every day for the past number of years.
“Aspiring courtesans, but most likely future streetwalkers, if we’re honest,” said Phily, rising from the desk. “Being a courtesan requires skills, and she’s not been properly trained in anything except darting about and snatching things, isn’t that right?”
He could only draw quick breaths, such was the pain in his spleen. Tabby was about to offer herself to the wolves, to the sort of men who’d rejoice in hurting her. The tender spot below his ribs flared to life again, and he placed a hand on the writing table to steady himself.
“Good luck, Dick Stone,” said Phily. “You’ll need it.”
THE END
