“Unfortunately, he was less than encouraging.” Mr. Walker’s scowl described how Beatrice felt as well.
“I wasn’t able to provide enough details for him, I’m afraid.” Beatrice shook her head, wishing she knew more.
“I expected him to show more concern when he heard young women are being drugged and handed over to brothels upon arriving in London.” Mr. Walker rose and walked to the window to look out as if too restless to sit. “What is the country coming to when such things occur under our noses and the authorities don’t seem to care?”
“Surely your statement was enough to start an investigation.” The earl frowned as if also less than pleased at the news.
“He said he would despite his obvious misgivings,” Beatrice said. “At least one other woman was being held against her will. I hope he locates the place quickly.” How could she move forward with her life until she knew she’d done all she could to save Mary and any others who’d were held there?
The earl rose and turned to Daniel. “Would you care to join me in the library? We’ll leave the ladies to visit.”
“Of course.” He sent a questioning look at Beatrice. At her slight nod, he followed his brother out the door.
Beatrice watched him go, wishing he’d remained behind. She felt adrift, with no anchor, without his steady presence.
“He’s a wonderful man,” Lady Aberland said quietly as if sensing her feelings.
“He has been so kind. If he hadn’t come along when he did, I don’t know where I’d be right now.” Perhaps back at the brothel with an angry Mr. Finch. The thought caused her to shiver.
“Let us talk of the future instead of those terrible events. What was your hope when you arrived in London? What sort of position were you seeking?”
“I thought perhaps a governess. Though I don’t have experience, I did have a good education thanks to my father. But I would be happy with nearly anything. Especially now.” A wave of despair rolled over her. She had nothing to her name. Not even the meager possessions she’d arrived in London with. The future looked bleak, and she wasn’t quite certain how to go about fixing that.
Lady Aberland tapped a finger on her chin as she looked at Beatrice with an assessing look. “There’s another option you didn’t mention.”
“Oh? What might that be?”
“Find a husband.”
Beatrice could only stare at the lady in shock, uncertain whether she could’ve heard her correctly.
A HALF HOUR LATER, Daniel paced his brother’s library in frustration then paused to glare at his sister-in-law. “That’s a terrible idea.”
“Why?” Caroline asked, her gaze holding steadily on Daniel until he wanted to squirm. “Marriage to the right man seems like the perfect solution for Miss Linfield’s dilemma. Especially with us to guide her.”
If his brother had asked, Daniel could’ve given him a long list of reasons. But with Caroline staring at him, he couldn’t think of a single one. Except he already felt as if Beatrice had been taken from him. His protectiveness regarding her wellbeing was apparently proprietary as well. He realized too late that he wasn’t ready to share her, regardless of how ridiculous the notion was.
Beatrice had been shown to a guest bedchamber where she’d stay for the time being. Caroline said she was resting comfortably. While Daniel was pleased to have her reputation protected, he already missed her. He hadn’t even been able to bid her goodbye.
“She’s been through a traumatic experience.” Daniel latched onto the reason like a dog with a bone as he returned to his pacing. “Why would she even consider marrying at the moment?”
“Because it would certainly be better than becoming a servant. She’s a vicar’s daughter, and her grandfather was a baron. She’s well educated, attractive, and would make the right man a fine wife.”
“What did she say to the idea?” Daniel paused in his pacing to listen to the answer, ignoring the amused look on his brother’s face.
“She seemed startled by it, but said it was something she would consider.”
“So she doesn’t want to marry.” Daniel nodded. Good, he thought but kept the opinion to himself.
“How did you come to that conclusion?” Caroline frowned as if he made no sense. Perhaps he didn’t.
Daniel spun away, unable to explain his rationale. “Are you suggesting we give her a Season come the spring?”
“If necessary,” Caroline said. “However, several parties are being held in the coming weeks, despite it not being the height of the Season. Surely we can introduce her as a distant cousin or the like. We don’t need to mention her terrible experience.” Caroline paused briefly before asking, “Would you rather see her employed as a servant in someone’s home?”
“Of course not.” He didn’t like that idea either. “It just feels as if this is all being rushed. Shouldn’t we see the matter through with the authorities before making decisions about her future?”
“That goes without saying,” Richard said. “Miss Linfield needs time to recover and time to decide how she wants to proceed.”
“The poor thing seems exhausted,” Caroline added. “I hope she’s able to rest well here.”
“She’s still suffering from the ill effects of the drug they gave her.” Daniel ran his hand along the back of his neck as he thought again about what a close call she’d had. “I’m certain it will take another day or two before she feels more herself.”
“I wonder if I would’ve thought to jam something in the door lock to keep it from latching.” Caroline shook her head. “That was clever, and the fact that she thought of it while under the influence of whatever they gave her makes it even more impressive.”
“I have no doubt you would’ve gained your freedom much like Miss Linfield. You’ve already proved your resourcefulness.” Richard smiled at his wife then turned to Daniel. “From what she said, it sounds as if the registry office is involved in the scheme with the brothel owner.”
“At the very least, someone in the registry office is.”
