details he shared were an excellent reminder that no one was perfect.
She’d placed members of the ton on a pedestal, thinking them as ideal when they were far from it. They were people, too. They weren’t necessarily smarter or prettier or better but had faults and attributes like everyone else. However, many had money and a title or heritage they were proud of.
When Beatrice caught sight of Annabelle Gold, Caroline’s sister, moving toward them with a man, she smiled and returned her wave.
“Walker, good to see you,” Annabelle’s companion said as he drew his gig to a halt alongside them.
“Raybourne. How’s the publishing business these days?”
“Excellent.” The man smiled as his gaze shifted to Beatrice, his dimples making his smile impossible to not return.
“Allow me to introduce Miss Beatrice Linfield.” Daniel glanced at Beatrice. “Mr. Thomas Raybourne.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Mr. Raybourne dipped his head politely. “Annabelle has told me many nice things about you.”
“Isn’t it a beautiful day?” Annabelle asked as she glanced about. “I told Thomas he needed to step out of the office for some fresh air while the sun is shining.”
“It is indeed,” Beatrice answered, all too aware of the looks they were receiving from passersby. “Mr. Walker was kind enough to offer to show me the park.”
“Annabelle mentioned that you’re new to London,” Mr. Raybourne said.
“Yes, I am.” Beatrice was certain Annabelle would’ve told him what happened to her. Unease filled her as she wondered what he thought of her.
“I hope you have a chance to see some of the better attributes of our city than what you’ve witnessed thus far.” The continued respect in Mr. Raybourne’s expression was a welcome relief.
Daniel caught her gaze, and his warm regard bolstered her, easing her worry. “I’m doing my best to show her that not all of London is bad, nor all of the people in it.”
Mr. Raybourne shared a look with his betrothed. “We’ve seen our share of those who have acted poorly, haven’t we?”
Annabelle nodded. “I have yet to tell Miss Linfield that story, but I look forward to doing so soon.” Annabelle’s gaze met hers, and she smiled. “Caroline mentioned you’d be attending the Alverston dinner party tomorrow evening.”
“Will you be there?” The idea of knowing someone other than Lord and Lady Aberland was reassuring.
“Yes, we’re looking forward to it.”
They exchanged a few more words before moving on with their ride.
Beatrice breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps she was worrying too much about the dinner party. She’d enjoyed meeting strangers in her village, but recent events had made her overly cautious. “I don’t suppose you’re attending the dinner party.” Hope bloomed as having Daniel there would ensure the evening was enjoyable.
“I hadn’t planned to though I did receive an invitation.”
Her hope faded.
“Would you like me to?” he offered, much to her surprise.
“Not on my account.” It would be enough to have Annabelle and her betrothed there in addition to Caroline and Aberland.
“If it would ease your concern about the evening, I’d be happy to.”
“I’d like that very much.” The words rushed out before she could stop them. She should’ve refused his offer. Becoming dependent on him was a terrible idea. One that already worried her. But when it came to Daniel, she couldn’t seem to help herself.
“Then I look forward to it, but you have nothing to worry over. You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure. Those in attendance will be better off for having met you.”
Beatrice returned his smile, hoping he was right.
LATE THE FOLLOWING morning, Daniel paid a visit to Hurdy once again. He was quickly losing patience with the Runner and his seeming reluctance to arrest Finch and the others involved in the scheme.
Daniel had already sent a message advising Hurdy of the details of the visit to the servant registry office, including the clerk’s name who’d suggested the boarding house to Beatrice. Perhaps the Runner needed an additional monetary incentive to truly light a fire beneath him.
The Bow Street office was immediately northwest of Covent Garden in central London. In the 1740s, the office had actually been the residence of Westminster Justice of the Peace Thomas De Veil, who began hearing cases there. Now the office served as the magistrates’ court and the home of the Runners.
Daniel found Hurdy in the hall of the court, amongst those waiting for their cases to be heard before a magistrate. Most cases were minor in nature, such as theft or drunkenness. More serious cases were held at Old Bailey next to Newgate Prison.
One