Chapter 18

18

1885

Matthew looked out the carriage window as they bumped along the nearly deserted street in White Chapel. A foggy mist hung in the air, casting a gray stillness over the scene. A milkman unloaded cans from his wooden cart parked at the side of the street, but no one else seemed to be up and about at that early hour.

Across from him, Lillian and Serena sat side by side, gazing out the opposite carriage window.

Serena looked up at the decrepit buildings, and a shadow crossed her features. "This is very near where I used to live. If only I'd known Alice was just a few streets away!" Her voice choked off, and she shook her head.

The stench from the dirty streets flowed through the open window. He grimaced and held his breath.

Serena raised a hand and covered her mouth. "I think I'm going to be sick."

Lillian scooted closer to her sister. "Close your eyes and take a few shallow breaths. You'll be all right."

Matthew looked out his window again. Up ahead, he spotted the sign for the Lady's Slipper. His nerves tingled, and he straightened. So many details had come together for them to reach this moment. Now he needed courage to follow through with the plan to rescue Alice and bring her into the loving arms of her mother and aunt.

"There's the Lady's Slipper." He scanned the front of the building, noting the brothel was located on a corner. The carriage slowed and pulled to a stop. He had instructed the coachman to park a short distance away, but close enough to keep the building in sight.

Lillian slid across the seat and looked out his window. "There's a side entrance with steps that lead downstairs."

He nodded. "That's probably the entrance to the kitchen. I'll try to go in that way."

She looked at him with a mixture of concern and hope in her eyes.

He held her gaze a moment more. "Pray for me."

"I will." The warmth and trust in her expression sent a surge of courage through him.

He opened the carriage door and climbed down. Lillian slid the crate of vegetables toward him. He grabbed hold of the crate, then closed the door. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Please stay here." He firmed his voice to make his wishes clear.

Lillian's mouth tipped up at the corners. "I will ... unless the Lord tells me to go."

"If you feel the urge, make sure it's the Lord."

She grinned and nodded.

Hoisting the crate, he turned and strode down the street. Guide my steps, Lord. Help me find Alice and bring her out safely. It was a simple prayer, but it came from his heart, and he was confident the Lord heard and was with him.

When he reached the corner, he glanced back. Lillian watched him from the carriage window, and he had no doubt she was praying for his safety and success.

He descended the stairs and knocked on the door. No one answered. He tested the handle, found it unlocked, and pushed the door open. He stepped into the dim hallway, leaving the door ajar behind him to give added light.

The floor looked wet, and halfway down the hall he spotted a girl on her hands and knees, scrubbing the tiles. She wore a white cap covering her hair, and a dark green dress and white apron. She dipped her scrub brush into a pail of water, then looked up. Her light blue eyes went wide. "Who are you?"

"I have some vegetables for you."

She sent him a confused look, then brushed a blond curl back from her cheek.

"Are you Mary Graham?"

Fear flashed across her face. "How do you know my name?"

A shot of joy pulsed through him. "I'm a friend." He softened his voice. "I want to help you leave this place."

She shook her head. "I don't know you."

"No, but I know your mother and your aunt, and they're eager to see you."

She straightened to her knees, searching his face with a look of wonder. "You know my mother?"

Voices and footsteps sounded in the distance.

"Yes." He shifted the crate to one arm and held out his hand. "Come with me—now."

Frozen, she stared at him.

The footsteps grew louder, and two men descended the steps just beyond Mary. Both were middle-aged and dressed in work clothes. One was taller, with red hair and a beard. The other was shorter, heavyset, and balding.

The taller man scowled at him. "What are you doing down here?"

"I'm delivering these vegetables."

The balding man narrowed his eyes. "I didn't order any vegetables. Where are they from?"

"The greengrocer on Pearl Street."

The two men exchanged doubtful looks, and the bald man stepped around Mary, blocking Matthew's view of her. "We get all our groceries from Crawford's. I don't take deliveries here. You either came to the wrong place, or you're up to no good." He looked over his shoulder. "Get her out of here."

The other man grabbed Mary's arm. She cried out as he hauled her off down the hallway, away from Matthew.

Matthew's stomach twisted, and his thoughts spun. "Sorry. I must be in the wrong place." He turned to go.

But the bald man hustled around him and blocked his path. He cocked his eyebrow. "You can leave the vegetables."

Matthew held his gaze steady. "If you didn't order them, I should take them back."

The man's glare deepened. "I said leave them—and count yourself lucky to get out of here in one piece."

Matthew held tight to the crate for another second, then shoved it at the man, knocking him off his feet. He jumped around the man and ran for the door.

The man shouted curses as he scrambled up from the floor. "Don't come back, or I'll black your eyes!"

Matthew dashed up the steps and ran down the street, anger and regret tearing through him. Nearing the carriage, he called up to the coachman, "Take us back to Mrs. Freemont's."

The man nodded to Matthew and lifted the reins.

Matthew jerked open the door, shoved the crate of vegetables inside, and climbed aboard. The carriage immediately rolled down the street.

Lillian gripped the edge of the seat, her gaze intense. "What happened?"

Serena stared at him, wide-eyed. "Where is Alice?"

Matthew sank down across from them and shook his head. "I spoke to her. She was scrubbing the floor, but two men came downstairs and caught us talking. They knew I wasn't supposed to be there. They took Mary away and ran me off."

Serena burst into tears. "Oh, my poor girl." She reached for Lillian, buried her face in her sister's shoulder, and wept.

"I'm sorry." Pain twisted Matthew's chest as he watched the tearful sisters. "We'll have to think of a new plan."

"I know you did what you could." Lillian's voice carried no condemnation, but he read the disappointment in her eyes. Lillian held her sister as the carriage rocked and swayed down the street.

He clenched his hands, forcing down his anger. He'd been so close. If he'd only had a few more seconds, he could've gotten her out. He closed his eyes and laid his head back. The sting of failure pierced him like a burning arrow in his chest. What do we do now, Lord?

Matthew sidestepped a large puddle and hurried down the street as rain drizzled around him. He'd sent Lillian a note and asked her to meet him at the Cheshire tea shop that afternoon at two. Checking his pocket watch, he picked up his pace, determined to arrive on time and not keep her waiting. He glanced down the street to the tea shop, glad it was only a short walk from the Gazette .

The disastrous results of his attempt to free Lillian's niece from the Lady's Slipper the day before had kept him awake until after midnight. He'd met with Reverend Howell that morning to come up with a new plan, then sent word to Lillian, asking for a meeting.

He pushed open the door to the tea shop, and the bell overhead jingled, announcing his arrival. He pulled in a deep breath of cinnamon-scented air and glanced around. In the corner, at a table for two, Lillian looked up and met his gaze. He crossed the room and joined her.

She smiled as he approached, but he noted the touch of sadness in her eyes and the slight slope of her shoulders.

He pushed down a stab of guilt and sat in the chair opposite her. "Thank you for coming."

"I was glad to receive your note. I've been debating what to do next. There must be some way to free Alice." She opened her mouth, looking as though she was about to say more, but the waitress approached the table. She greeted them and took their order for tea and scones.

"I spoke to Reverend Howell, and we have an idea," Matthew said.

Her eyes lit up. "What is it?"

He glanced around, then lowered his voice. "I received a message from Mr. Parker. He has selected a girl and is ready for me to pick her up at the Foundling Hospital."

Her forehead creased. "I thought you said that was just a ruse to get him to tell us where he'd taken Alice."

"It was, but I believe buying the girl will provide the proof to secure Parker's arrest and give the police the information they need to remove Alice from the Lady's Slipper."

"I see." But the explanation didn't ease Lillian's concerned expression.

The waitress returned with a small teapot, two cups, and a plate stacked with four scones. Lillian poured the tea, and Matthew helped himself to a scone.

"There's one problem with this plan." He shifted in his chair, wishing he didn't have to ask for her help. But there seemed no way around it. "The amount of money required to buy the girl is more than Reverend Howell or I have on hand. We wondered if you..." He glanced away, unable to finish the sentence. How could he ask her for money? It would only remind her of the difference in their financial standing.

"How much is he asking?" Her tone was gentle.

He looked up and named the amount.

She blinked and dropped her gaze. "Well, that is a high sum."

"I know it's a lot to ask."

"But the money would be returned after Mr. Parker is arrested?"

"Yes, it may take some time, but I assure you, I'll see to it that all money is paid back."

"When do you need it?"

"Parker asked me to meet him at the Foundling Hospital tomorrow night."

"Very well. I'll speak to my banker today and withdraw the funds."

He finished his cup of tea, grateful that part of the conversation was past. "Reverend Howell is going with me tomorrow night, and I thought your presence might make the girl more comfortable."

"Of course. Shall we take my carriage?"

"That would be helpful."

"What time shall I come for you?" she asked.

"Come at eight, then we can stop at the reverend's on our way."

"After you make the exchange, where will you take the girl?"

"Reverend Howell and his sister have offered to care for her."

Lillian nodded. "They are very kind. She'll be well cared for there."

"After we go to the police and Mr. Parker is arrested, she'll be returned to the Foundling Hospital."

The waitress stopped by their table. "May I bring you anything else?"

He glanced at Lillian, and she shook her head. "Nothing else, thank you."

When the waitress stepped away, she asked, "How is the work going with your articles?"

"I found a solid lead on one of the missing girls from White Chapel, and I was able to confirm the information."

She gave a slight nod.

"Have you seen today's edition of the Gazette ?" He took a folded section of the newspaper from his coat pocket.

"No. Did they publish your first article?"

"Not yet. It should be in Monday's edition. But they printed this warning today."

She sent him a questioning glance. "A warning?"

He slid the front page toward her and pointed to the box in the lower right corner. "It's already caused quite a stir."

Lillian's gaze returned to the newspaper, and she read the warning aloud. "‘All those who are squeamish, and all who prefer to live in a fool's paradise of imaginary innocence, selfishly oblivious of the horrible realities that torment those whose lives are passed in the inferno of London, will do well not to read the Pall Mall Gazette of Monday and the following days.'" She looked up. "My goodness. That makes your articles sound ... quite sensational."

"Mr. Stead felt the warning was needed, but he's also intent on raising circulation. He hopes the series will cause a great outcry and pressure Parliament to pass the Criminal Law Amendment Act."

She gave a slow nod. "The law that will raise the age of consent."

"Yes, it will give the authorities more power to arrest men like Mr. Parker and others who entrap underage girls."

She placed her cup on the table. "These are controversial topics. I hope you're handling them ... as sensitively as possible."

"I'm trying, but I don't have the final word. Mr. Stead is quite heavy-handed when he edits. In fact, he often makes so many changes I'm surprised he doesn't give himself the byline."

She offered a sympathetic look.

He leaned back in his chair. "It's all right. He's taught me a lot. I don't begrudge him editing my work."

"Well, I don't want to keep you. I'm sure you need to get back to the Gazette . And I should return home to Serena and Ellen."

He did need to look over his article once more and gather his notes for the next, but he didn't want to miss the opportunity to hear her answer to the question he'd posed in her garden more than a week ago. He reached across the table and laid his hand over hers. "Stay a little longer if you can."

She looked at his hand, but she didn't pull hers away. A gentle smile lifted her lips. "All right."

He smiled. "Another cup of tea?"

"Yes. Thank you."

He poured her a cup and spent the next thirty minutes enjoying her company and conversation. She didn't give a direct answer to his question, but he sensed a stronger bond, which gave him hope.

Lillian glanced at her bedroom mirror and ran her hand down her skirt. She had chosen a simple navy blue dress for that evening's journey to the Foundling Hospital, but she had taken extra time styling her hair. She turned to the right and left, checking the results in the mirror. Would Matthew notice?

She cast that thought away. He had never commented on her dress or appearance except for the first time they'd met, when he'd scowled and told her she needed to dress simply or else she would look like a rose in a rubbish heap when they visited Mercy House.

A smile touched her lips. He'd been so gruff that day, unhappy that Reverend Howell had surprised him with the request to help her find her missing niece. How much had changed. Her heart swelled as she recalled all he'd said and done for her and the way he'd taken on the quest to bring Alice home and made it his own.

She pinned on her small straw hat with the navy ribbon around the crown, took one final glance in the mirror, and left the room. Stopping at Serena's door, she knocked softly.

Her sister opened the door and slipped out. "Ellen just fell asleep," she whispered.

Lillian nodded. "I'm leaving now."

"Please be careful. And wake me up when you return, no matter how late it is."

"I will." Lillian kissed Serena's cheek, descended the stairs, and called for her carriage. As soon as her coachman pulled up out front, she climbed aboard and set off for Matthew's flat.

Settling back on the seat, she clasped her hands in her lap and tried not to worry. But as the carriage rolled along, her thoughts darted from one possibility to the next. She closed her eyes and shifted her anxious thoughts to a prayer.

Please, Lord, watch over Matthew and keep him safe. Let him make the exchange easily and give us the evidence we need to ensure Mr. Parker 's arrest. And please let his arrest bring us closer to Alice's rescue.

The carriage slowed to a stop, and her coachman hopped down. "Shall I go to the door for Mr. McGivern?"

"Yes, please. His flat is number three."

Two minutes later, Matthew emerged and joined her. "Good evening, Lillian." The light from the gas streetlamp shone through the window, highlighting Matthew's handsome features. His gaze traveled over her with warmth and approval in his eyes.

"Good evening." She hesitated, unsure what to say next. His unanswered request to deepen their friendship filled her mind, tying her tongue.

He studied her closely. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, of course." She looked down and adjusted her skirt. This was not the time to discuss their relationship or how it might impact the future.

He cleared his throat. "Do you have the funds?"

"Yes." She opened her reticule and withdrew a long white envelope.

He accepted it and met her gaze. "Thank you for trusting me with this."

"It's a worthy cause."

"I'll see that it's returned to you."

"I know you will."

He glanced toward the window for a moment, then looked back at her. "I don't expect my meeting with Parker will last long. As soon as we have the girl safely in the carriage, we'll take her to Reverend Howell's. After she is settled, I'll return home, write out a statement, then take it to the police first thing in the morning."

Lillian nodded. "Should I go with you to the station and explain what we know about Alice?"

He frowned slightly. "I'd welcome your company, but I don't know how long it will take. I'll make sure they understand Parker's connection with Alice and the need to free her from the Lady's Slipper."

She nodded. "Very well. I'll wait to hear from you, but I hope you'll let me know their response as soon as you're able."

Gentle understanding filled his eyes. "I know how important this is to you. I'll come directly to your home after things are settled with the police."

"Thank you."

They stopped at Reverend Howell's, and he joined them. The two men briefly reviewed the plan for the exchange and what would follow, then they rode in silence, the carriage darkening and then briefly lighting as they passed streetlamps.

Matthew focused out the window, his expression serious.

Finally, the carriage slowed and halted. Lillian looked out the window. Across the road, the dark silhouette of the Foundling Hospital rose against the silvery gray clouds in the night sky. Her stomach tensed, and she turned to Matthew.

He met her gaze, reassurance in his eyes. "Wait here. I'll be back as soon as I have the girl."