Ladies in Distress, Part 2 of 4

by sherrythorn

Isaac Jordan, is set his sights on Rebecca for his next victim, beginning her part in the mission, which she knows nothing about. Watching the way the man works is a trial for both Chatsworth and Phileas, causing a great deal of soul searching about their part and how the country treats women. It is a waiting game, with Rebecca in the middle of a web of lies.

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 17

Isaac Jordan was getting ready for spring himself, in his own way. He had a large dinner party for his better clients about midway through the London social season. To prepare for that, he went about his yearly visits with clients to see to any changes in the way they wanted their affairs handled. This included such important things as investing in mining verses shipping and how saucy they wanted their hostess at the annual dinner.

On one such meeting with the son of an Earl, mention was made of a reception the queen gave to intimates before the season began. These things always made Jordan envious. They were just the sort of events he would most like to attend, but had no hopes of getting invited to. Decisions on foreign policy, trade, who was favored and who was not, were all made at these events. Watching the movements of certain peers' assets was the best he could do to tell what was happening.

The young nobleman telling him of the queen's reception was a fop of the first order. Nathaniel St. Pierre gambled heavily, drank, whored, and lived the most disreputable life imaginable, and got away with it because of whose son he was. The only saving grace to the man was not living in a pit of debt, as most who followed such a lifestyle. Nathaniel had a good inheritance from his mother, which he invested, and grew it as though he had the blood of King Midas. In fact, he had not touched the principle in over three years. The fop lived off a portion of the interest and his gambling winnings, which also grew well.

Isaac watched him closely and had become friends with him just to see if some of his blessings could be quantified and duplicated. Jordan had to conclude that he had big ears and did as his father did. As such, he was an excellent source of information within the ton, and a good friend to have.

"You can't imagine how boring such events are," Nathaniel said. "The only thing that makes it worth going are all the pretty women. I have wanted to get close to one for years, but her guardian refuses to have anything to do with me. Imagine, me, an earl's son, and she, just a commoner with good connections. But I tell you, Rebecca Fogg has the most beautiful red hair. I would love to get lost in it."

Jordan's ears perked up. "Rebecca Fogg, you mean the cousin of Phileas Fogg?"

"Why yes, she is. How do you know her?" Nathaniel said.

"I have had some business dealings with her family," Jordan said. "I agree with you. She is a beautiful lady."

Nathaniel leaned over the table. "You know, I have requested her twice. That was once more than I should have, but that cousin of hers refused me. What is he after for her anyway, a royal prince? If I had any way to get to her without having to go through her cousin…"

Nathaniel paused for effect but did not finish the statement. He just went back to his earlier comments on cattle futures and the state of livestock markets.

Jordan's mind didn't turn from the subject. Even as he kept up with the man's comments on cattle, he considered that aborted statement. What could he give for access to Rebecca Fogg?