All in Good Time (The Gilded Legacy) - By Maureen Lang Page 0,116

in debt to you, Foster.”

“Given whatever it is you’re hiding, I’m not sure you have the right to lecture anybody on what’s right.” Foster looked back at Dessa. “Are we in agreement, then? I’ll have to send someone to Yin Tung right away. We don’t have any time to lose. They want the girl back, and all they know is that she’s probably being hidden by a white family.”

To Henry’s relief, Dessa did not answer right away. She even looked at him, as if seeking his approval—or at least his opinion. How he wanted to talk her out of this. It was a deal with the devil. But what did he have to offer instead?

He looked at Foster. “What do you expect from Miss Caldwell in return?”

Foster acknowledged his question with a slow smile aimed at Dessa, one that Henry suspected was supposed to be seductive. Perhaps it was.

But no. She didn’t receive it with a smile of her own, thank God. In fact, she still looked as concerned as she had a moment ago. Was she willing to sacrifice herself for the girls she wanted to protect? Why did he even consider such a question? There was no doubt that she was willing to do all she could to help them.

Foster cleared his throat and had the good sense to look momentarily embarrassed. “All I want is a chance to have people on both sides of town consider me as more than a gambler and proprietor of vice. I want them to think I’m respectable. To do that, I’m going to need somebody respectable to act like they believe in me first. Somebody people might listen to.”

“Having me introduce you—even as my friend—to the polite side of the city isn’t going to do any good if you don’t follow it up with the right kind of behavior,” Dessa said. “Are you willing to act like a gentleman?”

“I may be a gambler, but I am a gentleman.”

“Are you?” She didn’t look convinced, and Henry thanked God for that, too.

Foster emitted a throaty laugh. “What do you expect? For me to really reform, just to join a bunch of crooks in Washington?”

“Gambling is illegal, Foster,” Henry said. “It may be socially acceptable in more parts of the country than society wants, but the fact is it’s technically illegal. How do you expect to win a campaign when you’re guilty of a crime every day of your life?”

“I’ve already thought of all this. Your friend Lionel has plenty of ideas, Henry. He knows I’m not guilty of anything unnatural, or he wouldn’t have come to me in the first place. I’m a businessman. As far as official city records go, I’ve been the proprietor of nothing but a dance hall all these years. That’s the worst anybody can say about me.”

“And those tables in front of the stage, instead of seats?” Dessa asked. “Don’t they prove what kind of business is done at the Verandah, despite whatever is ‘official’?”

Foster waved away her concerns. “I’ve already made arrangements to modernize the Verandah, so to speak. I’m getting out of the gambling business, at least until I see how the election goes. I’m even going to live at the Windsor.” He winked. “Everybody loves a reformed rake. I’m sure to win.”

“What about all the gamblers, Foster?” Henry asked. “You think they’re just going to forget what kind of place the Verandah has been all these years?”

“It won’t matter. There are plenty of other places for them to take their business.”

“That’s going to cost you,” Henry said. “You’re prepared for that?”

Foster shrugged. “I’ll still have the theater and the drinks.”

“Which are just as bad in some voters’ opinions.”

“Look,” Foster said with a hint of impatience, “I don’t need to be a saint to get elected.”

“No,” Henry said, “you just need saints like Miss Caldwell to tell everyone to vote for you.”

“Won’t hurt.”

“But, Mr. Foster,” Dessa said, “I’ve already told you I’d be willing to express public gratitude if you help me with the girls. Perhaps telling the public I’ve hidden the girls is our only option, if you can prevent a riot. Is my open gratitude all you would expect of me in return for your help?”

“That’s not very much for what I’d be doing for you, is it? I think the least you could do is agree to be seen around town with me a couple of times.” His gaze spread to take in her gown with a confident grin. “Especially now that you’ve