‘There is a very slight possibility that it might be. There is a particularly unpleasant criminal activity prevalent at the moment … because it’s so lucrative.’ He paused to take a breath. ‘Colloquially it’s known as Spiriting. Many otherwise reputable shipping companies employ so called ‘spirits’ to kidnap people, taking them … spiriting them away to the colonies.’ He looked down at his hands. ‘They are sold into servitude … usually that means for the rest of their lives. Much like slaves from Africa.’
Susannah gasped. ‘A child? Why would they want children? The girls are so little. They’re but eight years old. What can they do as servants?’
‘Children are cheaper than adults and they grow. They work now, Susannah. In London and throughout the Kingdom. Children the same age as your daugh
