Page 66 of The Laudanum Ladies' Society

Gwen took a deep breath to steady her nerves. She could hardly come out and accuse a well-reputed woman or Augusta of being pimps, but Augusta would appreciate honesty rather than subterfuge and there was a way she could broach the subject.

‘I have come to tell you that I have heard disturbing rumours regarding the conduct of Mr Craig.’

‘Really?’ Augusta’s eyes narrowed. ‘Please elaborate.’

Gwen blushed at the thought of mentioning such an indelicate matter, but there seemed to be no other way of finding out.

‘I believe he has been propositioning young women and enticing them into depravity under false pretences.’

Augusta’s eyes bored into Gwen, pinning her to the spot. When it seemed she would never break free, Augusta turned to Selina, who was sitting placidly watching the exchange. Something unreadable passed between them, then Augusta turned back to Gwen.

‘Do you have proof of this?’

Gwen swallowed, wishing she had accepted a cup of coffee as her mouth had dried completely. That neither woman appeared shocked, indicated they were already aware of his activities.

‘I saw him one evening speaking to someone in service where an acquaintance lives. The girl then left her employment and hasn’t been seen since.’

Augusta smiled thinly. It was without humour or pleasure, merely a triumphant upturn of her thin lips.

‘That’s not proof. Not that he was connected with her departure, and definitely not that it was enticement. Thank you for your concern, however, and I shall speak with him. Are you sure you won’t take coffee before you go?’

She picked up her own cup and saucer, clear dismissal in her voice. Gwen stood awkwardly for a moment before walking to the door. She took hold of the handle but couldn’t bring herself to leave. She turned back and looked at the two women, who both raised their brows in synchronisation, almost as if they had practised. Despite her assurances to Jenny that she wouldn’t accuse Augusta of anything, Gwen couldn’t rest until she’d confirmed it.

‘Did you know about what he does?’

Augusta’s eyelids flickered, prompting Gwen to continue.

‘Please, Augusta, tell me the truth. Are you involved in prostitution? The establishment that you want to rival your husband’s– does it just sell opium, or does it also trade in women?’

Augusta placed her cup back on the table.

‘What would you do if I told you it did? Go to the police? The newspapers? Sever our association?’ Augusta stood and walked slowly over to Gwen, never taking her eyes off her. Gwen shrank back a little, feeling like a mouse being assessed for the kill by a particularly nasty cat.

‘I don’t know,’ Gwen answered.

Augusta laughed unkindly. ‘Mrs Walters, you are a woman of the world, like I am, so let me speak to you frankly. Men have appetites that don’t always get satiated at home. If Iwereengaged in procuring women– which I do not admit to– I would be providing a means by which men can release the urges that come naturally to them and that are anathema to so manyof ours.’ There was derision in her voice, though Gwen wasn’t certain whether it was directed at her or at men for having such frail temperaments.

‘It’s immoral. It’s debauched,’ Gwen said.

‘Which of those bothers you more? What they are selling, or the act of selling itself?’

Augusta waved a hand dismissively. ‘If I were to be involved in such a thing, I would also be providing a safe refuge for the women who ply their trade. What is the alternative? That they walk the streets and gratify their clients against a wall down a rat-filled alley? That the men quench their desires on their wives or servants, or on unsuspecting women?’

Every answer faltered on Gwen’s lips. Of course, a room inside with someone keeping watch was better than a dank alley, but to admit that would be tantamount to sanctioning it. She moistened her lips and lifted her chin.

‘Do the girls you take in know what they will be committing themselves to?’

‘Most of them see the advantage,’ Selina interjected from her chair. She tilted her head and smiled serenely. ‘Some of them go on to achieve great things, with powerful patrons and lives of luxury. They are able to move in the highest society circles and influence men in a way you could only imagine. She who holds the member of a Member of Parliament has his ear.’

She laughed merrily, as if she had made the greatest pun. Gwen began to feel a little lightheaded. She had an appalling feeling that Selina was speaking from experience.

‘If you were to set aside the morality that chains you down, a woman with your knowledge and talent could be invaluable in that line of work,’ Augusta said, looking at Gwen with narrowed eyes.

Before Gwen could protest at such an insult, Augusta continued. ‘The women frequently need medical care, but whatrespectable doctor would treat them? You could do good work for those women.’

Gwen tasted bile, remembering Wolf’s question. ‘Ridding them of unwanted pregnancies?’

Augusta nodded her confirmation. ‘Or preventing them. Would you condemn those poor unfortunates to give birth to unwanted babies, with all the danger and cost that would entail? Not to mention the diseases that afflict them.’