The clerk jerked back as if she’d slapped him. A brief shot of satisfaction rushed through her as that was exactly what she longed to do. “If Miss Ramsey has come to harm because of you, know that you will pay dearly. Now search your memory and tell me what you told her.”
DANIEL HOPPED DOWN from the carriage certain enough time had passed for Beatrice to have a look at the ledger. He couldn’t stand to wait any longer. The idea of her in danger twisted his stomach in knots.
While he dearly wanted to find Miss Ramsey, he refused to do so at risk to Beatrice. She’d already been through enough. She meant more to him than he could possibly explain, though he was coming to realize he needed to admit the truth at least to himself. They might have only known each other for a few weeks, but she had become a vital part of his life. So much so, that he could no longer imagine a future without her.
But first, they needed to find Miss Ramsey.
The entire situation was his fault. He should’ve done more to stop Finch and made certain the registry office clerk and the boarding house owner were no longer involved. Waiting for Hurdy to act had been a terrible mistake. That error made it clear he wasn’t meant for these types of situations, he realized with some disgust.
Before he could cross the busy street, Beatrice exited the office, bringing an immense wave of relief that loosened the tightness in his chest. He remained in place, watching as she wound her way through the passing carts, coaches, and horses. By the set of her mouth, he knew she’d found what she’d hoped she wouldn’t.
Blast it all.
The news was disappointing. It meant his efforts had been for naught. He’d failed. He shoved aside the thought as Beatrice drew closer. All that mattered now was Miss Ramsey and the possibility of her rescue.
“You found her name?” Daniel asked as he held open the carriage door and assisted Beatrice to alight.
“I did. She registered there yesterday.” Beatrice settled against the bench seat, her eyes wide with fear as she removed the spectacles. “The clerk sent her to the Johnson boarding house.”
Anger rushed through Daniel even though he’d assumed as much. “I’ll return you to Aberland House then call upon Mr. Johnson.” He wanted Beatrice safe before he took action. There was a chance the man would be better prepared for any confrontations after Daniel’s last visit.
“I want to come with you.”
“Beatrice—”
“Please, Daniel. If she happens to still be there, my presence will reassure her. She wouldn’t have any reason to believe she should accompany you or that you actually know me.”
He hesitated. What she said was true, but he didn’t like it. “Very well. But you will wait in the carriage until I determine whether she’s there.”
He was aware of the fact that she didn’t agree. She was too brave for her own good.
Somehow, he needed to devise a plan that would not only save Miss Ramsey but end the terrible scheme and all its moving parts once and for all. An idea came to mind, and he smiled in grim satisfaction, thinking it just might work. If nothing else, it could provide additional evidence.
“Perhaps it would be best if we continued with this charade for a little longer.”
“Oh?” A spark of hope lit her eyes as she stared at him.
“We need to make a stop before we approach Mr. Johnson.”
BEATRICE ADJUSTED THE ribbon of the bonnet tied beneath her chin, feeling as if it were suddenly choking her. A slow breath did little to calm her, but determination had her marching up the boarding house stairs, still in her disguise.
The fear bubbling inside her wasn’t for herself but for Sarah. The likelihood of finding her inside was slim, but Beatrice was willing to try anything to locate her.
She opened the door and stepped inside, turning to the right where the counter was. She waited several moments before tapping the bell there to announce her presence. With trembling fingers, she shifted the spectacles higher on her nose.
A muffled voice called out from the closed door behind the counter with what she guessed was a request to wait.
Though tempted, she avoided looking behind her to see if Daniel and his companion had entered and were hidden near the door out of view as they’d planned. Had they been so quiet that she hadn’t noted their arrival?
“Are you in need of a room?” Mr. Johnson asked as he emerged from his apartment, tugging on the bottom of his bulging waistcoat.
“Actually, I’m wondering if you might be able to help me.” She did her best to keep her tone even despite wanting to scream at the man and demand answers.
“How so?” His eyes narrowed, suggesting he didn’t care for her request.
“I’m looking for a young woman whom I believe is staying here. Miss Sarah Ramsey. I should like to speak to her.” A prickle of awareness slid over her. She suddenly had no doubt Daniel stood nearby.
Though his presence reassured her, he’d been acting oddly since the visit to the registry office. She had a good guess as to why. He believed himself at fault for not halting Finch’s scheme.
Beatrice didn’t think that for a moment. He’d already done so much to try to end it. Yet she worried that if his most recent idea didn’t work, guilt would consume him. She had to do everything in her power to make certain that didn’t happen.
“Ramsey? Can’t say as the name is familiar.”
“Perhaps you could check your records. She arrived only yesterday.” She patted the reticule she held and forced a friendly smile. “I would be happy to make it worth your while should you be able to offer assistance.”
Mr. Johnson’s brows rose as if she’d caught his interest. “Ramsey, you said? I’m not sure.” He made no effort to look at the
