A Rogue to the Rescue (The Rogue Chronicles #4) - Lana Williams Page 0,76

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 book she knew he kept. Instead, he waited, looking at her expectantly.

She reached into her reticule and withdrew two shillings and held them in plain sight. “I would appreciate your looking at the registration.”

He bent to open a drawer then placed a worn book on the counter.

Feeling as if they played an odd game of cat and mouse, she placed a shilling on the counter and slid it toward him.

He took the coin with a smile then opened the book. “I believe I remember her.” Using his finger, he moved it along the page. “Oh yes. She was here.” He looked at the other shilling she held, obviously expecting her to hand it over.

She put it on the counter but kept her finger on it. “Was?”

“She checked out this morning. I believe she mentioned she’d found employment.”

Beatrice leaned forward and lowered her spectacles so she could read the entry his finger marked. The sight of Sarah’s name there had her heart sinking.

“Say,” Mr. Johnson began, “you look familiar.”

“What exactly did Miss Ramsey say when she left?” Beatrice ignored his remark as she moved the spectacles back into place, hoping against hope