Repercussions (26)

Recalled that scheme

Now that Coggin came about to be a partner in the business, it seemed proper to Maurice to give her some further insights into various matters with which she had not previous had much dealing, and to understand the books. At this very pressed time o’year, there was little spare time for this, but sometimes there was an hour or so at the end of the day, when she might drink off a pint of porter, and he might take a glass of gin, and they could send to the pie-shop for somewhat to stay the pangs of hunger, and be about the matter.

He saw that Coggin came about already to some apprehension of the matter – her friend, that had set up that fancy embroidery workshop, had had to do the like – and had a deal of native wit.

She was just admiring the very diplomatic way in which 'Sina writ letters concerning outstanding bills, when footsteps could be heard on the stairs. Female footsteps, thought Maurice, with a frown, getting up and going to the door.

Oh. His sister Marie. Not looking at all flustered, or agitated, or anything but entirely in command of herself, for that was Marie’s way, but he did not think that she would have come here to Mamzelle Bridgette at this hour of the e’en without she had some pressing trouble upon hand.

He made the introductions, and saw the two women take one another’s measure. He fancied that although Marie was dressed entirely quiet and respectable, Coggin took some apprehension of her trade.

Saying she took the notion that they had some family business to discuss, she finished off her porter, and went to put on her coat and hat.

After she had departed, Maurice motioned Marie into a chair and poured her a glass of gin.

She sipped at it, nodding appreciatively at its quality, and looked at Maurice. There was trouble you had at that prime molly-house of yours –

Is no molly-house! snapped Maurice, but a club for gentlemen that happen to have certain interests in common.

Marie raised her eyebrows and said, at your very exclusive club, over demands of pay for silence.

Maurice nodded. And is now resolved.

Marie nodded, and cast down her eyes.

He looked at her. Like himself, she had scrambled up from the streets of Seven Dials to a more prosperous trade: in her case, providing special pleasures for gentlemen at her establishment in a quiet byway of Covent Garden. That she did very well at and had, he fancied, patrons that were very distinguished.

Ah.

Some matter, he enquired, of a fellow that has been recognized entering the premises of Whipping Marie? And there is one goes solicit remuneration to keep it quiet?

She shook her head, and drummed her fingers a little upon the table-top. Do you recollect that fellow Schmidt, was endeavouring encroach on Nat’s business in Seven Dials some while since? – Maurice nodded – Comes up to me while I am about my errands, offers buy me a drink so that we may talk business, and makes it clear he is not intending doing business in the usual way I might suspect, so I have some apprehension he may be about offering himself in the capacity of a protector –

They both snorted loudly.

As if you was like to place yourself in the hands of a bully-man, said Maurice. One hears he is running mots in Soho these days, a deal below your touch.

Soho, said Marie with a sniff. But I thought 'twould be prudent to have some notion of what he was about, and conceded to go drink with him. So we go to a good class of tavern, and take our place in a very discreet snug, and he begins compliment me, has heard what a very fine exclusive trade I have, my skills commended by connoisseurs – hears that my patrons are men of rank and influence –

At which you give a discreet smile of I could an if I would, say a deal?

Quite so. Doubts not that I am very well remunerated for my services, but even so, life is uncertain, accidents may come &C&C, and he has a friend that is the principal of a scheme that would wish to offer take me into partnership.

Maurice lifted his eyebrows.

Without he is entire explicit, I fathom out that here are my patrons, men that command power and influence – and there are those would very much like to have power over, as it might be, a judge, is it not so? or acquire the inner knowledge of financial matters that bankers have?

Maurice let out a groan. This indeed recalled that scheme some years since, that had first made him acquainted with Sandy, of holding the information of escapades in the discreet chamber of Madame Francine as a tool to persuade wives of men in government offices &C to steal memoranda of interest.

They looked at one another. Marie sighed and said, was in some fear of 'em setting spies, did she not concede. Had not give him any definite answer; said would consider over the matter.

Wise. Well, I will go talk to Nat and see can he set some spies for spies.

Marie frowned. Owing favours to Nat?

Maurice shrugged and waved his hands. It comes out to balance. Fancy he would be interested in what Herr Schmidt is about lately.

Marie nodded. Daresay he is still in somewhat of a resentment! Well, I will go my ways. She came round the table to kiss Maurice on the cheek, and departed.

Maurice buried his head in his hands. But could not sit a-fretting over the business – must set out to Seven Dials at once, to ensure Marie was secure – doubted not that Nat still had an antient fondness for her, besides a desire to thwart any plots on the part of Schmidt –

That was entirely the case, he found when he arrived in that part that might be supposed entire lawless but though mayhap not within the laws of Her Majesty the Queen, under the hand of Nat Barron’s rule. Nat turned out not to be at Black Tom’s, but Thad, that was keeping an eye on matters there, was able to give Maurice the direction to find him.

Wouldn’t tell just anyone, he said, but I fancy Nat’s door is ever open to you.

Was not quite immediate open to Maurice – Jem, somewhat embarrassed, stood outside and said, had Franzie in there with him: as if one could not tell from the sounds that emerged.

But after a while these quieted, and Jem knocked in a certain pattern, and Nat called to enter, and Jem put his head around the door and explained what was to do. Shortly came out a very cross-looking and disheveled Franzie, scowling something horrid at Maurice, that lifted his hat and bowed to her very civil.

Maurice went in and found Nat up and with his trousers already on, pulling his shirt over his head.

Fathom this is no social call, he said – help yourself to gin.

Maurice did so, then disclosed the business he was about.

Sure, one had to admire Nat’s swearing! Must have gone on for a full five minutes without any repetition.

Schmidt! you did well to come tell me. Will put sound discreet men on it – will not bother Marie –

Should like to see 'em try! murmured Maurice.

– report to you what comes of it.

Obliged, said Maurice.

Nat punched him on the shoulder and said, entire likewise. Would greatly like to sit down and yarn, but could see that Maurie was already entire wore-out by the Season, should go home and have a good night’s sleep.

La, Mr Barron, when did you become a Fellow of the College of Physicians? But Maurice was, indeed, very tired.

Will send Jem with you, just in case.

Jem escorted Maurice well on his way to where he might obtain a cab, talking of how things went in Seven Dials, complaining of Franzie, and telling Maurice he should visit more often. Grigori had said he was keeping by things –

At last he was climbing the stairs to his own apartments, turning the key in the lock –

Hands grasped his shoulders. Where have you been?

Maurice collapsed against Sandy. This was something he doubted he would ever become tired of: somebody caring about him and worrying where he was.

Let me take off my coat and hat &C and come sit by the fire and have a gin-hot, and do I smell some good thing Euphemia has sent over? – and I will tell you what’s ado.

Sandy looked down at him very dour Calvinistical and said hoped all was not entire ruined by keeping, and would just boil up the kettle.

As he sipped the gin-hot he unfolded the tale to Sandy, that commenced to swearing in Scots. Then halted, and paused with his cogitating expression on, and said, I have now a concern that this scheme – these schemers – may cast their eyes towards the club.

Maurice nodded. One remembered that certain plans in the hands of Sir Stockwell Channery at the Admiralty had been the target of that earlier proceeding.

Sandy sighed and said, would have to draw it to the attention of the committee.

They both groaned a little, but, the thing would have to be done.