A Rogue to the Rescue (The Rogue Chronicles #4) - Lana Williams Page 0,75

stayed. “Tell Mr. and Mrs. Johnson that Mr. Vessey sent you.”

Beatrice’s stomach churned at the likely possibility that more unsuspecting women had been sent to Finch’s brothel. Dear heaven, had Sarah been one of them?

He handed her the open ledger book, pointing to the various columns and advising what she should enter where. While he spoke, she frantically searched the page for Sarah’s name but didn’t see it, so she turned the page to look at the previous one.

“You write your information on the other page,” Mr. Vessey corrected her.

“I was just curious to see how many people are seeking employment. Are all of these from today?” She skimmed the names but still didn’t see Sarah’s.

“Yes. As I said, we assist a large number of people.”

She went back another page. “Are these from today as well?”

“That’s the beginning of them,” he said as he pointed to a line drawn across the list. “But you’ll need to add your name to the other page.” His tone suggested he was quickly losing patience with her.

Heart pounding, she searched without success and turned yet another page.

“Here now.” The clerk’s impatience was obvious as he reached to take the ledger from her.

She quickly moved it out of his reach, holding on tight, her eyes skimming the lines. There! Sarah’s name jumped out at her, her neat penmanship recognizable from her letter.

Beatrice’s heart sank. Where was the woman now?

“Did you assist this person?” She held a finger to the entry and pushed the ledger toward the clerk. “Sarah Ramsey.”

“How should I know?” Mr. Vessey blustered. “You can’t expect me to remember. You’ve wasted enough of my time. Do you want to add your name or not? There are people waiting behind you.”

Beatrice glared at him, still holding tight to the book. “Yes, I do expect you to remember. She is a well-spoken young woman of fine looks. Did you send her to Finch’s brothel?”

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