Challenges (2)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

The leafy and discreet environs of St John’s Wood

Leda Hacker had not previously ever presented as Babsie Bolton beyond the portals of Dumaine’s fine establishment in St James, where in the guise of a crack doxy she kept a sharp eye open on his behalf for cogging and sharping by the patrons, and alas, sometimes by the dealers. Truth to tell, 'twas somewhat uncomfortable being Babsie – a wig of black ringlets, high-heeled boots, a deal of padding and lacing to provide her with the impression of a stunning decolletage – whereas the natural Leda could readily masquerade as Larry Hooper – and on top of that, matters of rouge and paint!

But Marabelle Myrtle had besought dearest Babsie to come take tea at this darling pretty villa Lord Iffling had set her up in in St John’s Wood – going it! thought Leda – and Marabelle would expect Babsie. Sure, for a tea-party she would not be rigged out in full fig as when she went flaunt about Dumaine’s, but she still had to sport the wig, and the boots, and the lacing &C, a little colouring to her usually pale cheeks.

Law, even thus, Babsie evoked a deal of male interest as she made her way through the streets and by omnibus to the leafy and discreet environs of St John’s Wood! Had not quite had to resort to poking any with a hatpin, a precaution that Sophy had commended to her – one might readily suppose that in her younger days, Sophy, that was still a black but comely matron, had been a plumply pretty morsel – had not Marie Allard made some allusion to Nat Barron turning an eye in that direction, before Sophy had been got safe into good service among family members at Clorinda’s?

But Babsie was quite capable of lifting a withering eyebrow and enquiring whether the gentleman’s mother knew he was out? Or sighing, ow, give over, do in much wearier tones than Clo Marshall ever sang.

Finally, here she was in the very genteel streets of St John’s Wood, that was where the better class of mistress had their establishments, and men might visit their paramours very discreet in these detached houses set back from the road in concealing gardens.

The villa that was Marabelle’s was not one of the largest, but ‘twas very handsome – well-kept, the door brass shining as Leda rapped with the knocker – came to the door a maid in tidy uniform, very neat and precise, to show Miss Bolton into the parlour –

Where Marabelle Myrtle was sitting amongst very handsome furniture, and wearing a positively sumptuous gown, perchance somewhat in excess for taking tea, but la, Leda supposed she wished to show off a little!

The two women embraced, kissing one another’s painted cheeks, and complained a little upon the winter weather and the terrible fogs.

Marabelle patted the place next to her upon the sopha, and Babsie sat down, carefully arranging her skirts about her.

She looked about the parlour and remarked that Marabelle sure found herself in a cozy nest!

Marabelle replaced the silver teapot on its stand, handed the cup to Babsie and gave a deep happy sigh. O, indeed I do – sure Iffling goes show very kind and generous to me – I must show you my jewels – I find myself able to put by – it gives me a considerable sense of security –

She offered Babsie cake, that was excellent good cake even if, the latter deduced, it came from some local pastrycook rather than the kitchen.

Matters have come about for him very agreeable – not just this circumstance of this new brother-in-law that is exceeding rich and able to put him in the way of a deal of good things – but – she lowered her voice – confided in me that his father-in-law was a great trouble to him – had evidence of a foolish prank that he took part in at Oxford, that would cause great scandal should it get out now, held it over him –

Babsie exclaimed.

– but came about that a friend was able to find it and they destroyed it, and really, Iffling’s spirits are so much relieved, is almost a different man. A deal less surly and gloomy. Had some thoughts of divorcing Saythingport’s daughter, that he declares is a miserable bitch, but finds that doing so would be a tedious great bore and put him to considerable expense. Also, takes the thought that might affect the prospects of his children, especial his daughters –

That is a thought indeed! Sins of the mother &C.

Has a fondness for 'em. Is also greatly fond of his poor father the Duke – will by no means have him sent to confinement in some asylum, declares that he is not one that will do harm to any creature or to himself, would be cruel to remove him from Anclewer that is loved and familiar – would a deal rather pay for reputable attendants.

That, thought Leda, spoke better of Lord Iffling than one had supposed – and indeed, here he was showing remarkable generous to Marabelle, that did look quite blossoming. And 'twas not all paint! Not a life that would ever have suited her, but one must observe that for some, being the kept mistress of a generous aristocratic fellow was quite the pinnacle of their ambitions.

Clorinda would sometimes wrinkle her nose and say, la, in her days as a Lady of the Town, had never fancied to put herself under the hand of any one man – 'tis a risky venture – o, they are April when they woo – but sure, she would go on, there are those show quite the finest loyalty to the ladies under their protection, an example to many lawful wedded husbands – look at Danvers Dalrymple and Clara Richardson! –

Babsie smiled at Marabelle and said, sure she should relish the opportunity to see over a fine house the like of this, and mayhap have a peep at Marabelle’s jewels –

At which the latter quite sprang up and Babsie deduced that she had been very desirous of doing just this.

Was not one of the very large villas about these parts, but exceeding well-appointed – everything of the most modern – the bathroom was quite a wonder to behold – Babsie made all the appropriate noises of envy –

Finally they came to her dressing-room, all very properly done up, and a very sumptuous jewel-chest, that Marabelle went unlock.

Well! that was prime sparkle he had give her! Perchance a little on the gaudy side, but by no means vulgar.

My dear, said Babsie, I hope you have a good safe about the premises?

A safe?

La, my dear, there are sad tales of burglary go about, do you not read the newspapers? These fine jewels would be a great temptation, are you known to have 'em. Here – she ferreted in her reticule and drew out a scrap of paper and a pencil. Could hardly present Marabelle with one of Leda Hacker’s cards for locksmiths! – and you must have 'em insured, I suppose?

One might perceive that these precautions had not yet crossed Marabelle’s mind. Leda hoped that was she putting by, 'twas not in an old stocking under the mattress but prudent in the Savings Bank or so. Sure 'twas an entire education listening to Clorinda talking of her life afore her very brief marriage of convenience to the dying Marquess of Bexbury – had by no means been in straits! –

They returned to the parlour and Marabelle plumped down on the sopha and glanced at the clock and offered that Babsie might care for a small glass of port?

Very warming at this season of the year, she conceded, and it turned out excellent good port.

Marabelle gave a little sigh, and said, she supposed that Babsie was not permitted to gossip upon her patrons – for the rumour that went round at Dumaine’s was that she was commissioned, by way of Dumaine, for the pleasures of certain gentlemen that were very desirous of most extreme discretion in the matter.

Babsie grinned and said, 'twas not quite as much as her life was worth, but indeed, certain fellows would pay very highly to maintain their reputations! Any hint that they were not secure and poof! 'tis an occupation gone.

That was entirely true: there was Carlotta Delgado, very amply fee’d to present publicly as the fiery and jealous mistress of Lord Saythingport, with no private carnal duties, so that none might suspect that he was given to unnatural crimes that were still considered capital offences.

'Tis said, murmured Marabelle, looking into her glass, clergymen – even bishops –

La, I could not possibly say, Babsie responded in an Oh, what I could an if I would tone.

Returning to the offices of the agency, still presenting as Babsie, there was an amuzing moment when Solly failed to recognize her and made very obsequious in enquiring over madam’s errand. Ow, give over, do! said Leda, with a grin. Let me get out of these uncomfortable things and into something more like myself.

Back in the garb of Miss Hacker of the Johnson agency, she went into the filing-room that was also the common-room for Matt’s chief operatives, and Matt himself came in.

Leda said, she was like to think they would not be commissioned to any investigation for bringing a crim. con. against Lord Blatchett over Lady Iffling –

Matt grunted and said, could not regret that, was ever a nasty business however remunerative.

But, she fancied, there might be somewhat else to their advantage in the wind.

A few days later she proved an accurate prophet when there was a letter desiring the agency’s services in the matter of making a certain villa in St John’s Wood as secure as might be from burglary, and advice on the best things in safes, &C.

Excellent good business, remarked Matt. Let us hope that word gets about among the ladies of light virtue that reside in those parts and one supposes have valuable jewels about their very eligible residences.

Leda grinned at him and said, perchance one might make up circulars.

'Tis a thought.

Comments

[kore]

Leda!! I love how she immediately enquires about a safe.

[azara1]

I'm so happy to see this! I somehow missed the first instalment so I had a double treat today.

I love how Leda, while in character as Babsie, is genuinely friendly and helpful to Marabelle, and is quite a dab hand at contriving.

[castiron]

Awww, Leda!

[cesy]

Excellent!

[azurelunatic]

I love how Babsie keeps some of the turns of phrase that Leda most likely isn't using anymore! "Prime sparkle" is not a phrase that one associates with a genteel lady security expert...