The physician thought the effects of the drugs Mary had been given should wear off by then and, with a few decent meals and sleep, she would make a complete recovery. Beatrice could attest to the truth of that. However, there was one significant difference between her and Mary. What Mary had endured during her extended time at the brothel remained to be seen, but that conversation was for another time.
Sally had assisted her to change into one of Beatrice’s nightrails and plaited her long, brown hair. Her large, dark eyes still held a dazed, wary look, but Beatrice hoped with time that would ease.
“Mr. Walker was ever so brave,” Mary said. “The guard who stabbed him, Mullens, is a beefy sort as big as a tree. But your Mr. Walker moved like the wind.”
The image of Daniel fighting with someone like that had Beatrice catching her breath. Or was it the way Mary had called him her Mr. Walker?
“He is very brave,” Beatrice agreed. Too much so, in her opinion. He could’ve been killed by going into the brothel alone.
Though relieved Mary was safe, Beatrice was anxious to know how Daniel fared. He’d insisted the doctor see Mary first. Based on the amount of blood on his tailcoat and the pain in his eyes, he also needed tending.
“Is there someone we should send word to on your behalf?” Beatrice asked. She and Mary hadn’t had time to learn much about each other during their brief interlude together in the brothel.
“I’ll write to my family on the morrow, though I hardly know what to say. I don’t know anyone in London. I only came to find work with the hope of sending money home.”
“Why don’t you sleep now? We’ll figure out everything after you’re feeling better,” Beatrice suggested. She glanced over her shoulder at the maid who sat in a nearby chair. “Sally will be here should you wake and need anything.”
“Are you leaving?” Mary asked, her expression filled with concern.
“Only to check on Mr. Walker. Sally will come for me when you wake in the morning or if you need anything during the night.”
“Can we leave a candle burning?” Mary asked with a glance at the flickering flame beside the bed. “I don’t much like the dark anymore.”
“Of course.” Before Beatrice could ask, Sally rose and put some coals on the fire and soon had it burning cheerfully.
“There you go, miss,” Sally reassured Mary. “How’s that? Nice and bright, isn’t it? No need to worry anymore.”
“Yes. Thank you.” Mary scooted under the covers and pulled them up to her chin. “I can hardly believe I’m out of that place.” Her words slurred slightly as she closed her eyes.
“You have nothing to fear now. All is well.” Beatrice brushed her hand over the younger woman’s hair then rose, hoping Mary would sleep through the night.
“I’ll keep an eye on her, miss.” Sally settled into Beatrice’s chair by the bed. “I’ll come for you if there are any problems.”
Beatrice thanked her then left, hurrying down to the next level where Daniel was resting in one of the larger guest bedchambers. To her relief, the door was ajar. She took that as an invitation to enter.
A look inside showed him alone, sitting up in the bed, his broad shoulders bare above the bedcovers. He smiled at the sight of her as if pleased to see her.
“What did the doctor say?” she asked as she walked closer.
“To avoid knives from now on,” he jested. The teasing light in his eyes helped to reassure her that he was well.
“How many stitches?”
“More than I cared to count.” He grimaced as he shifted.
She should leave, especially since she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off those bare, broad shoulders corded with muscle. “Does it hurt terribly?” she asked only to berate herself. “Of course, it does. What a silly question.”
“It does, but nothing that won’t soon heal. Richard insists I spend the night. He sent word to Pierre so he wouldn’t wonder what became of me.”
“I’m surprised he wasn’t with you this evening.” The anger that Daniel had taken such a risk alone returned.
She’d been concerned when he hadn’t been at the dinner party. But when they’d stopped by his home afterward, and Pierre had said he’d thought Daniel was with them, Beatrice had been truly frightened, certain something was wrong.
Richard had asked if she had any idea where he might’ve gone, and the brothel popped into her mind immediately.
“I thought it best if I attempted to deal with the situation alone.” Daniel’s lips twisted, making her wonder at his thoughts.
But he didn’t elaborate, much to her disappointment.
“I fear you’ll catch an earful when you return home. Pierre was very worried,” Beatrice added. Pierre might be Daniel’s valet, but she knew their relationship was more than servant and master.
“I have no doubt he’ll share his opinion without hesitation.”
Suddenly, Beatrice couldn’t hold back the well of emotion that clogged her throat. She stepped closer and took his hand in hers. “I’m so relieved you weren’t hurt worse. And I can’t believe you freed Mary. Thank you so much. You took a terrible risk.”
“I know how much her not leaving with you bothered you, and I detested that. I just wish I had done it sooner.” He threaded his fingers with hers, the warmth of his hand settling her.
Beatrice hardly knew how to respond. To think that he didn’t care to see her upset was one thing. Having him take such a risk on her behalf was another. Longing swept through her at his touch. If only— She stopped her thoughts before they carried her away with the hope of what could never be.
“How is she?” Daniel asked.
“I think she’ll recover, though I worry what she’s already been through.” In truth,
