Epilogue…
L ou stood in the main salon of The Market and looked at her ladies. Her trainees. Her successors.
“Ladies, each of you have undergone rigorous training to hone your skills. As I am preparing to settle down and marry, Holt and I decided that we should separate the running of The Market and the services we provide to Queen and country.” There was no response to her words, so Lou continued. “As you all know, Lawrence Dellinger was not recovered and is still on the loose. The threat to the Lord of Cogs remains as long as that man is free. Additionally, we know that the Voltacrats are still working to subvert the rise of steam technology, and they will stop at nothing to do it. There is much work to be done, and I need you ladies strategically placed to see that work continues.”
Katerina, Elena, and Mary Margaret stared back at her in surprise, until the former managed to say, “Strategically placed—not at The Market?”
Lou drew herself up, as she prepared to completely change their lives. “All of you will depart this establishment and set up your own residence while integrating into Society. Katerina and Elena, each of you will establish yourselves as widows so you may move about more freely and socialize with the masculine set in a more relaxed environment. Mary Margaret, you shall be a distant cousin of mine, so I shall help launch you at court. There, you will work through the ranks of society as a debutante. The goal is to integrate into the upper echelons of the Ton and see what you can discover on the Voltacrats’ activities. We shall meet at least weekly to discuss our discoveries, but it will be under the guise of a social visit. A…Ladies League if you will.” Lou smiled at her girls.
“Lou, are there specific men we should target?” Elena asked as she glanced at the other girls.
If only it were that simple. “I am afraid that is still to be fully determined. For now, you will establish yourselves and await further guidance. You have much to do this week to prepare for your new adventures, as well as my wedding. Griff—Lord Melton and I shall use that occasion to introduce you all to some of his social set. Katerina and Elena, you two shall be longtime friends from my travels who have come to stay in London for a while, for a nice long visit.”
Katerina cleared her throat. “And what of our past customers who might recognize us?”
It is a fair question. Lou nodded. “If you have that situation arise, you are to deny being the same person. If the individual persists, you are to alert me and I shall…deal with them. Immediately. Since you all remained circumspect and dealt with specific clients, we are not anticipating a significant issue.”
Katerina nodded before Mary Margaret asked, “And what of The Market? Who will run the brothel?”
“Beatrix, please join us.” Lou waved to the woman she’d been grooming to take the reins. Not unlike when she had taken over The Market, she had just that morning sold the business to Trix—in a symbolic transaction—for one thruppenny bit. “Trix shall establish herself as Madame DuMornay, the new proprietress of The Market. It is not unusual that there is a turnover of ownership, since historically whenever a reigning madame retires she selects a woman from the house to replace her. I know she will do well—as will we all.”
“Hello, ladies.” Trix, as they called her, grinned at the girls.
“Congratulations!” the girls chimed in unison.
Ladies , Lou corrected herself. She must start thinking of them as her Ladies League.
The Ladies League was ready to take on the world—well, at least the Voltacrats.
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