What had brought her to London to find employment rather than staying in her village and marrying? Her honey-colored hair, creamy skin, and even features were appealing. Appealing? Who was he kidding? They were lovely. She was a very attractive woman.
Those large blue—no, they were more grey—eyes might hold wariness now, but he wondered what they’d look like filled with joy. The thought of her as a servant in someone’s household made him grimace. He well knew what happened to attractive female servants. The master often considered them fair game, no matter how wrong it was.
Her tale was so disturbing that it was almost difficult to believe. Yet he didn’t doubt her for a moment. The question was where did they go from here? She knew no one and was completely alone in the world. Did she by chance have possessions stowed somewhere?
The thought of having nothing to claim as his own and no family to aid him made him empathize with his unexpected guest. She was in a terrible predicament, but it could’ve ended far worse.
While he and Richard hadn’t always been close, he liked to think they were now, and he had no doubt his brother would be there if he needed him. A part of Daniel still resented the fact that Richard had never advised him that he was a spy. He’d told Daniel additional lies to cover the truth, including that their family had a serious lack of funds. Daniel was proud of Richard and all he’d sacrificed to aid England’s war efforts. But the realization that his brother hadn’t trusted him with the truth pained him.
The issue was something Daniel was still working through. Perhaps that was why he kept his fair share of secrets from Richard. Since his brother was now married and he and Caroline were expecting a child, Daniel didn’t know if they would ever resolve the issues that stood between them. Was Richard even aware of the distance?
Daniel shook his head at his circling thoughts. He was grateful to have his brother in his life even if their relationship wasn’t perfect.
Deciding it best to allow Miss Linfield to sleep as long as possible, he settled behind his desk to review the latest investment reports he’d received.
In truth, he had Richard to thank for his financial success. For many years, he’d made his limited inheritance stretch as far as he could. He’d lived modestly and studied various financial opportunities, investing a portion of his money in the four percents, an investment that provided low-risk interest, as well as in a few shipping ventures that had paid off significantly. Then he’d repeated the process, taking only a few minor missteps over the years, until he had a substantial sum to his name.
Daniel’s penchant for winning at cards and Richard’s reputation as a rakehell, something his brother had promoted over the years to cover his spying activities, had given Daniel a reputation as well.
While he enjoyed gambling, drinking, and women, until recently the delights of an attractive widow, he didn’t consider himself a rogue but much of the ton did. That was all the more reason he needed to move Miss Linfield out from under his roof once she was feeling better. He didn’t want her ruined because of her stay with him.
Realizing he wasn’t going to accomplish anything at his desk with the question of the beautiful lady upstairs, he set aside the papers and rose to look in on her when a knock sounded at the door.
“Yes?”
Pierre opened the door wide, a smile on his face. “Miss Linfield to see you, sir.”
Shocked, Daniel watched as she entered the room, wearing what he assumed was the borrowed gown Mrs. Beverly had procured, based on the ill-fitting look of the simple, dark-grey muslin. Miss Linfield’s hair had been tidied, her cheeks held a hint of color, and though shadows still marked her eyes, she looked even lovelier than before. Dear heavens, what might she look like when in good health and dressed in a proper gown?
“I’m surprised to see you up and about so soon.” He came around the desk to greet her, doing his best to ignore his awareness of her. “Are you certain you shouldn’t be resting?”
“I wished to speak with you about contacting the authorities.” Her brow puckered as if the issue caused her great concern.
“Of course.” He gestured toward the settee before the fire. The poor thing still looked as though she might collapse at any moment. “I can send for a Bow Street Runner, and we can report your experience to him.”
“Yes, please. You see, there was another young woman there. Mary.” She sank to the cushion, her gaze holding his as he joined her. “I hope something can be done to free her along with any others held against their will.”
Daniel glanced up to see Pierre still in the doorway. “Will you send for a Runner?”
“Of course, sir.” The valet bowed and took his leave.
“With luck, someone will arrive within the hour.”
She nodded in relief. “I tried to convince Mary to leave with me, but she was too frightened.”
“Your courage is admirable as is your concern for her.”
“I’m terribly sorry to involve you in all this. Once I speak with the Runner, I will go. I’ve relied upon your kindness too much already.”
“Nonsense.” Daniel didn’t care for the thought of her leaving when she obviously still felt weak.
He could see her pulse fluttering at the base of her throat and noted the increased rate of her breathing. She seemed worried as well. His protective instincts rose. “There’s no rush for you to depart. Allow me to assist you in dealing with the authorities. Then you can rest again. Later, when you’re feeling better, we’ll determine your next step.”
“Mr. Walker, I am a stranger to you.” Those beautiful but wary eyes with their gold and brown flecks held on him. “Why would you offer so much?”
“Because it is in my power to do so, and
