Challenges (16)

The thing moved on

Leda was going into Seven Dials about this very particular investigation that she undertook as a friend. As was her usual wont, she began by visiting Marie Allard at her most respectable private residence in Covent Garden, a good way from the business premises of Whipping Marie. But before she made her transmutation into Larry Hooper, she had the agreeable task of making an introduction between Marie and her own good friend, Bert Edwards, dressed very proper and gentlemanly without any sign of the Duchess of Clerkenwell Green.

O, Maurice had fumed, she sits there and wrings her hands and sighs and tries not to weep before me. And does not, I fancy, believe a word I say of reassurance, but I am like to think will give more credence to some fellow that is give out to have professional acquaintance of the law, even was’t only as a clerk. His nostrils flared. As if I have not come about to pick up a deal of legal knowledge. But la, I am her brother, what could I know?

Leda fancied that it did not take long over civilities and teacups for Marie to penetrate beneath the starched collar and manly waistcoat and trousers: had had disclosed to her that certain of Marie’s patrons indeed desired to be decked as ladies – compressed into stays - &C&C. 'Twas not long afore the two of 'em were engaged in agreeable converse on the latest fashions. She slipped out of the parlour and went upstairs to change.

She left the house extremely covert by way of the roof – did not want any of the neighbours to wonder who is that young man coming out of Miss Allard’s house?

Her first call, once she had returned to the ground, was Grigori’s pawn-shop, that even at this hour o’the day appeared to be doing a deal of business. She wondered a little whether the young swells she observed were in urgent need of the ready and obliged to pop some matter of a ring or a watch, or whether they came to exchange banter with the comely and buxom Ludmilla Barron behind the counter.

Apparently idling no great distance away were a couple of Nat Barron’s trusted boys, just in case there should be any trouble. While one must suppose that even the most desperate was unlikely to endeavour to rob Grigori in broad daylight, there were fellows that would think no harm in being forward with a young woman, even one that was sporting a fine wedding ring.

Nothing stingy about Nat when it came to his wife!

Ludmilla nodded to Larry, and lifted up the counter so that he might go convoke with Grigori in the office.

The latter was about keeping up the books and making up accounts – looked up at Larry and nodded, asking whether would care for a glass of tea? Nodded back, and accepted a glass of the bitter black brew from the samovar, with a lump of sugar, thinking that these days had a very wide experience of the cup that cheers, from Mr Grigson’s very ceremonious Chinese fashion to ladies’ tea-tables and Grigori’s Russian style.

Handed over a list of various items of jewellery that there was rewards out for information concerning, no questions asked: for was coming about the time of the Season when there were those found themselves a little in straits keeping up with its demands – la, I must have lost that brooch, the catch was a little loose and similar tales. And husbands and fathers usually decided that they wanted no scandal in the matter, and there would be lectures on oeconomy – and useful commissions for the Matt Johnson agency with appropriate gratitude passed on to Grigori.

But that was not my main purpose today. I daresay you are already apprized about this matter of Binnie’s Ma –

Grigori groaned. A deal of pledges she has never redeemed, trying to keep body and soul together since that chap left. But does she go civil and say, here you are, Binnie, doing well for yourself and coming along in a trade, can you mayhap spare somewhat for your old mother? That I fancy she could do, being comfortably supported by Whipping Marie –

O, entirely! Is encouraged by Marie in habits of financial prudence – putting money by &C&C – I daresay would already have been sending somewhat to the old girl had she not expected that fellow to drink it all.

But no, wants to drag her home and put her to some low work – if not….

They exchanged glances. There were girls younger than Binnie already on the streets.

No model parent! said Larry. But does she take it before a magistrate – the law conveys rights however ill parents use their offspring –

For there had been a few sad cases at the orphanage that Clorinda took an interest in, where a long-lost parent turned up and demanded the return of the supposed orphan, that had been thriving there – fed, clothed, educated with a view to some good trade –

Grigori gave a slight snort. Would have supposed, he remarked, that Miss Allard has a deal of acquaintance among gentlemen of influence, that might be in a position to have a discreet word in the ear of a magistrate –

Larry sniggered. Fie, Miss Allard is a most respectable woman and I may commend her hand with a whip, has ever shown entire satisfactory? Has always took the line that discretion concerning her patrons is a necessity of her trade.

They sighed. Grigori changed to subject to enquire whether aught was heard from Mr MacDonald, that he understood was in Scotland at present? Should greatly like to hear his views on the Buonapartist coup in France. Had a few pamphlets from the continent to pass on for his perusal.

Larry sighed and said, did not anticipate his return for some months yet – takes this young antipodean somewhat of a Grand Tour, with a view to his studying at one of the Caledonian universities.

Grigori remarked that one heard that they were in many ways superior to the antient English institutions of learning – and one must envy the opportunity to visit the scenery immortalized by the pen of Scott.

Law, 'twas hard to imagine Grigori anywhere but in a city!

Ludmilla popped her head round the curtain to say that she was about to go call upon her uncle – for she quite religiously went ensure that the engraver Kaminski was thriving, as a most important asset of Nat’s! – and might Mr Hooper escort her?

Larry stood up and declared that 'twould be an honour.

As they stepped out of the shop-door she linked her arm into his. Larry observed that the two discreet watchers – Bart and Fritz – began to follow in an unobtrusive fashion. Ludmilla chattered in surprizing friendly fashion on the way until they reached the building in which Kaminski had his workshop and lodgings.

After they had made a very amiable farewell, came up Bart and punched Larry friendly on the shoulder, saying had not seen him in these parts a while – no, not since Nat’s wedding feast –

O, business has been bustling!

But we see there is no matter of falling-out –

So that was why Ludmilla had shown so effusive! Surely they could not think that there was any resentment – but Nat’s notion to wed the quondam Bet Bloggs had not been an entire secret, though that she had by no means been inclined to that match must surely also be known? No, she was entirely happy to see him married to such a fitting helpmeet.

Not in the least! – had no intention to trouble Mr Barron the day – go call on Lil and Joan for old times’ sake –

Bart nodded and said, Nat had a deal of business upon hand –

Larry nodded, and asked about a few other old friends, until they came to Black Tom’s and took leave of one another just as Thad emerged. Punched Larry upon the shoulder somewhat half-hearted, and enquired after that fine woman Tess Halloran. One was inclined to suppose that Thad had his own sources of intelligence concerning the condition of her husband in the penitentiary!

But turned out was in some desire to know what was the tale behind –

Why, he was a most unsatisfactory bad husband, but the law winks at that, takes a very wide view of the matrimonial rights: but 'tis a deal more severe on one that is selling shares in an entire imaginary projected railway.

Thad whistled.

And there was Tess – for why not show her spirit? – went gather up pertinent papers and took 'em to Matt, that had heard well of, and he went find her refuge, and give her employment, and there was a prosecution brought, and there he is.

Thad groaned and said might have known 'twas some such sly sneaking business. And desired Larry to convey his respects to the lady.

Larry, inwardly chuckling at Thad, known for his way with knife and fist, quite lovesick over Tess, continued along to the 'commodation house ruled over by Lil and Joan.

Both were looking exceeding hale considering the time o’ year – was very pleasing to see how well Joan looked, those trips to Dolly Mutton’s at the seaside were certainly improving her health. They jumped up and gave Larry smacking kisses, declaring that he was a sad wretch that had been neglecting 'em this age &C&C.

La, you are now fancy trollops and have no time for old acquaintance I daresay, but here is a little something that may recall antient friendship – a packet of good tea and a parcel of Euphemia’s biscuits –

Indeed, said Lil, smoothing down her skirts, no need to go out upon the streets in the cold –

But I will confess I came with some purpose, do you mention streets –

Indeed they had words to say about Binnie’s mother –

Slovenly sluttish creature, sniffed Joan, that had ever kept their crib neat and tidy even back in former days. No example to a growing girl.

And, Lil took up, is one will go out upon the streets – or pick up a man in a tavern – does it come around rent day or is she being pressed to pay up her bills and no more credit extended – but not in regular fashion – poaching in our preserves – here are the girls know who walks where for their trade – but she is an irregular – picks up other work here and there but fancy no-one asks her twice – thinks she will live on the girl.

Might, Larry hazarded, there be neighbours that might testify to an ill-kept house – mayhap drunkenness – bringing back men –

Lil and Joan looked at one another. May-hap, murmured Joan. Sure she cannot be popular with 'em – the fights and noise with that fellow –

So, the thing moved on.