" You will make a very good Chief Magistrate, I think.”
Shock swept over him that he fought mightily to disguise. So she knew of that, did she? “I’m only one of several possible candidates, madam. You do me great honor to assume I’ll be chosen.”
“Masters tells me that the appointment is all but settled.”
“Then Masters knows more than I do on the subject.”
“And more than my granddaughter as well,” she said.
His stomach knotted. Damn Mrs. Plumtree and her machinations. “But I’m sure you took great pains to inform her of it.”
The woman hesitated, then gripped the head of her cane with both hands. “I thought she should have all the facts before she threw herself into a misalliance.”
Hell and blazes. And Mrs. Plumtree had probably implied that a rich wife would advance his career. He could easily guess how Celia would respond to hearing that, especially after he’d fallen on her with all the subtlety of an ox in rut.
His temper swelled. Although he’d suspected that Mrs. Plumtree wouldn’t approve of him for her granddaughter, some part of him had thought that his service to the family-and the woman’s own humble beginnings-might keep her from behaving predictably. He should have known better.
“No doubt she was grateful for the information.” After all, it gave Celia just the excuse she needed to continue in her march to marry a great lord.
“She claimed that there was nothing between you and her.”
“She’s right.” There never had been. He’d been a fool to think there could me.
“I am glad to hear it.” Her sidelong glance was filled with calculation. “Because if you play your cards right, you have an even better prospect before you than that of Chief Magistrate.”
He froze. “What do you mean?”
“You may not be aware of this, but one of my friends is the Home Secretary, Robert Peel. Your superior.”
“I’m well aware who my superior is.”
“It seems he wishes to establish a police force,” she went on. “He is fairly certain that it will come to pass eventually. When it does, he will appoint a commissioner to oversee the entire force in London.” She cast him a hard stare. “You could be that man.”
Jackson fought to hide his surprise. He’d heard rumors of Peel’s plans, of course, but hadn’t realized that they’d progressed so far. Or that she was privy to them.
Then it dawned on him why she was telling him this. “You mean, I could be that man if I leave your granddaughter alone. "

― Sabrina Jeffries , A Lady Never Surrenders (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #5)