Heirs of Acadia - 02 - The Innocent Libertine by T. Davis Bunn

interest in someone arrested by an officer of the royal household.”
    “Indeed not,” Lillian agreed. “It would serve no purpose in regard to Miss Aldridge’s freedom, and destroy your career in the process.”
    Huffington’s lips tightened in a grim smile of approval. “I think perhaps Mrs. Aldridge is well served to have you at her side tonight, my lady.”
    “You will prepare the request?”
    “Most certainly.” Huffington rose and walked to his desk. He drew over a sheet of fresh parchment and dipped his quill into the polished inkwell. He said as he wrote, “Mrs. Aldridge, I would advise you to do whatever the countess suggests.”
    “Very well. But what is it you are not telling me?” Her frantic question fell into a long silence.
    Huffington finished writing, inspected his work, then dusted the paper before replying. “All you should concern yourself with this night is your daughter’s safe release. Are we clear on this matter?”
    Lavinia’s eyes tracked back and forth once more. Something in their set expressions caused her frame to shudder. “Of course I shall do as you advise.”
    “Excellent.” He rose from his desk, walked over, and handed the paper to Lillian. “Do be so kind as to have your man report to me once this matter is resolved.”
    “It may be quite late, sir.”
    “No matter what the hour,” Huffington replied. “I shall not sleep a wink until I hear from you.” He steered Lavinia toward the door with a hand set gently upon her shoulder. “Until that time, I shall be praying as fervently as I know how.”

Chapter 6
    The carriage ride from the magistrate’s home to Newgate Prison was a dark and endless trek. They left the fashionable districts behind with their bright streetlamps, carefully tended boulevards, fine townhouses, and broad sheltering trees. For Lillian, they ventured not just into the cramped and fetid lanes of London’s impoverished East End. They also entered a realm that brought on a nightmare of memories.
    Lavinia was too anxious to notice. “Abigail has always been an impulsive girl. Not bad natured, nor immoral in her intent. Never that. Which has made it so hard sometimes to discipline her. She is as strong a believer as ever I have met. But tied to this is a nature which—oh, it is so hard to explain.”
    Lillian fastened her attention upon the handkerchief Lavinia knotted and coiled with her fingers. But ignoring the scenes outside the carriage did not help. Everywhere she looked, she saw the same thing. “She attracts danger,” Lillian finally said.
    “No, not that exactly. But she does so enjoy questioning everything.”
    “She seeks out the wrong sort of folk to call friends,” Lillian continued.
    “H-how do you know Abigail so well?”
    Lillian merely continued, “She launches herself into anything that might appear to offer what her staid life does not.”
    The carriage jounced them hard as it pulled to a halt, and then Ben clambered down from up top. “Newgate Prison, ma’am!”
    “I must go.” Lillian moved for the door Ben held open. “You must wait here.”
    “But shouldn’t I—”
    “Remember what I said, Lavinia.” Lillian reached for the dark hooded garment resting on the opposite seat. “It is vital that you do as I say.”
    “Wait.” Lavinia extended one hand. “Pray with me.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Oh, I know you do not share our faith. But if you are to act as my emissary in this matter, I must at least know you are shielded by prayer.” She motioned Ben forward and then waited while he in turn brought the former thief into their circle. “Oh my dear Lord God,” Lavinia began earnestly, “I have turned to thee on occasions beyond count. But never with a greater need than now. Guide the steps and actions and words of this dear woman, whom I am certain thou hast brought to us in this hour of direst need. Shield her from all who seek to do her harm. Open all locked doors, as thou hast done for other