In Which Wheels Are Set In Motion And Victoria Is Intrigued
"Lady Saporta."
Victoria turned, smiled with her mouth only. "Gabriel, we are practically brother and sister, why the formality."
Gabe bowed and winked at her in one fluid motion. "Observing form, my darling sister-in-law. May I present Captain Beckett?"
Victoria raised an eyebrow delicately as she held out her hand for Beckett to bow over. "Ahh, your dashing Captain Beckett. I hear you have been unwell, but I trust you are in good health now?"
Beckett nodded, all rake-thin lines and eyes too observant. "Indeed, a minor accident has delayed me for the season, but I intend to rejoin my ship when next she docks."
Gabe pouted, and Victoria was too fond of the spoilt brat. "Well, then, do not allow me to detain you from your leisure whilst you have it. I believe my darling brother-in-law seeks a dance?"
Gabe mouthed 'thank you' as he whirled Beckett off into the crowd.
"Lady Saporta!" She suppressed a sigh of annoyance and pasted a pleasant smile on her face as she turned.
"Lord Grenville, it's been too long." Neither of them mentioned how he had been at Victoria's club three nights out of the past seven. He had taken a shine to a new girl, Cassadee, and it was proving to be a profitable infatuation.
Grenville dragged her to the little knot of people, mainly gentry, but a few suitable representatives from industry. She accepted a glass of something sweet, and listened to the flow of conversation. The man introduced as McCracken was holding forth. His dress and speech proclaimed him to be of the nouve riche. Victoria demurely sipped her drink.
"So then," he said, giggling unbecomingly at his own anecdote, "this little wretch of a boy, one of the bolt tighteners, runs across the deck yelling 'She showed me her old hat!' Over and over he yelled it." McCracken shook his head. "It's not even as if the gels down in the spinning room even wear hats, poor wretches that they are."
Victoria schooled her expression, glancing away from McCracken so she wouldn't have to look him in the eye. The gents were all nodding seriously about the deplorable standards of the working classes...except one young man at the back, who was struggling to hold back a grin as he sipped his drink. His eyes were laughing, not at her she realized, but at McCracken.
She eyed his fine clothes, the casual arrogance of his bearing, and felt intrigued. Who was this toff, that he knew what an old hat was? Maybe he had a bit on the side who used the phrase....no, working girls were always careful how they spoke to their gents, she of all the people here should know.
"Hello, sister," Gabe said breathlessly, appearing at her side.
She smiled at him, nodding her apologies to the gentlemen as she let Gabe lead her away. "Sweetheart, fill me in. Do you know the gent in the green waistcoat? The one standing by Mr Siska?"
Gabe sniffed. "That's Master Carden, Michael I think. You've heard of the Carden's?"
Victoria nodded, trying hard not to stare. "Everyone in this city has heard of the Carden's. His father has an account, even. But I have heard little about the son. I thought he was younger."
Gabe snorted and snatched another drink off a passing tray. "For all intents and purposes, he might as well be. Keeps to himself, that one. Shy. Not one to go out." He grinned laviciously. "Definitely not one to keep account with you and the poor girls you have so generously taken in."
Victoria tapped his shoulder with her fan in silent rebuke. "If you'll excuse me," she said, already walking away. She was curious, and she knew just the men to help her satisfy her.