breakfast yesterday, he seems convinced I don’t know what I want.”
“But you do?” Caroline asked.
She bit her lip. Dare she admit it to someone? “Yes. I want Daniel. My affection for him overwhelms me.” She pressed a hand against her heart as love swelled within her, refusing to be suppressed.
Caroline clapped her hands with a laugh. “I’m so pleased. The two of you are perfect for each other.”
“I merely have to convince him of that.” Beatrice heaved a sigh at the impossibility of it.
Caroline tapped a finger on her chin, suggesting she was deep in thought. “Perhaps it’s time you took matters into your hands.”
“How do you mean?”
“Why not pursue what you want?” Caroline offered a secretive smile as she picked up her embroidery. “Sometimes, the men in our lives need a nudge in the right direction.”
“A nudge?” Beatrice pondered the idea, wondering what that could be.
“Or a shove.” Caroline shrugged. “It could be a bold act or something subtle. But why not make it clear how you feel? In my opinion, Daniel is rather too focused on trying to be a gentleman and worrying whether he’s doing what’s best for you. I think only you can decide what that is.”
“You’re right. He’s convinced that I haven’t had enough time to decide what my future should hold.”
“The two of you are betrothed.” Caroline grinned. “And with that comes certain liberties, if you take my meaning.”
An idea sprung to mind, but could she make it work? Was she bold enough to try? The thought of proving to Daniel how much she cared for him was impossible to resist. More than anything, she wanted to marry Daniel. To have the sort of loving relationship that Caroline and Aberland shared. Didn’t she deserve that, regardless of recent events? What better way to convince him than to tell him and show him as well?
“If it helps, I have no doubt Pierre could be counted on to aid in whatever plan you devise.” Caroline leaned close as if to share a secret. “He and Mrs. Beverly, the housekeeper, adore you and think you’re perfect for Daniel. As do Richard and me.”
Having their support shifted something deep inside Beatrice, sending her confidence soaring.
Was Daniel truly within her reach? If she shared how she felt, would he realize she knew what she wanted? The risk was great. He might reject her and end their betrothal if he didn’t feel the same way.
But if he did, her idea might be the perfect beginning of their life together. Hope rose once more. Love was worth the risk.
Chapter Eighteen
After Richard left, Daniel stopped by Bow Street and spoke with Hurdy. As he suspected, the Runner was no closer to arresting Finch than he had been a week ago, despite the raid of the brothel the previous night. Hurdy spoke of gathering the testimonies of those arrested and sharing what he’d learned thus far with the magistrate. Then they’d determine whether a warrant could be issued for Finch’s arrest.
The presence of a young lady who’d been taken to the brothel against her will was certainly a strike against the man, but the rest of the women claimed to be prostitutes of their own choosing. It was difficult to know whether that was true.
Of course, Hurdy had yet to locate Finch, even if he wanted to question him. How was that possible when they knew his home address as well as the location of his other two businesses? Daniel wondered once again how hard the man was trying.
Anger had Daniel slamming the door on his way out of the Bow Street office. Could nothing go right with this investigation?
The time had come to act. He could wait no longer.
But how?
If a Bow Street Runner hadn’t found and arrested Finch, how would Daniel manage to do so?
While he didn’t have an answer to the question, he refused to merely wait. He directed the driver to Finch’s home address, where he planned to relieve Pierre. He’d only waited a few minutes before the valet joined him from wherever he’d hidden.
“Anything of interest?” Daniel asked.
“Nothing yet,” Pierre advised with a frustrated twist of his lips. “Shall I continue to keep watch?”
“I’ll have a go at it. The carriage can take you home.”
“No need. I’ll find a hackney.” Pierre alighted only to pause, his gaze holding Daniel’s. “Take care, sir. Miss Linfield is counting on you to return safely, as am I.”
Daniel nodded, appreciating the reminder. But it made him even more determined to put an