“What of the boarding house where she stayed?” Caroline asked. “It almost sounds as if someone there could be involved too. That seems to be where her memory grows confused.”
“Excellent point,” Daniel agreed. “These people have cast a wide web to catch unsuspecting young ladies.”
“I look forward to dismantling it as quickly as possible.” Richard held Daniel’s gaze, the steely glint of anger in his eyes visible.
“As do I.” Daniel was pleased his brother was outraged as much as he by Miss Linfield’s story.
But he also noted the worry in Caroline’s expression as she looked at Richard. No doubt she was even more concerned about Richard’s activities since he would soon become a father. Daniel needed to make certain Richard didn’t take any unnecessary risks. Based on the complexity of what they suspected, the situation wasn’t to be taken lightly. The scheme appeared to involve several individuals. Attempting to halt it could prove to be dangerous.
Hopefully, they wouldn’t have to involve Beatrice more than absolutely necessary. She’d already been through enough.
“Perhaps we should pay a visit to the registry office,” Richard suggested.
Caroline’s expression suggested she was less than pleased at the idea.
Daniel took a seat near his brother. “That also crossed my mind. However, I don’t think two gentlemen such as ourselves would be able to discover much when we clearly don’t belong there. If you don’t mind, I’ll see if Pierre is willing to help me find out more.”
Richard nodded, seemingly unaware of Caroline’s relief. “Very well. Let me know if I can assist in any way. At the very least, I could make inquiries with a few of my contacts to see if this Finch fellow is known.”
“That would be helpful. Any information we learn might give us an advantage.” While Daniel was grateful for his brother’s offer, this was something he wanted to do on his own as much as possible. Having Pierre assist him was one thing but having Richard do so crossed a line he couldn’t explain.
Caroline lifted a finger in the air to gain their attention. “Do I need to remind you both to be very careful? It goes without saying that these are dangerous criminals if they’re willing to drug young ladies and hold them against their will at a brothel.” She shook her head. “A life as a prostitute seems like no life at all. It’s terrible to think some women have no choice but to do so if they want to survive.”
Richard rose to take his wife’s hand in both of his. “I appreciate your concern. Nothing could make me risk losing the life we have together.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.” Caroline smiled at Richard, and the pair seemed to be saying something more to which Daniel wasn’t privy.
He felt like an intruder as they gazed into each other’s eyes adoringly. Their love was a palpable force that had only grown stronger since their marriage. They were fine individuals, and even better together, seeming to bring forth the best qualities in each other. He hoped to find someone like that someday. But no one he’d met thus far tempted him to take the leap from bachelor to husband.
As a second son, it didn’t matter if he married. He enjoyed women and not just in his bed. He liked looking at them, listening to them, and learning the way their minds worked. Marriage was nothing he’d considered with the ladies he’d encountered. A lifetime was a long period to spend with just one woman.
Caroline turned to raise a brow expectantly. “Daniel?”
“I promise to take care as well.”
“You’ll keep me apprised of the situation?” Richard asked.
“Of course.” Daniel would have to tread a fine line between telling his brother enough to satisfy his curiosity but not so much that he’d want to become more involved. He didn’t want to cause Caroline any worry. Especially since he’d already given her an unexpected guest.
“Excellent.” She nodded approvingly. “I believe I shall send a message to Margaret to see if she can call on the morrow to meet Miss Linfield.”
Caroline had two sisters. Margaret, the youngest, was unmarried, still lived at home, and had a talent for fashion. Annabelle was the middle sister, a successful author who penned mysteries under another name, and would soon be married to Thomas Raybourne, a man to whom Daniel had taken a liking.
“You think she and Miss Linfield might get on well together?” Daniel asked.
“I’m certain they will, but Margaret will also be able to advise us as to what style of gowns we should order for Miss Linfield. She’ll need several if she’s going to attend a few parties in addition to basic necessities.”
Daniel frowned. “I thought we agreed we weren’t going to rush into anything.”
“Gowns can take weeks to make. We must start now if we want them ready soon.” Caroline glanced at her husband. “I assume we have room in our budget for a few gowns for Miss Linfield, do we not?”
“Of course, my dear. Whatever you think is necessary.”
“And to think of all the years when you told me you had no funds.” Daniel shook his head, unable to resist teasing his brother.
“It worked in both our favors, did it not? We both invested well and our finances are much improved for it.”
“Yes, it did. I would be happy to also contribute to Miss Linfield’s new wardrobe.” The sooner she had something to wear other than the ill-fitting gown Mrs. Beverly had provided, the better. He looked forward to seeing her dressed as a woman of her beauty should be. He just didn’t care for the idea of parading her in front of London’s eligible bachelors.
“How exciting. I’ll make certain Miss Linfield is comfortable with our offer of a
