few stores and have them come out here with various things you can select from.”
This was not an unfamiliar process for her. Given her brother’s station, her sister-in-law had oftentimes requested merchants to come to the house when she felt too tired, sick, or suffering from ennui to shop.
There were many times Pamela felt sorry for her brother. Their marriage, while not exactly arranged, had been strongly encouraged by both sets of parents. Someone must have gained something, but Pamela never knew what. Her brother, while fond of her, had always been a very private man and had never confided in her.
“That w-would be very nice b-b-because I find I am already f-f-feeling a bit tired.”
Nick stood and pushed back his chair. “All right, up you go.” He bundled her into his arms and walked to the door. “Off to bed with you. While you are resting, I will have Mrs. Fletcher visit various shops and arrange to have some clothing and other items brought back here for you to consider.”
She rested her head on his chest bringing her warm tender feelings. She had a sense of being in the right place at the right time, as foolish as that sounded given how she ended up here.
He climbed the stairs and made a right turn to the bedroom she’d been given. He deposited her gently on the bed. “I think a bit of laudanum might be helpful. I can tell by your face that you are feeling poorly.”
While he got the medicine from the table across the room, Pamela thought about the clothing and other items Nick intended to pay for her. She couldn’t help but wonder how many other women Nick had bought clothing for. Or jewelry. Or possibly even a townhouse or a carriage. Isn’t that what men did for their mistresses?
Not that she was his mistress, nor would ever be, she hurried to assure herself. Although she felt the blood rush to her face at just the thought. But certainly, a man as virile, wealthy and attractive as Nick would have had his share of beautiful women.
She suddenly felt depressed. The thought of Nick holding, kissing, undressing, and doing even more than that with another woman bothered her. And that she felt that way was confusing by itself.
She took herself to task, reminding her foolish heart that there would never be that or anything else between them. Hadn’t she learned enough from her sister-in-law that no one wanted to be around her at social events? That she was nothing more than an embarrassment? No husband would want a wife who couldn’t carry on a simple conversation.
She opened her mouth like a good child when he held out the spoon with the medicine. She took it and swallowed, grimacing at the taste. “I will t-t-try to pay you b-b-back for what Mrs. Fletcher b-buys when this is all f-finished.”
Of course, she would have no way to pay him back since her unexplained departure from Bath would end the arrangements she’d had with her students.
His jaw tightened and he waved his hand. “Don’t even say that. You will not pay me back, nor will you attempt to do so.” He looked at her in a strange way and seemed about to say something else when he was interrupted.
“What are you doing in here, Mr. Smith?” The guardian of young ladies’ virtue stood at the doorway to the bedroom.
“Ah, Mrs. Fletcher. Just who I wanted to see.”
Her brows rose. “Indeed?”
“Yes. Indeed. I want you to visit a few stores this morning and arrange to have clothing and other articles necessary for a woman brought here for Lady Pamela to choose from. You are aware that she arrived dressed in nothing more than the hospital gown. We will be traveling to London as soon as Lady Pamela feels up to it. She will need clothing and other essentials that women use.”
Mrs. Fletcher tsked. “You poor dear. Of course, I will help.” She turned to Nick, her eyes narrowed. “And who will be traveling to London with you to act as chaperone for her ladyship?”
He grinned. “You.”
Her face softened. “Oh. Well, yes. I guess if you are not going to be here, I can take a bit of time to travel with you.”
He looked down at Pamela who was already feeling sleepy. “I think it will be about another three days before you will be up to travel.”
“It sh-shouldn’t be t-t-too difficult on the tr-train.”
“Rest. We’ll discuss this later. Or tomorrow.”
“B-b-but I want to g-g-get Lizbeth. I’m so fr-frightened for her. Sh-she doesn’t deserve th-this.”
He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “I will do my best. Please believe that and trust me.”
10
Nick hurried down the front steps of his townhouse and strode to the mews to have his carriage made ready. He had ideas on where to begin his search for information while Pamela slept, and Mrs. Fletcher visited various stores. He needed to gather as much information as he could before they left for London.
Given his background, he’d always known about the practice of abducting girls and young women—even boys—to be sold into a brothel. There was a considerable amount of money to be made for those who did the procuring. He’d one time rescued a young girl in his gang from such a plight.
There had been many young girls taken from the streets of London for that purpose, but he hadn’t been aware that the reach had extended as far as Bath. Although, given how the city had grown over the last several years, it should be no surprise. Young girls coming on the trains from the country looking for work, or a husband.