The Shadow of Great Britain
Chapter 412 - 412 236 Dickens's Love Story 4K6_3

412: Chapter 236 Dickens’s Love Story (4K6)_3 412: Chapter 236 Dickens’s Love Story (4K6)_3 “Charles, you might rather wait and consult Eld directly when he returns from his seafaring ventures than believe them.

After all, Eld may not be clear on other matters, but he does take great interest in the plight of the nightingales.

Oh, and do bear in mind that Eld’s figures could be inflated, as his census sometimes accidentally includes Paris and the male population.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur shrugged and said, “Alexander, you’ve just said that it’s impossible for you to be involved with half the women of Paris, and now you start to believe in Eld’s capabilities?

Although Scotland Yard’s data indeed tends to be low, even those we firmly identify already amount to 8,600.”

Dickens took a deep breath and said, “Arthur, do you think a figure of 30,000 would be more accurate?”

Arthur pondered for a moment, “I believe that might be close.

The 8,600 identified by Scotland Yard mostly comprise those engaged in the trade permanently.

However, there are ladies who turn to the profession not as a lifelong choice, but due to short-term financial woes, and they leave the trade once their finances improve.

The turnover of these individuals, along with the more covert mistresses and kept women, is precisely why Scotland Yard struggles to grasp the full scope of the profession.

As I’ve mentioned before, organized groups of nightingales are a minority; the majority are independent.”

Upon hearing this, Dickens suddenly spoke, “Ah…

Arthur, I have a request, and I wonder if you’re willing to hear it?”

“What is it?” Arthur, recalling Dickens’ habit of visiting and researching London’s slums, asked, “Do you want to conduct a journalistic interview with them?”

“No, not an interview.”

Dickens shook his head, “I am no longer a journalist.

Although I continue the practice of field visits, reporting news is no longer my duty.

I’ve been thinking about doing something for these ladies.

Look, I’ve also made some money, and my life is a bit better than before.

Just as you helped me before, I now wish to help others.”

“Perhaps by donating a sum of money, establishing a facility to help them acquire work skills, providing temporary housing, and giving them the chance to leave the trade.

Truth be told, I’ve already started working on this after seeing that news report, and I’ve even named the place Urania’s Home.

Would you represent Scotland Yard and collaborate with me?”

The Red Devil, overhearing the conversation, couldn’t help but whistle, “Urania, the Muse guarding astronomy and astrology, is quite the beauty.

Arthur, your young friend here is becoming more and more of a poet.”

Great Dumas, hearing this, couldn’t help but joke with Dickens, “Charles, really?

You tell me, did you come up with that name?

It wasn’t perhaps by that beautiful young lady who was seen by your side the last time?”

“Ah?” Dickens was startled, “When did you see her?”

“Come on, Charles,” Great Dumas nudged Dickens with his elbow, “Let everyone know, what is the lady’s name, and to what extent have things developed between you two?”

Dickens offered a bashful smile, “Actually, it’s nothing much, we are just friends.

Her name is Mary, and you might not know her, but her father is Mr.

Bidnell from the Financial City, known to both of you.

He has dealings with both Barings Bank and the Rothschild Bank.”

On hearing this, Great Dumas took a teasing breath, “A banker’s daughter?

Charles, you’ve set your sights quite high!”

“No, it’s not like that, Alexander, don’t say such things,” Dickens, red in the face and neck, replied, “Of course, I can’t deny that I truly hold feelings for her that are more exalted than friendship, but I do not yet know how she feels.

It’s too early to say whether it will come to anything.”

Great Dumas dismissed it nonchalantly, “Charles, why do you care so much?

If you like her, just be bold, Being timid like this will never win a girl’s heart.”

No sooner had Great Dumas finished speaking than a series of rapid knocks sounded at the door.

The embarrassed Dickens quickly got up to open the door, eager to leave the awkward conversation behind.

However, as soon as he opened the door, in dashed Disraeli, drenched from the rain, like a leopard bursting from its cage.

Disraeli rushed up to Arthur and blurted out, “Arthur, is it true that Gladstone is going to Scotland Yard as a psychological consultant?”

Arthur took a sip of tea, gently set down his cup, and asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile, “What’s the matter?

Does the proud gentleman also have intentions of aiding these unfortunate ladies?”