“Allow me to introduce Miss Beatrice Linfield.” Daniel glanced at Beatrice. “Mr. Thomas Raybourne.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Mr. Raybourne dipped his head politely. “Annabelle has told me many nice things about you.”
“Isn’t it a beautiful day?” Annabelle asked as she glanced about. “I told Thomas he needed to step out of the office for some fresh air while the sun is shining.”
“It is indeed,” Beatrice answered, all too aware of the looks they were receiving from passersby. “Mr. Walker was kind enough to offer to show me the park.”
“Annabelle mentioned that you’re new to London,” Mr. Raybourne said.
“Yes, I am.” Beatrice was certain Annabelle would’ve told him what happened to her. Unease filled her as she wondered what he thought of her.
“I hope you have a chance to see some of the better attributes of our city than what you’ve witnessed thus far.” The continued respect in Mr. Raybourne’s expression was a welcome relief.
Daniel caught her gaze, and his warm regard bolstered her, easing her worry. “I’m doing my best to show her that not all of London is bad, nor all of the people in it.”
Mr. Raybourne shared a look with his betrothed. “We’ve seen our share of those who have acted poorly, haven’t we?”
Annabelle nodded. “I have yet to tell Miss Linfield that story, but I look forward to doing so soon.” Annabelle’s gaze met hers, and she smiled. “Caroline mentioned you’d be attending the Alverston dinner party tomorrow evening.”
“Will you be there?” The idea of knowing someone other than Lord and Lady Aberland was reassuring.
“Yes, we’re looking forward to it.”
They exchanged a few more words before moving on with their ride.
Beatrice breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps she was worrying too much about the dinner party. She’d enjoyed meeting strangers in her village, but recent events had made her overly cautious. “I don’t suppose you’re attending the dinner party.” Hope bloomed as having Daniel there would ensure the evening was enjoyable.
“I hadn’t planned to though I did receive an invitation.”
Her hope faded.
“Would you like me to?” he offered, much to her surprise.
“Not on my account.” It would be enough to have Annabelle and her betrothed there in addition to Caroline and Aberland.
“If it would ease your concern about the evening, I’d be happy to.”
“I’d like that very much.” The words rushed out before she could stop them. She should’ve refused his offer. Becoming dependent on him was a terrible idea. One that already worried her. But when it came to Daniel, she couldn’t seem to help herself.
“Then I look forward to it, but you have nothing to worry over. You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure. Those in attendance will be better off for having met you.”
Beatrice returned his smile, hoping he was right.
LATE THE FOLLOWING morning, Daniel paid a visit to Hurdy once again. He was quickly losing patience with the Runner and his seeming reluctance to arrest Finch and the others involved in the scheme.
Daniel had already sent a message advising Hurdy of the details of the visit to the servant registry office, including the clerk’s name who’d suggested the boarding house to Beatrice. Perhaps the Runner needed an additional monetary incentive to truly light a fire beneath him.
The Bow Street office was immediately northwest of Covent Garden in central London. In the 1740s, the office had actually been the residence of Westminster Justice of the Peace Thomas De Veil, who began hearing cases there. Now the office served as the magistrates’ court and the home of the Runners.
Daniel found Hurdy in the hall of the court, amongst those waiting for their cases to be heard before a magistrate. Most cases were minor in nature, such as theft or drunkenness. More serious cases were held at Old Bailey next to Newgate Prison.
One need only glance around the hall to realize how diverse London had become. Immigrants now rubbed shoulders with Englishmen in many areas of the city, including this one.
“Mr. Walker.” Hurdy looked less than pleased to see him based on his frown. “What brings you here today?”
“I’d like an update on the investigation. I thought by now you would’ve made an arrest.”
“This is a complicated case with several individuals involved. You can’t expect me to simply march into the brothel, escort everyone out, and arrest Finch.”
“Actually, that is exactly what I expect. At the very least, I thought you would have arrested the other two men involved in the scheme.”
“I’ve visited with both of them. Johnson swears innocence, saying he only offered lodging to Miss Linfield. He confirmed that his wife provides meals for the lodgers, but insists she never drugged them, nor did she have access to any sort of drug.”
“Surely you don’t believe him after what happened to Miss Linfield?” Daniel didn’t bother to hide his incredulity.
“Proof is required in order to request a warrant for an arrest. At this point, it’s her word against everyone else’s. Miss Linfield didn’t witness anything being put in her food. She’s only assuming that’s what happened.”
“I don’t believe for a moment that she’s the only victim of their foul plot.”
“I agree, but again, without proof, what would you have me do?” Hurdy shook his head. “The same can be said of the clerk at the registry office. Until I can prove his association with Finch in some manner, I can only warn him. I hope the realization that we’re looking into the matter will be enough to put an end to their involvement in the scheme.”
Daniel dearly wanted to punch something. He understood Hurdy’s predicament, but in the meantime, more women were being forced into prostitution. Of that, he had no doubt. Warnings might make the men involved cautious for a time but wouldn’t halt them for long.
“Can’t you conduct a search of the brothel? There was another woman there by the name of Mary who was also being held, remember?”
“I do.” Hurdy scowled. “We searched the
