“I agree.” She nodded. “If he could not, then we would have no concern.”

“I cannot prevent it, Hester,” he said gravely. “Nor can I reasonably find out who it will be. I wish I could. Or are you saying that if we are to stop this business we have only a small amount of time in which to act?” He looked genuinely grieved. “I would, if I knew of anything that would help. It is not practical to try closing him down. London is full of prostitution, and probably always will be, like all large cities.” There was apology in his eyes, in the line of his mouth. He did not look at Margaret.

“I know that,” Hester answered softly. “I am not so idealistic as to aim at changing human nature, Oliver, only at putting Squeaky Robinson out of this particular business.”

“Miss Ballinger suggested that you had an idea,” he said with care, the slight frown back between his brows.

She could not help a flash of humor. He had been involved in one or two of her plans before and was wise to be wary.

She plunged in. “We must strike before he finds a partner,” she said firmly, praying she would phrase her plan in such a way as to make him believe it was not only possible but perfectly moral and reasonable, which would not be easy!

“Strike?” he said warily. He glanced at Margaret.

She smiled with magnificent innocence.

He looked uncomfortable and turned back to Hester.

She took a deep breath. This was the moment. “Before he finds a partner himself,” she said, “we must provide one . . . who will need to examine the books, of course, before he commits himself. . . .”

Rathbone said nothing.

“And will thus have the opportunity to destroy them,” she finished.

He looked puzzled. “He won’t believe you,” he said with grave regret. “Your reputation is too well known, Hester. And unless he is a complete fool, he wouldn’t believe Monk either.”

“Oh, I know that,” she agreed. “But he would believe you, if you did it well enough.”

He froze, eyes wide.

There was nothing to do but continue. “If you were to go to him with us, of course, and say you would be interested in investing a little money in such a profitable sideline.” She knew she was speaking too quickly. “Providing an examination of the books, the debts still to be collected, and so on, were satisfactory, then you would also be able to provide suitable young women in the future. You come across them often enough in your practice—”

“Hester!” he protested, aghast. “For God’s sake . . .” He swiveled to Margaret. “I apologize, Miss Ballinger, but I couldn’t possibly involve myself in usury and prostitution! Not to mention sanctioning the brutal punishment of people unable to pay their debts . . .”