Perhaps she was being too hard on herself. “I certainly feel better than when you first came upon me, so I suppose I’m improving, even if it’s slower than I’d like.”
He nodded then released her hand and sat back in the chair. “See? Another few days, and you’ll be feeling more like yourself.” He glanced away, and she had the distinct impression something was on his mind.
Beatrice waited a moment, wondering if he’d share whatever it was.
“Caroline mentioned her suggestion that you find a husband rather than a position.”
Heat filled her cheeks. Did he think the idea ridiculous? That no one would offer for her given what she’d been through? Because that was exactly what she was thinking.
“I don’t want you to feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do,” he continued, his gaze returning to study her. “You have a choice as to what your future looks like, and there is no hurry to decide.”
“Thank you. I truly appreciate that.” But she really wanted to know his opinion on the matter. She bit her lip, telling herself this was her chance to ask. It might not come again. “Do you think it a sound idea or that my time would be better spent finding a position?”
The cost of proper clothing was concerning. She had no dowry to attract a wealthy suitor. Yet she’d also need something to wear if she chose to find employment. How could she pay for any gowns without earning wages?
“What I think hardly matters.” Something flashed in his eyes so briefly she wondered if she imagined it. “What do you wish to do?”
“Surely it would be quicker to find a position. I hate to rely on Lord and Lady Aberland’s generosity any more than I already am.”
“Caroline has two younger sisters she misses dearly even though they live not far from here. I believe she’s happy to have you as a replacement, however temporary.”
“That makes me feel slightly better. Still...” She frowned, wondering if he could understand how she felt. It went against how she’d been raised to accept assistance from others. “I wish I at least had my things.”
“You don’t know at what point they were taken?”
“My last memory of them was at the boarding house. I suppose they could still be there, though it’s doubtful.”
“It might be worth a visit to see.”
Fear shivered through her at the thought of going back. What if someone tried to take her again?
Then she felt Daniel’s hand cover hers once more.
“I would be pleased if you’d allow me to accompany you. We don’t want anything else to happen to you.”
“You’d do that?” This time she turned her hand over to hold his, the warmth of his palm against hers comforting.
“Of course. Just because you’re staying here doesn’t mean you won’t see me again.” He squeezed her hand before releasing it. “You will soon grow weary of me. Of that, I have no doubt.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it more than I can say. Will you keep me apprised as to whether Mr. Hurdy is able to discover anything about the brothel? I can’t help but worry about Mary, the woman I left behind. If only she’d accompanied me.”
“Not everyone is as brave as you. But please know that I intend to follow up with the Runner on the morrow to see what action he’s taken. This terrible scheme must be halted.”
She felt much reassured by the time he bid her goodbye and took his leave. She didn’t understand how he had so quickly come to be important in her life, but he was.
TWO DAYS LATER, DANIEL waited in the Aberland House drawing room for Beatrice to join him, looking out the window at the garden. According to Caroline, her guest was anxious to accompany him to the boarding house to see if they had her belongings.
He was eager to take a look at the place himself. The fact that the clerk at the servant registry office had recommended a place to stay was of grave concern. People—especially young women—arriving in London with no employment and no place to live wouldn’t have a chance if they happened to follow the same steps that Beatrice had.
He and Pierre had made inquiries on various registry offices. Some charged fees to those seeking work. Some charged fees to those wanting to hire workers and others did both. A few were outright schemes to take people’s money, popping up in one place and closing down another when the authorities received complaints that the office didn’t do what they’d promised.
He’d never realized how difficult it must be to find a position without a recommendation. Families were reluctant to bring a stranger into their home without personal references. Who knew if they’d steal and then leave in the middle of the night?
The same could be said for servants, as they couldn’t be sure what they were getting into either. Pierre had heard many stories from other servants about working for a fortnight or more and not receiving pay. Hence the need for servant registry offices to connect the two parties. But how did one know which offices were reputable and not simply a scheme to take one’s money?
His latest visit with Mr. Hurdy had not reassured him overmuch that the Runner was doing anything to investigate the brothel. The man had located several in the general vicinity of where Daniel had come upon Beatrice but had yet to find Mr. Finch. Daniel advised him to look harder.
Meanwhile, Daniel had done a bit of investigating himself with Pierre’s assistance. They were putting together their own list of brothels. Who knew there were so many of the damned places? While he hoped it was rare and few of the unsavory ones took women against their will, it was difficult to tell without a thorough look at each of them.
A sound behind him had him turning from the window to see Beatrice enter the room. His breath caught in surprise as awareness twisted through
