Though tempted to bring Pierre with him, he’d known his valet wouldn’t approve. Nor would Richard. But Daniel had fumed since his meeting with Hurdy. The idea of Finch escaping punishment was too much to bear. Not after what he’d done to Beatrice. Daniel couldn’t say for certain that he was the best person to make Finch pay, but neither could he do nothing.
As evening approached, Daniel had given in to the urge to create trouble for the brothel owner in whatever manner possible. He also hoped to look for Mary as well. Just because Hurdy hadn’t found her didn’t mean she wasn’t there. Beyond that, his plan was loosely formed.
The first man knocked on the door then waited. The door opened a crack, revealing one eye that studied them carefully. “Yes?”
“We’ve come to see the ladies,” Daniel’s new companion replied.
“Three?”
The man who’d knocked glanced at Daniel with a puzzled look but turned back to the doorman and nodded.
“Come along.” The door opened wide, and Daniel breathed a sigh of relief.
A set of stairs rose to the upper levels on his left, but the tall man who’d opened the door blocked those as he gestured toward the reception room on their right. This was the room he’d viewed through the window.
Half a dozen men were already inside, most seated, nearly all holding drinks. Laughter and conversation filled the air. Additional chairs were available, covered in wine-colored velvet that matched the heavy drapes on the windows.
Several scantily clad ladies wound their way through the room, pausing here and there to visit. Some wore thin white linen robes with satin trim. The others wore a corset and drawers along with garters and silk stockings. Their hair was curled and coiffed to rival any lady that was at the dinner he was missing this evening.
He’d intended to go until the time had come for him to dress for the evening. But how could he attend the dinner and act as if all was well when he’d failed so completely with the investigation? He’d grown weary of having no good news to share with Beatrice when she had done so much to help.
He was angry at himself for not taking action sooner, at Hurdy for not doing more, but most of all at Finch for how he exploited women.
Daniel drew a calming breath. Now was not the time for anger. He needed clear thoughts to carry out his plan, however loose it was. His priority was leaving with Mary. If he could find her. If it wasn’t too late for her. If that wasn’t possible, then he’d settle for making trouble in whatever form he could manage.
So many ifs, he realized as unease curled through him. He’d told himself he needed to be able to adjust based on the circumstances he encountered. But now he worried whether any of his mission would find success.
Worst of all, he didn’t see Finch anywhere.
“Hello, handsome.” One of the women approached him with a smile and a calculating look in her dark eyes. “My name’s Anne. What brings you here this evening?”
“Nice to make your acquaintance, Anne.” Daniel glanced about, wondering what the proper response was. Though he’d had his share of women, they’d been willing and as eager to seek a bed as he. “I’m looking for a little entertainment.” He grinned, hoping that would be enough of an answer.
“You came to the right place, luv.” She hooked her arm through his. “Do you have a preference as to the sort of lady you’d like?”
At his frown, she continued, “Pale hair or brown, thin, or with lots of curves.” She ran her tongue over her lips in a suggestive manner. “Someone young or with more experience. What’s your pleasure?”
Daniel’s stomach turned at the reference to someone young. But would that response allow him to see Mary?
“Young. Brown hair. Preferably thin.” He had a general idea of what she looked like, thanks to Beatrice, and hoped what he knew didn’t depict too many of the women.
“Young will cost you more.” Anne pressed her ample bosom against his arm. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
He smiled grimly, not intending to leave Finch with any of his money. “That’s what I want.”
“Hmm. Let me see what I can do.” She smiled but didn’t leave his side.
It took him a moment to realize she expected an incentive to fulfill his request. He reached into his pocket, and she nodded in approval. He slipped her a coin. “My thanks.”
“Mary?” Anne called to a woman who had her back to him.
Hope had Daniel staring at her as she slowly turned to face him, looking like she’d rather be anywhere but there. She wore a thin white nightrail so sheer he was certain he could see through it if he tried. He didn’t try.
“Get this fine gentleman a drink, would you?” Anne winked at him before she stepped away.
Mary glanced at him warily then nodded and moved toward the sideboard where various crystal decanters and glasses stood. She poured the drink with unsteady hands, spilling a little, which earned her a stern rebuke from one of the other women.
“Thank you,” he said with a smile as she handed it to him, her gaze fixed on his chest for a long moment before at last looking at him.
Cloudiness in the brown depths suggested she was under the influence of a drug, which also seemed to slow her thoughts and movements. At least, that was what he hoped caused the dazed look.
“Your name is Mary?” he asked before pretending to take a drink. Who knew what sort of spirits they served here?
“Yes.” The answer was released on a breath even as her gaze darted around the room as if she were afraid.
“How long have you been here, Mary?” He glanced about, noting a man at the opposite end of the room, whom he assumed
