The Scoundrel and I - Katharine Ashe Page 0,62

deserve attention above all others. Yes, wounded veterans of war, orphans, chimney sweeps, and stevedores interest me more than your elite cabal. Yes, their struggles to provide for their families concern me more greatly than the waste of Government funds on your little club. Yes, I would rather think and write about them than about you and your pampered friends.

You see, I care for these people—deeply, honestly, in my heart. Unlike you, they are not garbed in costly raiment, they do not sit languidly sipping imported spirits while others rush about serving them, and they do not reside in vast mansions or gather with their friends at fashionable venues. They are poor, struggling, and overburdened with the labor that underpins this kingdom. They need me. You do not, except to expose you to the Good People of this Nation as villainous parasites.

I have not ceased my pursuit of you. I simply have others who interest me more.

— Lady Justice

~o0o~

Dear Lady,

Extraordinary! If I make myself desperate and destitute, will it inspire your continued interest? Shall I tear off my fine garments and cast away my wealth in order to ensure your devoted attention? Can this be the sort of man you admire?

Incredulously yours,

Peregrine

Secretary, The Falcon Club

~o0o~

To Peregrine, at large:

Yes. I dare you.

— Lady Justice

~o0o~

Dear Lady,

It is done—the moment you throw off the mask behind which you hide. Do so, and I will surrender.

Yours,

Peregrine

Secretary, The Falcon Club

~o0o~

Fellow Subjects of Britain,

Scandal!

At night I lie abed, heart pounding, breaths short, and mourn England’s ravagement. My soul cries and my frail feminine form aches to know that the Elite of Society to whom we all pay homage are stealing from our Kingdom to serve their profligate ways.

Stealing!

For four years now I have sought the identities of the members of the elusive Falcon Club, a gentleman’s leisure establishment that regularly receives funds from the Treasury without due process in Parliament. Today I announce my greatest accomplishment in this quest: I have discovered the identity of one member. I have hired an assistant to follow this man and learn of his activities. When I possess reports that I can trust, I will convey them to you.

Until then, if you are reading this pamphlet, Mr. Peregrine, know that I look forward to the day you and I meet face-to-face and I will tell you exactly what sort of man you truly are.

—Lady Justice

~o0o~

My Dearest Lady,

I am nearly breathless (as I daresay three-quarters of the men in London are now) imagining you at rest upon your cot, your breast filled with emotion, your lips trembling with feeling. I am moved by your devotion. And, like a cock released into the ring, I am roused by your eagerness to meet me in person.

But perhaps you have discovered not one of my fellow club members, but me. Perhaps I shan’t be obliged to wait long for us to finally become acquainted. Perhaps my own nocturnal imaginings will soon rush from the realm of dreams into reality. I can only hope.

Increasingly yours,

Peregrine

Secretary, the Falcon Club

~o0o~

Fellow Subjects,

I have frustrating news. The man I hired to follow the member of the Falcon Club that I discovered has lost the trail. I share with you this information because I have had letters from many of you excited at my discovery, and I cannot bear to hold you in suspense. It warms my heart that you are as desirous as I to know the truth of this club.

—Lady Justice

~o0o~

Dearest Lady,

I beg of you—mercy! You must cease this teasing prose. When you write of warmth, your heart, and desire all in the same sentence, I vow I can barely hold my seat. I would erect a tent before the office of your publisher and sleep in it nights in the hopes of capturing a glimpse of you entering the building upon the dawn. Indeed, I have attempted it! Alas, the street warden will not allow it. Thus I am forced to beg of you, my lady, consider my febrile imagination and give it rest.

Increasingly yours, &c.,

Peregrine

Secretary, The Falcon Club

~o0o~

Fellow Subjects of Britain,

Due to Unanticipated Circumstances my agent in Shropshire is once again detained in pursuing his Falcon Club quarry. In short, I begin to despair of this particular quest.

No—I shan’t cease seeking justice! Yes—I shall hound the members of this wasteful club until they are all discovered!

But, as I have fretfully awaited my agent’s communications, I have learned a valuable lesson: subterfuge is not my bailiwick. I would rather approach a man directly, accuse him of wrongdoing