Chapter 16

16

1885

Lillian stared into the sitting room fireplace, watching the golden flames flicker and dance. Serena had gone upstairs to tuck Ellen into bed, leaving Lillian alone with her thoughts. She pulled her shawl more tightly around her shoulders and leaned her head back against the chair.

Memories of her walk in the garden that afternoon with Matthew filled her mind. Why had she been surprised by his statement that he would like to be more than a friend? She had sensed a growing closeness between them. Wasn't this the logical next step?

If she agreed to what he was suggesting, it could change the course of her life. It might eventually lead to love and marriage—but it could also lead to heartache and loss. Was she ready to open her heart to those possibilities? The prospect both thrilled and frightened her.

If she refused him, she'd hurt him deeply. He might continue to search for her niece, but she would lose their growing connection. And that might mean she'd spend the rest of her life as an unmarried widow. Why did she struggle so to find the answer? He wasn't asking her to marry him. But he did want to know if she was open to that possibility in the future.

She was almost thirty-two. If she didn't marry within the next few years, there would be no chance of bearing another child that she could love and raise. But even if she did marry, there was no guarantee she'd be blessed a second time and not lose that child as well.

She closed her eyes against the burning sting. Did she have the courage to accept those risks? Could she move forward and offer her heart again, knowing grief and loss could be right around the corner?

Help me, Lord. I don' t know what to do.

Her thoughts drifted back to the first time Reverend Howell had introduced her to Matthew. He'd seemed uninterested and even been a bit rude. But as she'd gotten to know him, she'd realized he was focused and determined to do his job well. She admired him now, and she especially appreciated his commitment to finding her niece. He'd gone to great lengths and put himself in danger, proving his integrity. But there was something else about him—a vulnerability behind his brusque exterior that made her curious. If she accepted his offer to deepen their friendship, she could learn more and see what was truly in his heart.

A thought struck, and she sat up straighter. Had the Lord brought Matthew into her life not only to rescue her niece, but to bless her with another opportunity for love, marriage, and a family? Did He have another rescue in mind—that of her heart?

Serena walked back into the sitting room and sank into the chair across from Lillian's. "Ellen finally fell asleep."

Lillian shifted on the chair and focused on her sister. "It's good of you to spend so much time with her."

Serena's slight smile didn't outweigh the sadness in her eyes. "Helping Ellen makes me feel as though I can make up for some of the time I've missed with Alice."

Lillian's throat tightened, and she nodded. "I was thinking about Ellen's two friends at the Golden Swan. If Matthew can bring them out, I'm open to having them stay here with us."

Serena locked gazes with Lillian. "You want to take in all three girls?"

Lillian nodded. "But we must consider the commitment. They'll need a great deal of help with basic skills so they can be ready to attend school."

Serena's expression brightened. "Ellen reads a little, but she had no opportunity to continue her studies once she was taken to the Golden Swan. I'm sure I could teach her and the other girls."

"Reverend Howell suggested they might go to Mercy House, but they are too young. And even if they were older, there's no room for them there now. We could offer them a loving home where they could regain their strength and confidence as well as learn those basic skills."

Serena nodded. "I think it's a wonderful idea. I'm glad to do whatever I can."

Lillian leaned back in the chair, letting her thoughts drift again. What would Matthew think of her bringing those girls into her home?

She turned that thought over in her mind. It would take a true shift in her thinking if their relationship continued to progress into a courtship. She would need to partner with him and keep his thoughts and wishes in mind. And if they married, her inheritance, home, and all she owned would be shared with him.

Was she ready to give up her independence? She covered her eyes and moaned softly.

"What's wrong?" Serena asked.

Lillian lowered her hand. "Matthew spoke to me today. He's hoping we can be more than friends."

Serena gasped. "Oh, Lillian, that's wonderful! I knew it! I'm so happy for you!"

Lillian tipped her head. "I didn't agree."

"What?" Serena's eyes widened. "How could you turn him down?"

"I didn't turn him down. ... I simply said I need time to consider it."

"Why, for heaven's sake? He's respectable and ever so handsome, and the way he's helped us search for Alice shows he is an honorable man with a good heart—unlike some men who I've no wish to name or ever see again!"

Lillian sent her sister a sympathetic look.

Tears filled Serena's eyes. "Oh, Lillian, this is a wonderful opportunity. Surely you want to say yes."

"I do care for him, but there's much more to consider. I can't make this decision based on my feelings."

Serena huffed and crossed her arms. "You're always so practical! For once in your life, can't you put aside your doubts and follow your heart?"

Lillian pressed her lips together, holding back the urge to remind Serena where following her heart had taken her and her daughter. "I'm going to pray and wait for the Lord's direction."

Serena rolled her eyes. "All right, but don't blame the Lord if it's truly fear that holds you back from all He wants to give you."

Lillian's breath caught in her throat. Was that what she was doing—giving fear the upper hand and ignoring the Lord's leading?

She rose from her chair. "Good night, Serena." Without waiting for her sister's reply, she strode from the room.

Matthew shot off a prayer, walked through the rear door of the Foundling Hospital, and glanced down the long corridor. He didn't see anyone, but he heard voices and the clatter of dishes farther down and off to the right.

"Bring me the potatoes," a woman's voice rang out. "Not those! I want the ones in the storage room."

A boy who looked about ten dashed into the hallway and started toward him. When he caught sight of Matthew, his steps stalled. "Can I help you, sir?"

"Yes, I'm looking for Mr. Parker."

The boy pointed over his shoulder. "He's in his office. Down the hall, on the right, past the kitchen."

"Thank you." He nodded to the boy and sent off another silent prayer, asking the Lord to lead the conversation. He had a general idea how he would approach the man, but he was uncertain how to convince Mr. Parker to divulge where he'd taken Alice.

He passed the kitchen, then he straightened his shoulders and knocked on the next door.

"Come in."

Matthew opened the door and looked in. The hunched older man sat behind his desk in the dimly lit room. Filing cabinets and shelves stacked with boxes lined the walls. There were no windows in the office. The only light came from a lamp on the corner of his desk.

"Good day. My name is Matthew McGivern. Are you Mr. Parker?" He had decided to use his real name and be as truthful as possible during their meeting.

Parker gave a slight nod, but his wary expression didn't change. "What brings you here?"

"I understand you handle the placement of girls who need a position."

"That's right." He narrowed his eyes and scanned Matthew. "I've seen you before. Aren't you the reporter from the Gazette who spoke to the matron a few weeks ago?"

Heat radiated up Matthew's neck. He'd hoped the man wouldn't recall his visit. Now that he did, Matthew would need to be even more careful. He put on a slight smile. "Well, that's what I told the matron."

Parker arched an eyebrow. "So you're not a reporter?"

His mind spun as he searched for an answer. "My purpose that day was to learn all I could." He lowered his voice. "You see, I'm interested in ... obtaining a girl for one of my clients."

Parker studied him a moment more. "What do you mean?"

"I understand from Mr. Bradbury at the Golden Swan that, for a price, you might be willing to ... provide a girl for a similar purpose."

Parker's expression darkened. He rose, crossed the office, and closed his door. Then he turned and faced Matthew. "I might be able to help you—if your client can pay. What exactly are you looking for?"

"The word in town is that you supplied a pretty young blonde with blue eyes a few weeks ago and sent her to..." Matthew lifted his eyebrows, hoping Parker would supply the name of the brothel.

Parker returned to his desk. "I'm surprised Bradbury would give you my name."

"Most men are willing to talk if the price is right ... and my client can afford to pay for what he wants."

Mr. Parker took a pen from the ink stand and wrote on a piece of paper, then slid it across his desk. "Can he pay this price?"

Matthew read the figure, and a chill traveled through him. It was a huge sum, but there was no need to negotiate. He didn't really intend to buy a girl. Still, he needed to follow through and play the game. "That's more than we expected."

"Well, you're asking me to take a big risk."

He paused, trying to think of a way to bring the conversation back to where Alice had been sent. "I want to confirm you're the one who supplied the blonde. We're looking for a similar girl between the ages of eight and ten. She must be in good health and have a friendly, outgoing manner."

Parker huffed. "You're not asking for much."

"Those are my client's requirements." He waited while Parker pondered his request. It seemed he needed a little more motivation. "Perhaps those who took that blonde might be willing to sell her to my client for a higher price."

Parker pulled back, looking irritated. "I doubt Jackson would be willing to sell her."

"You mean Jackson at the Ruby Palace?"

Parker shook his head. "No, he's at the Lady's Slipper." He quickly shifted his gaze away, as though he realized he'd said more than he intended.

Energy zinged along Matthew's nerves, but he needed to stay focused and reassure Parker. "If you can supply what's needed, then I'm sure my client would be happy to deal with you rather than try to negotiate with Jackson."

Parker leaned forward and placed his arms on the desk. "Who is this client of yours?"

"I'm not at liberty to say."

"Then I'm not sure I can help you."

Their gazes locked, and a few seconds ticked by. Matthew lifted his chin. "If you can give us what we want, then we're not talking about only a one-time purchase. We'll continue to do business with you."

Parker leaned back in his chair, looking satisfied. "All right. But I'll need a few days to make the arrangements."

"How long?"

"Two days, maybe three. How shall I contact you when everything is ready?"

Matthew took his private calling card from his pocket and handed it to Parker. "Send word to my flat."

Parker rose from his chair. "I'll be in touch."

"Very good." Matthew rose and held out his hand.

Parker hesitated, but then reached out and shook. His hand was rough and as cold as the man's expression.

"Until then." Matthew nodded to him and walked out the door. Relief poured through him as he strode down the hallway and out the back door. Thank you, Lord!

He couldn't wait to tell Lillian and Serena that he knew where Alice had been taken. Then all he had to do was find a way to steal her out from under the nose of Mr. Jackson at the Lady's Slipper.

Lillian paced across the sitting room, stopped at the front window, and looked out. Glancing down the street, she searched for Matthew, but she didn't see him. What could be taking so long? She had expected him to return more than an hour ago. She hoped he hadn't run into trouble at the Foundling Hospital.

She turned away from the window and glanced at Serena and Ellen, who were nestled together on the sofa. Releasing a sigh, she sank into the chair across from them and picked up her knitting.

Serena glanced up from the book she was reading aloud with a silent question in her eyes. Lillian shook her head, then tried to focus on the story as her sister continued reading.

Serena had just turned to the next page when the butler opened the sitting room door. "The Reverend Howell and Mr. McGivern are here to see you, ma'am."

Relief flooded Lillian, and she rose. "Please show them in."

Serena closed the book and slid her arm around Ellen's shoulder. The girl's gaze darted from Lillian to Serena, apprehension in her eyes.

Matthew and Reverend Howell entered.

"I'm so glad to see you," Lillian said. "I was starting to worry."

Matthew crossed toward her. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I stopped to speak to Reverend Howell on the way back. I asked him to come with me."

A prickle of unease flowed through Lillian. Why had he asked Reverend Howell to come?

Serena stood, anxious lines creasing her forehead. "Oh, please, don't tell me you're bringing bad news."

Matthew's eyebrows lifted. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you. My trip to the Foundling Hospital went well—better than expected."

Lillian lifted her hand to her heart. "Please tell us more."

"Mr. Parker believed my story, and he admitted he was the one who sold Alice to a brothel in White Chapel called the Lady's Slipper."

Serena gasped and sank back on the sofa. "She's truly at a brothel?"

Lillian sat at her side. "I know that sounds frightening, but now that we know where she is, we'll find a way to get her out."

Serena looked up at Matthew. "Oh, this is dreadful." She clasped her hands. "Mr. McGivern, please tell me you'll find a way to rescue Alice. No child should be held in such a wicked place!"

Lillian laid her hand on her sister's arm. "Please be calm, Serena. Let him speak."

Matthew motioned to the reverend. "We believe if I go there disguised as a deliveryman, as I did at the Golden Swan, I might be able to bring her out."

Lillian nodded, and relief flowed through her. "Could you go tomorrow?"

He thought for a moment, then he nodded. "I can collect what's needed this afternoon and be ready to leave at six in the morning. If she is willing to leave with me, I think it would be a comfort for her to see a lady in the carriage. Can you come with me?"

A wave of gratitude filled Lillian's heart. "Yes, of course."

Serena rose. "I want to go as well."

Lillian tensed. Serena's health had improved, and she seemed stronger emotionally since Ellen had come to stay with them. But was she ready to return to White Chapel? How would she handle the outcome if they were not able to rescue Alice?

"Please, I want to be there." Serena's voice rang with sincerity. "She is my daughter."

Lillian glanced at Matthew, deferring the answer to him.

He gave a slight nod. "It's fine with me if Serena would like to come as well."

Reverend Howell looked around the circle. "This is an important endeavor. I'd like to pray with you all."

"Yes, please," Lillian said. "We'll need the Lord's guidance and protection."

Lillian, Matthew, and Reverend Howell settled in chairs, and Serena returned to the sofa with Ellen.

Reverend Howell looked from Lillian to Serena. "What Matthew learned today is important information. Mr. Parker needs to be stopped so that no more children can be taken from the Foundling Hospital. As soon as Alice is safely in your care, we intend to go to the police and see that Mr. Parker is arrested."

Lillian tensed and glanced from Reverend Howell to Matthew. "Should we go to the police now?"

Matthew met her gaze. "We don't have proof that money was exchanged when Ellen was sent to the Golden Swan. But once Alice is freed, we'll have her story as well as Ellen's, plus what Mr. Parker told me. I intend to include it all in my articles. With that much evidence, the police will have to listen."

"What about Jane and Nancy?" Ellen asked. "When will you get them out of the Golden Swan?"

Lillian sent Matthew a look she hoped would encourage him to answer gently.

"We'll get them out as soon as we can."

Lillian could not mistake the sincerity in his voice. He did not make promises lightly, and she was confident he would keep his word. Her heart lifted and filled with admiration for him.

The truth shone through like a bright morning sunrise. The Lord had brought Matthew into her life to help her and her sister through this difficult time. He was strong, dependable, and committed—a man who took action to live out his faith despite the danger.

Loving Matthew would be well worth the risk to her heart.