C5: A change of Fortune
The following day Captain Homer Jackson and Madam Susan Hart left the house at the same time. On the road outside their house stood a smart private carriage. With an anxious look at her husband Susan stepped inside, settling back against the comfortable seat. Through the window Susan sat watching the carriage cross from Whitechapel into the City, unconsciously placing a hand over her stomach. She was extremely nervous about the meeting and all too aware the outcome would change the course of her life. Taking a deep breath Susan fought the nausea and fear that threatened the overwhelm her.
Outside a smart house on Corporation land the carriage stopped. Getting out Susan saw Mr Cowdery and Mr Grosvenor waiting for her, the latter taking her hand to help her down the carriage steps.
"Miss Hart a pleasure to see you again," Mr Grosvenor said, leading Susan into the house.
"Miss Hart you look lovely," Mr Cowdery said, as they entered the drawing room.
The drawing room was large and elegant. The finest curtains of red material hung at the windows. The windows themselves were large, filled with the finest class and illuminated the room. The furniture was of the highest quality wood in the latest fashion. Family portraits hung on the walls along with a large mirror and smart clock chimed above the fireplace. Every inch of the room displaying the wealth of a high ranking banker. A fire was cracking in the fireplace giving warmth and creating a safe, family and comforting feeling.
"Mr Cowdery Mr Grosvenor good morning," Susan replied, sitting down in a soft chair covered in a rich red and cream pattern.
"Miss Hart, as you know I now own the house you rent," Mr Grosvenor began in a gentle tone. "I have seen the contract you had with Duggan. I do not like the terms of your contract. I do not wish for the same terms."
Taking a deep breath Susan looked at both men with fear coursing through her. Both men had been visiting the house every week since she opened. They had always been kind, courteous and very inch perfect gentlemen. However they were powerful and could make her life difficult if they choose to. The fact the meeting was taking place in a private house chilled her bones, however given her business it was not surprising the two men wished to keep the meeting private. While it was accepted that men of high standing visited brothels owning one was a far different matter.
"I do not desire you. I do know the business is profitable and well regarded by gentlemen who visit," Mr Grosvenor said, his manner friendly and business like.
"I keep a tight eye on the finances. I wish for a successful business that caters exclusively for gentlemen," Susan replied confidently, masking the uncertainty within her.
"Truly Miss Hart you have succeeded. Our association will be purely business yet mutually beneficially," Mr Grosvenor said, pushing a contract to Susan across a low dark table.
Reading the contract Susan's heart did a backflip. The rent demanded each month was what the house made in a day. The rent would be paid on the first day of each month and in person to Mr Grosvenor. Susan would provide girls to Mr Grosvenor when he required without charge. When he visited the house with friends they would not be charged for the evening.
Reading through the contract a second time Susan was unable to hide amazement and relief she felt. This was a contract that gave her near complete freedom, more freedom in fact than she ever dreamt of. The terms were entirely favourable to her without any hidden clauses or demands.
"You are pleased with the terms Miss Hart?" Mr Cowdery asked.
"I am indeed, they are far superior than the ones on which Mr Duggan had me," Susan replied softly.
"That gutter born pig was motivated by desire for you alone. He could not see the valuable business contacts that could be made between the gentlemen who call at your house. I am wealthy senior banker responsible for many of the bank's most important clients. Having a place to entertain these clients is of more valuable to me than rent money. Truly it is amazing how a night of entertainment can lead to understanding between gentlemen," Mr Grosvenor replied silkily, his eyes gleaming with intellect.
"I am grateful for your kindness Sir. I am pleased you are my landlord," Susan replied silkily, looking at Mr Grosvenor in a calculating manner.
"Then we are agreed Miss Hart?" Mr Grosvenor said.
"We are Mr Grosvenor."
Taking pens from a metal tray and under the eye of Mr Cowdery, Mr Grosvenor and Susan Hart signed a copy of the contract. A copy was handed to Susan and Mr Cowdery placed the second on his black briefcase. The deal was done. One based on pure simple business sense devoid of emotion, desire and hidden motives. Smiling Mr Grosvenor and Susan knew they had found in the other a worthy business partner.
"Never fear me Miss Hart. I will never take advantage of you," Mr Grosvenor said, his tone changing from business like to fatherly.
From his pocket Mr Grosvenor drew a blue silk purse and handed it to Susan. Opening it Susan gasped as it contained 1000 guineas, twice the sum Duggan had demanded just weeks previously. Fingering the money Susan felt a thrill run down her spine and her mind looking for the slightest sign of deceit, wondering why such a sum had been gifted to her and what was wanted in return.
"Consider it compensation for the exploitation suffered at Duggan's hands. A gesture of goodwill without bond or demand."
"You have my deepest thanks Mr Grosvenor," Susan replied, relaxing a little.
"Miss Hart you are a true lady. Live as you choose. I will not interfere with your life or business. Yourself and your girls have my protection," Mr Grosvenor said, his voice and eyes showing the sincerity of his words.
"Truly Mr Grosvenor you are a gentleman of the highest honour. Should I wish to invest the money?" Susan asked, playing with purse of money.
"It would be a pleasure to assist you. You are a shrewd business woman Miss Hart, we will work well together," Mr Grosvenor said, leaning back in his chair.
"I believe we will," Susan said smoothly, placing the purse in her bag.
"Never fear to call on me should you require help. On my mother's soul I swear never to touch or harm you," Mr Grosvenor said, placing at hand over his heart.
Shaking hands Mr Grosvenor and Mr Cowdery and Susan walked out of the house. Climbing into the carriage Susan bid them both farewell, receiving smiles in return.
As the carriage rattled through the streets Susan sat marvelling at her amazing good fortune. The contract was freedom beyond imagining. There was no doubting the sincerity of Mr Grosvenor's promise not to touch Susan. Above all he was a businessman who had the ability to respect other's talents. He even seemed to have a fatherly concern for Susan.
For a moment Susan wondered why Silas Duggan's will was under the care of Mr Cowdery and not that of Mr Ronald Capshaw. Yet perhaps Mr Cowdery had the expertise in inheritance while Mr Caphaw specialized in commercial and property law. Strange though that Ronald Capshaw handled all of Silas Duggan's affairs but not his will.
Arriving at Tenter Street Susan stepped out of the carriage. Soft flakes of snow were falling. A sudden surge of snow obscuring Susan from the world. For a moment Susan stood in the snow gathering her thoughts. One hand unconsciously straying to her stomach. Feeling the fabric through her gloved hand Susan allowed her eyes a briefly glance down at her stomach. A single tear running down her cheek and her eyes shining with guilt.
"I'm sorry," Susan whispered, brushing the tear away.
Pushing open the front door Susan felt the warmth envelop her. The house was eerily quiet, as if waiting for a storm to crash down upon it. Taking her coat off, Susan smiled serenely as the girls gathered around her. The girls faces were filled with curiosity mingled with concern. Half-dressed they clung to one another, some shivering despite the warmth and others tense as if ready to flee at a moment's notice.
"Miss Susan what happened?" Charity asked hesitantly.
"We are free," Susan laughed, telling the girls what had passed.
In utter amazement the girl gasped. It was beyond their wildest dreams. For them to be protected was a thing most had never experienced. All at once they began hugging one another and Susan. The news warming the hearts of even the most cynical girl. They were utterly free to live as they wished, for the first time protected by a man they all knew and liked.
