"Indeed. But we all know it is often not the woman's fault in any way, but the man's. Women bear the brunt because of their visible proofs of sin, either a child, or, well, the loss of their maidenhead. The Rakehells are men of principle who practice what they preach. I have to admit that they have also not all been quite so respectable as one might think. Some of them are a bit rakish."
"Oh?" He gritted his teeth at the thought of anyone taking advantage of the lovely young woman. Including himself.
"Yes, indeed. One of their old school friends was actually a male prostitute who catered for women when he was a much younger man. He only did it to help rescue his family from debtor's prison, not because he was a wanton or anything. Rather the opposite, in fact. He was an excellent scholar until his family misfortunes started."
"My goodness, you do know some fascinating people," he said with genuine interest. "And what happened to him? Did you reform him in the end as well?" He realized his tone had become much harder. Damn it, was he starting to feel jealous?
"No, not at all. He got transported to Australia over ten years ago. He'll finally be coming back home soon. In fact, Philip might already be in England. He's supposed to come stay with Thomas when he does. They were always very close."
"Thomas?" he asked, once more feeling that choking green sensation.
"Thomas Eltham, the Duke of Ellesmere. He gave my brother the parishes of Brimley and Eltham. He's married to Charlotte, and they're expecting their first child in the autumn. I mentioned them last night."
He could feel himself relax again at those two welcome pieces of news. "Ah, yes. I recall now."
"I'm sure you'll be perfectly pleasant to everyone you meet. And I can see that you too are a tolerant and forgiving man. But please don't say anything to anyone about this, will you? About his friend Philip's past, I mean. He's trying to make a fresh start. He's changed his last name and everything."
He squeezed her hand. "No, of course not. It is no one's business but his. Besides, who would I tell? I would be glad to be his friend too. I'm no prude, and I'm sure there are many things I have done in my life which I regret. If you sense any bemusement in my tone, it's just that I find it quite ironic that I 'm desperately seeking to recall my past, and he's desperately trying to forget his."
"Yes, how true," she said pensively.
"And I would like to say at this point, though at the risk of sounding sparkish again, that this confirms all I suspected about you, Sarah. You really are an extraordinary woman, from a remarkable family. I'm proud to know you, and hopefully also all your friend when they return from their various travels."
"You're sure you're not shocked?" she asked in surprise.
"Not at all," he said truthfully, shifting more snugly under the bedclothes. "I pity those who have nothing to sell other than their bodies. Our society should provide for everyone, give each man and woman choices. I only wish more people would take a leaf out of your book and try to alleviate suffering and poverty wherever they can."
Sarah grinned and patted his hand, relieved that she had not appalled the handsome man after all. Most people ran a mile when she tried to get them to subscribe to the clinic, or even listen to her views.
"Jonathan will be so pleased to hear you say that. Even if he doesn't know who you really are, he will rub his hands together in glee and declare you an honorary Rakehell."
"I can't think of anything I'd like better," he said, and oddly enough every word he said was true. While none of what Sarah had told him had a familiar ring to it, he felt safe, at home for the first time in two years.
"Speaking of like, are you all finished, or would you care for something more to eat?"
"I'd love a cup of tea, and you reading more out of the paper. Something a bit more cheerful?"
She laughed lightly, trying not to let her fears get the better of her. "Tea and gossip coming right up."
She poured for him and settled back in her chair. "What would you like to hear?"
"Tell me the headlines and I'll say aye or nay."
They got on well enough, snug in the cozy blue room with the sun streaming in and the fire blazing. He was more interested in farming news than the details of the final days of the reign of Napoleon. He did not care about the Court Circular, and took only a passing interest in items about horses and hunting and shooting.
Sarah marveled at their similar tastes and loved sitting with him, touching him whenever he appeared to need her help.
After a time, he surprised her by asking, "Do you have a Bible?"