Page 35 of The Laudanum Ladies' Society

‘I want to make money. I am giving you the opportunity to make some, too. Unless, of course, you would rather go back to peddling single doses at tea parties.’

She sounded slightly exasperated, and Gwen swallowed. The woman was formidable.

‘Deliver it to me and I’ll take it to Mrs Walters,’ Jenny said. ‘My uncle is less likely to notice or show interest in parcels arriving.’

Augusta’s friendly smile returned.

‘So, it’s agreed. I will supply you with whatever raw materials you are happy to divulge. You will supply me with a finished product. I will distribute it and you will receive handsome recompense for your part in it.’

‘How much will you pay us?’ Jenny asked. Gwen looked at her, grateful she had been the one to raise the issue of money.

‘Shall we say nine shillings a bottle?’ Augusta asked.

‘No, I don’t think we should,’ Gwen blurted out. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jenny start in astonishment. She was surprised herself.

‘Do you not, indeed?’ Augusta asked. ‘Despite the fact that I will be providing materials and distribution, as I have just laid out. That seems very optimistic.’

She regarded Gwen with what looked like a benign smile, but her eyes were frosty and the hairs on the back of Gwen’s neck prickled. This must be what a rabbit felt like when it spotted the fox that had been stalking it.

‘I think what Mrs Walters means is that the fact that we are producing it at all means we should get fair compensation,’ Jenny said. She looked a little flustered, but Gwen appreciated her intervention more than she could articulate. ‘After all, without us producing it, you would have nothing to distribute, and you could do what you wish with the opium itself.’

As Jenny spoke, a nasty glint appeared in Augusta’s eyes. Gwen shook her head slightly, hoping Jenny would see the warning.

Gwen cleared her throat. ‘Miss Salisbury told us we could probably sell each dose for five shillings and there are at least thirty doses per bottle, in my estimation.’

‘Is that what Miss Salisbury said?’ Augusta’s mouth became a thin line as she gave her friend a sidelong look. Selina shrugged and examined her nails. ‘Perhaps you’re right. However, I have a ready market. Whereas you do not. Selina has told me of your clumsy attempt to start the society that she attended. Vicar’s wives and suchlike. Such strength of ambition on your part!’

Gwen met her gaze, trying to hold her nerve, but Augusta gave a disdainful laugh. ‘You may be able to command two or three shillings, but how many doses will you be able to sell?’

‘If we work for much less, then we will barely make a profit,’ Gwen said. ‘And we do need to do that. This is going to be causing us risk. My husband might find out, and Miss Rosewood’s uncle would certainly disapprove. I’m sure we can meet somewhere in the middle. Can’t we?’ She edged a bit closer to Jenny, wondering who would break first. ‘If it isn’t worth our while, then three or four shillings occasionally might be better,’ she added.

‘One guinea per bottle, minus the cost of the ingredients I will supply, and that is my final offer,’ Augusta said. ‘I do want this, but not at the extent of robbing myself.’

It was better than Gwen had hoped. She turned to Jenny, whispering, ‘We would have to sell hundreds of measures to make that much money.’

‘I expect wewillsell hundreds of measures,’ Augusta said. ‘We can become rich doing this. Never mind paying for new dresses or cataract operations. If this goes according to plan, you will be able to buy clothes from the best couturiers in the country. Your husband need not be in a public ward, but can have the best of the private rooms any hospital can provide.’

Jenny nodded. ‘Yes.’

Gwen turned back to Augusta. ‘We’ll do it.’

‘Good. Have you thought about how best to administer it? As we are partners, I value your suggestions.’

Augusta sounded genuinely interested, but she was mocking them, Gwen was sure of it.

‘When we took it with Miss Salisbury, she put it in sugarplums,’ Jenny said. ‘That was quite effective and before that, we just took it in water. But I suppose if you want to create something your patrons would like to experience, then sugar lumps might be more effective.’

‘I thought about dying it a bright colour,’ Gwen interjected. ‘To make it a little more exciting to look at.’

‘What a wonderful idea,’ Augusta said, warmly. ‘Yes, I think perhaps a bright colour– but not green, because that is too associated with absinthe– perhaps red or pink? The colour of love.’

‘Pink would be perfectly easy to produce with cochineal,’ Gwen said.

‘Well then, we are decided. You will provide me with four bottles a week, in the colour of your choice. Payment will be made on delivery, however as a down payment, how about one pound? Each, of course,’ Augusta added with that condescending smile again.

She walked to the desk, unlocked a drawer, then a strongbox, and counted each of them a pound in mixed coins. Gwen closed her fist around hers. For a small handful, it came with a heavy condition. If for any reason they might not be able to produce what Augusta Charles expected, there would no doubt be consequences that Gwen would not like to be on the receiving end of.

‘Now, I have matters to attend to and I’m sure you both have a lot to be getting on with yourselves. I believe we will do very well together. Prepare to become rich, ladies.’