It appeared this sisterly reunion would not encompass a return to their home permanently. After all, even without her association with Nick she was still a social disgrace as far as Corinne was concerned.
“While I a-appreciate y-your th-thoughtfulness,”—she almost gagged—"I’m afraid I m-must d-decline your generous offer. W-we are close to fi-finding my friend and I do n-not plan to leave here until s-she has been f-found and I know s-she is safe.”
Corinne narrowed her eyes. “What, exactly, has this man gotten you involved in?”
Pamela was growing tired of the discourse, the innuendoes, and flat out insults. “As I exp-plained, sister, he has not g-gotten me into anything. He is h-h-helping me find a fr-friend.”
“What of your reputation? You, a young unmarried woman, is living in a man’s home. Brazenly. That is how I—I mean we—found out.”
“This home b-belongs to Mr. Montrose, another r-r-respectable business m-man. We are st-staying here temporarily while w-we conduct our s-search. If you are c-c-concerned for my reputation, I will be m-m-more than happy to introduce y-you to Mrs. Fletcher, who is employed b-by Mr. Smith and is acting as m-my chaperone.”
Corinne snorted. Something Pamela would never have expected.
“She works for Mr. Smith? Well, I’m sure if she wishes to continue with her employment, she will look whatever way Mr. Smith wishes her to look.”
Pamela jumped up, almost spilling her tea. Why she felt the need to appease this woman was beyond her, but she would not allow Corinne to leave with the idea that anything untoward was going on. “If y-you will excuse me, I shall be r-right b-back.”
She strode from the room, her skirts swishing, her face red, and her heart pounding. That woman would drive a saint to commit murder. How her brother put up with her she could never know. Corinne was nasty and mean, all underneath a veneer of propriety.
“Mrs. Fl-fletcher.” Pamela knocked on the woman’s bedchamber door. Hopefully she was not napping, which she did on occasion.
The door opened with Mrs. Fletcher looking quite surprised. “Is everything all right, my lady?”
Pamela took a deep breath. “Y-yes. Just fine. However, my s-s-sister-in-law has paid a v-v-visit and she is concerned th-that I am living h-here with no chaperone. May I impose upon y-you to join us in the d-d-drawing room for t-tea?”
“Of course, my dear.” Mrs. Fletcher looked in the mirror next to the door and smoothed her hair back. “Lead the way, my lady.”
They returned to the room to find Corinne walking about, examining items on the tables. She turned, her fake-warm smile on her lips. “Who have we here?”
Pamela again gritted her teeth, sure she would have worn them down to nubs before this visit ended. “As I exp-plained to you, Corinne th-this is my chaperone.” She placed her hand on Mrs. Fletcher’s arm. “M-may I present t-to you Mrs. Fletcher, h-housekeeper to Mr. Smith in his B-bath home and chaperone on this t-trip.” She turned to Mrs. Fletcher. “This is m-my brother David’s w-wife, Lady Mulgrave.”
Corinne lifted her chin. “He is the Earl of Mulgrave, Pamela. Please keep your manners, my dear.” Her lips moved into what she no doubt thought was a smile, but it managed to be a grin that would frighten a small child.
Mrs. Fletcher smiled. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Of course, Corinne didn’t return the sentiment, but merely dipped her head.
“Mrs. F-fletcher would you care for t-tea?” Pamela moved to the chair she’d occupied and lifted the tea pot.
“Sister, dear, I am afraid I do not have any more time to spare. I have an appointment with my dressmaker.” Corinne glided past Pamela to the entrance hall, pulling on her gloves.
Pamela finally rolled her eyes, but unfortunately only Mrs. Fletcher saw it. And smiled.
Once at the door, Corinne allowed Grossman to help her into her coat. “I prefer not to have tea with the help, my dear. That is something you need to work on.” She patted Pamela’s cheek and air-kissed her once again.
“I do hope our little talk has given you something to think about. Despite having that chaperone, it is not the thing to be staying here. You are welcome to come to us as I stated until you return to Bath.” She stepped through the door as Grossman opened it. “If you are not concerned for your own reputation, think of the damage you are doing to your brother.”
With those words she sailed down the stairs and into the Mulgrave carriage. Pamela shook her head and returned to the drawing room.
Mrs. Fletcher held up the teapot. “More tea, my dear?”
“How about sh-sherry, instead.” She headed to the sidebar where Mr. Montrose kept a well-stocked supply of sherry and brandy.
14
A few days later Nick and Marcus met at Marcus’s townhouse in Mayfair. Nick had sent a full description of Lizbeth Davenport to him the evening after they’d met in the club. Pamela had done more than describe the young lady, she had drawn a very good sketch of her likeness. A talent Nick did not realize Pamela possessed.
Nick was amazed when he heard back so quickly from Mallory that he was pretty sure Miss Davenport was at the brothel they had suspected.