“I THINK THAT’S A MARVELOUS idea,” Caroline said as she and Beatrice sat in the small sitting room off Caroline’s bedchamber doing needlework that afternoon. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
Beatrice was nearly finished with the christening gown she was embroidering but thus far had managed to keep it a secret from Caroline. During times like this, when she and Caroline were working together, she embroidered bonnets for the baby. They were practical and adorable as well, and Caroline already seemed thrilled with them.
“That’s the problem,” Beatrice said. “I know the need is great, but I’m not certain how to help.”
She’d told Caroline about her wish to assist those seeking positions who were new to London. An article in the broadsheet had confirmed just how many were flocking to the city to find work these days.
“Hmm. I see your point.” Caroline took several more stitches on an embroidery piece with three geese that she was making to hang in the nursery.
Beatrice heaved a sigh. “Perhaps I’m not the right person to start an endeavor such as this.”
“You’re the perfect person,” Caroline insisted. “Not only did you help your father for years with such things, but you also experienced the problem for yourself and know all too well about the lack of resources. Or should I say the lack of reliable resources? Don’t forget that you helped Mary as well.”
“The tasks I helped Father with were much different. And I didn’t help Mary find her position. Margaret did.”
“But without you, Mary wouldn’t have met Margaret. Life is often a series of connections. Someone who knows someone who knows someone else. Oftentimes, an introduction is all it takes.”
“I suppose I never thought of it like that.” In truth, she didn’t want to start a servant registry office. That wasn’t what she had in mind at all. But the idea of an introduction agency might be just the thing—a cultivated web of people willing to share resources. “The number of those who could use help is overwhelming.” She need only think of people standing in line at the registry office to know that.
“Why not focus your efforts on what would’ve helped you upon your arrival? Narrowing your scope might seem less than ideal, but you’d be better able to truly assist those few rather than providing less than adequate support to all.”
“That makes sense.”
She turned over the possibilities of what would’ve helped her when she’d first arrived. The noise and confusion of the city were so different than her small village that she’d been taken aback before she’d even started her search for work. Being overwhelmed after enduring the tiring journey to London had made her susceptible to the first friendly advice she’d received from a man handing out flyers at the coach stop.
She’d already determined she couldn’t offer assistance alone. Volunteers and paid help would be needed. If she didn’t find a way to fund her endeavor, it would come to an end all too quickly. But first, she needed to determine a few details.
“Do you remember we’re invited to the Collingsworth ball next week?” Caroline asked.
“I wasn’t certain I would go.” Beatrice didn’t want to disappoint Caroline, but now that she was betrothed to Daniel, attending a ball seemed unnecessary.
“But it’s the last significant event before I go into confinement.” Caroline frowned at her. “Please say you’ll come.”
“What would I wear?”
“That is never a worry when we have Margaret to aid us.” Caroline set the embroidery hoop on her lap. “Think of it. Having another gown made will give us an excuse to visit Mary at the dressmaker. We could see how she’s faring for ourselves. And attending the ball would give you a chance to meet other ladies. You could mention your new endeavor to them. What better way to spread the word about what you want to do?”
“True. That would be helpful.” How could she say no to Caroline? And having a purpose in mind when she was meeting members of the ton might make it easier.
“At the very least, it would provide a chance to ask other women if they would find something like what you have in mind useful. A way of testing the waters.”
Beatrice smiled at her friend as gratitude filled her. “What would I do without you?”
“I don’t intend for you to ever find out.” Caroline returned her smile. “I didn’t realize I’d be gaining another sister when Daniel brought you here.”
“Nor did I. I’m so blessed.” Beatrice’s heart felt so full, she wondered if it would overflow. More than ever, she wanted to find a way to give back even a quarter of what she’d received since she’d come across Daniel on that dark street.
Chapter Fourteen
After much thought, Daniel took a lesson from whoever had been watching his townhouse the previous day and decided to do the same. He eased between two rows of tall hedges across the street but one house down from the brothel, doing his best not to tear his clothing. Pierre wouldn’t be pleased if he did.
He knew very little about Joseph Finch other than he owned three brothels. The only way to gain additional information was to observe him. He wanted to learn his schedule along with any other details he could.
His hope was that between Pierre and himself, they’d know Finch’s routine movements within a few days. Daniel was watching the place for half a day, beginning this morning, and Pierre would watch late afternoon into the evening. Daniel wanted to know exactly who Finch was in order to form the perfect plan to bring a halt to the man’s criminal activities.
However, he preferred not to be caught. Pierre had advised the other servants to keep an eye out for anyone watching the house. Thus far, no one had been seen, though only a little over a day had passed.
What did that mean?
The stranger’s presence seemed more like an announcement—or a warning—that Finch somehow suspected Daniel was behind Mary’s disappearance and
