“I’m terribly sorry to ask. You should be focusing on putting all this behind you instead of reliving it.”
She lifted her chin. “It’s the least I can do if it will help others.” She bit her lip. “Would we be entering the establishment?” Her pulse fluttered at the base of her throat. The idea obviously frightened her.
“Not at all. We would view them from the safety of a carriage.”
“Very well then. When shall we go?”
“If you’re not busy, we could do so now.”
“Allow me to fetch my things, and I’ll be ready.”
She didn’t look at him as she left the room. He took that as a sign of her continued nervousness. Though he truly detested the fact he’d upset her, he didn’t want to wait any longer. They needed to have a look before the hazy memory left her. While she might not remember the building’s appearance given the circumstances, it was worth a try.
Within a few minutes, she’d returned, wearing a bonnet and gloves with the maid following. “Lady Aberland insists we bring Sally.”
“Of course.”
They settled into the carriage he’d rented. Daniel had already given the driver the list of addresses, having done his best to write them in some sort of logical order with Pierre’s assistance so they wouldn’t be driving in circles.
“It’s a fine afternoon,” he said as they proceeded. “Though it might rain later.” He silently berated himself for discussing the weather. Could he not think of something more interesting to help put Beatrice at ease?
“The sunshine, however brief, is wonderful.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.
He commented on a few of the houses and buildings they passed but soon realized she wouldn’t relax until the mission was over.
The driver slowed at the first address. The brothel looked much like a home. No sign hung on the door announcing its purpose, not that he had expected one. Though the garden was far from immaculate, it had one and the place was in good repair.
Beatrice leaned forward, her face pale as she studied it. Then she shook her head. “There were bars on the upper windows. Although I suppose that could’ve been only in the rear of the house.”
Daniel’s stomach turned at her words, his anger flaring, but he held it back. “We’ll continue to the next one.”
She sat back with a nod, her gloved hand clenched in a fist on her lap. The sight of it made him hope they found the place soon.
He tapped on the roof to tell the driver to continue to the next address which was a short distance away. This one wasn’t in as good of condition as the previous establishment.
Once again, Beatrice studied it closely then shook her head. “I don’t believe so.”
By the time they’d passed by the fifth one, she closed her eyes briefly with a sigh. “None of these seem right, but I’m just not certain. I’m sorry. I know I’m of little help.”
He leaned forward to place his hand on her arm. “Do not think that for a moment. Having your opinion is helpful, even if you’re not sure. As you said, it was dark. You were focused on fleeing, not noting what the building looked like.”
She nodded. “I wish I remembered more.”
“Do you feel up to trying another or would you prefer to return home?” He didn’t like asking for more when she was already upset. But the thought of women still being held there allowed nothing less.
“Let us continue. I’m merely frustrated with my memory.”
He glanced at the maid, wondering if she knew the details of Beatrice’s situation. He wanted to remind Beatrice that she’d been drugged, and it was no wonder she remembered little, between that and her fear. However, the conversation would have to wait until they were alone again.
“Have patience with yourself. The details you’ve shared are still helpful, and I appreciate them as well as your efforts.”
She nodded, seeming to take heart from his encouragement, and they continued to the next one.
“It’s shocking how many of these establishments there are,” he muttered, amused when the maid nodded.
“The darker side of mankind is troubling.” Beatrice looked out the window, but he had the impression she saw something different than the passing buildings. “We caught glimpses of it in our village. Since my father was a vicar, we often helped to deal with the results.”
Her remark made him curious as to what those situations might’ve been. “How challenging.”
“I thought so at the time, but most of those problems seem minor compared to the ones in London.”
“I’m certain the people you assisted were grateful for your aid.”
Suddenly she gasped, eyes wide as she stared out the window. “That’s it. That is the place.” She drew back as if fearful of being seen by the occupants. As if that alone would somehow pull her back inside. Yet her gaze remained fixed on the house.
He placed his hand on hers, hoping the contact eased her fear, as he studied the three-story building. It was certainly a questionable looking place. Though nice at one time, age and lack of care had taken over. Paint peeled in several places. The wrought-iron bars on the two upper stories had been crafted to look elegant with curves and embellishments. But they were still bars. It was curious that they were on the upper levels and not the lower one.
A glance at Beatrice showed tears glittering in her eyes as she tried to hold back her emotions. “What if Mary is still in there?”
“Then we will do all we can to free her and any other women who didn’t choose that life of their own accord.” While he knew some women worked in a brothel as they considered it better than selling their wares on the rough streets, they might not have had much of a choice either.
