Free No Place for a Lady by Jade Lee Page B

casually dismissed Wilberforce's life goal—the abolishment of slavery. "Yes, yes, you know I support the antislavery bill. What I am more concerned with—"
    "And you, Lord Chadwick, do I number you among my supporters?"
    Marcus paused. He had every intention of lending his name and political power to the bill. It was, he knew, the right and moral thing to do. However, he could not give up the opportunity to bargain with Wilberforce.
    Marcus leaned forward, matching Wilberforce in intensity. "That all depends," he began slowly. "A bill fostered by a dead man will go nowhere."
    Wilberforce merely waved off the comment. "That is not a motive, my dear boy."
    "But what about the bill?" That was Fantine, her lovely face pulled into a slight frown. "I thought if you died, the antislavery movement would end with you."
    Wilberforce turned to her and actually had the audacity to pat her hand. "Nonsense, my dear. It shall become cause celebre when sponsored by a martyr."
    Marcus nodded, knowing that was probably true. Still, he allowed doubt to color his voice. "Perhaps. Or perhaps not. I cannot but question the wisdom of a man who will not cooperate with the people trying to save his life."
    "Tish tosh," returned the gentleman. "I have told you, such nonsense is commonplace, yet I am still here."
    "Help us make sure you continue in that happy state."
    Wilberforce sighed. It was the sound of a man forced into what he considered inanities for the sake of a greater cause. "Very well. I shall supply you with a list of my opponents, although I warn you, the account is rather large."
    "Excellent," Marcus returned. "Then I shall fully support your bill."
    That, at least, caused the older man to grin with wholehearted delight. "You will speak out at the next meeting?"
    Marcus nodded. "Provided you supply Miss Delarive with your list and give her your complete cooperation."
    Wilberforce blinked as if just recalling Fantine's presence. "Miss Delarive?"
    Marcus smiled, only now realizing how right the action felt despite the tightening in his gut. "I am afraid the preparations for my speech will occupy much of my time. No, I fear I shall have to leave your safety to the professional." He glanced over to Fantine, relishing the look of total astonishment on her face.
    "You are quitting?" she gasped. "Just like that?"
    Wilberforce was also quick to notice her expression. "The young lady appears uncomfortable with the weight of responsibility."
    "Nonsense," Marcus returned with a grin. "She is merely stunned that I would step aside." He watched with devilish amusement as a pink blush crept up her face. She had not thought him able to see past his pride. "Miss Delarive is quite capable of handling this particular task, is that not so, Fantine?"
    "Uh, too roight..." she began in her Cockney accent. Then she flushed an even deeper crimson and began again in cultured tones. "Of course, my lord." She turned to Wilberforce. "I shall not fail you."
    "Her credentials are quite impressive," put in Penworthy.
    Wilberforce still looked unconvinced, but Marcus knew he was a man of his word. With a cordial smile and a last lingering look at Fantine, Marcus stood. "It appears I must begin work on a speech. If you will excuse me..."
    "Of course, dear boy," Wilberforce said, standing up as well. "Pray allow me to accompany you. We can discuss the points you absolutely must stress." The older man linked arms with Marcus, leading him out the door as he spoke. "It is imperative that everyone understand..."
    Marcus twisted around, trying not to be rude to the aged MP, but still wishing to speak with Fantine. He was only now realizing what he had done. By stepping down from the investigation, he might not ever see her again. She would have no need to contact him.
    How would he find her again? How could he help his friend care for her, see to her future if he had no apparent reason to find her?
    Then it was too late. Wilberforce succeeded in pulling him out of the room