Daniel hadn’t been aware places such as this existed. But it made him even more determined to make those who purported to offer assistance follow through with their word rather than tricking the potential workers. What other schemes were operated from here?
He and Beatrice drew several curious looks from the occupants. Their attire was much different than most. Daniel ignored the attention and focused on their purpose.
“Do you see him?” he asked Beatrice.
She studied each clerk before her gaze returned to one toward the middle of the room. “That’s him.”
“Why don’t you wait with Sally while I speak to him?”
She hesitated a moment then nodded, much to his relief. He didn’t want to place any further strain on her than was necessary.
He moved to the back of the queue and waited to speak with the clerk, listening to what the other clerks told the applicants. Most of the conversations were straightforward.
“What sort of work are you looking for?”
“Do you have any experience?”
“Do you have references?”
Daniel wondered how much the questions changed when the person was a woman of a certain age.
“How can I help you, sir?” The stout man, with the buttons of his waistcoat straining to contain his girth, looked to be of middle age. He barely glanced at Daniel, his attention on the open ledger before him.
“Your name?” Daniel asked.
“Vessey. Edward Vessey.”
“I’m looking for information, Mr. Vessey.”
“On employment?” He looked up to study Daniel, his expression shifting as if he realized Daniel didn’t belong there. “Or rather, you wish to employ someone?”
“What is the nature of your agreement with Joseph Finch?”
The man’s brown eyes widened in alarm. “I-I don’t know anyone by that name.”
“I have someone with me who says otherwise.”
The man followed Daniel’s gaze to where Beatrice stood, but his expression didn’t change. “Who might that be?”
“The lady standing by the door. Perhaps you remember her. You gave her information to Finch, and she ended up in one of his brothels.”
He looked again as he swallowed hard, his gaze holding on Beatrice who glared back at him. Then Vessey hastily looked away. “I don’t know to what you refer.”
“I believe you do.” Daniel raised his voice so the others nearby could hear everything he said. “A young lady came here, having just arrived in London. You took her information and recommended a boarding house where she could stay while searching for work. There, she was drugged and taken to one of Finch’s brothels.”
The clerk’s nervousness couldn’t be denied as he closed the ledger book with a shaking hand. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He glanced about nervously. The other clerks stared at him in confusion. “You need to leave.”
Daniel leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Do you know what happens when you give their information to Finch? Does anyone else here do the same thing when speaking with young ladies who appear ideal to work as unwilling prostitutes?”
“I’m telling you I don’t know what you’re referring to. You need to move along.”
“Thomas Hurdy of Bow Street has been given your name and description. He has a few questions for you regarding recent events.”
Sweat beaded on Vessey’s brow, his breath coming quicker as he stared at Daniel. “A Runner? What would he want with the likes of me?”
“To hold you accountable for your actions. You’re stealing women’s lives. Don’t you have family? A daughter or younger sister? How would you like someone doing the same thing to them?”
The man stiffened as if Daniel’s words had struck him. Then he lifted his ample chin with a huff. “I’ve got nothing to say.”
“Consider your story carefully before Mr. Hurdy arrives. I don’t think he’ll be satisfied with your denials based on the proof and witnesses he’s collected. I suggest you find a different line of work and stop ruining women’s lives.”
Vessey said nothing as Daniel turned to leave. Daniel watched Beatrice’s expression closely as she continued to stare at the man. Much to Daniel’s surprise, she marched forward and said something to the clerk then waited a moment while he turned away and shuffled through some papers before reluctantly handing several to her. She spoke heatedly again then, with the papers in hand, led the way out the door with Sally directly behind her.
“What did he give you?” Daniel asked unable to contain his curiosity as he caught up with her.
“My references.”
“Excellent.” Her determination took him aback. “What else did you tell him?”
“That he should have to endure what the women do and that if it were left to me, that’s exactly what his fate would be.”
Daniel nodded in approval, admiring her daring. “That should make him think twice and fill him with fear.”
“It’s the least he deserves after all the fright he caused me.”
“Absolutely. Hurdy will pay him a visit. Hopefully, he’ll make arrests soon.”
As they returned to the waiting carriage, Daniel had the urge to embrace her and tell her how proud he was of her. How much he thought of her spirit. That she was making a difference for herself and others.
Instead, he settled for a smile and an approving nod. After all, he didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. He sighed, realizing he still wasn’t certain what that was.
“A DINNER PARTY?” BEATRICE stared at Caroline with unease the following afternoon. “Do you think that wise?”
Caroline frowned. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Because your friends will take one look at me and wonder how you suddenly came to have a distant cousin who unexpectedly arrived on your doorstep and is staying with you.”
“We don’t have to say you’re my cousin. We’ll tell them you’re the daughter of a family friend.”
Nerves danced in Beatrice’s stomach. No. Danced wasn’t the proper term. Lumbered was more apt. The idea of facing
