Chapter 22

22

1885

Lillian tucked her arm through Serena's and started down the street with the group of about forty ladies from the Montrose Women's League. Josephine Butler and Anne Perrone led the way, walking a few feet in front of Lillian and Serena.

A man wearing a bloodstained apron stepped out of his butcher shop as the women passed. "Look at the flock of lady birds!" he called in a taunting voice.

An old man with a long white beard leaned out an upstairs window. "Whooee, where are you ladies headed?"

Another man dressed in a business suit and derby hat strolled toward them. He nodded to Lillian with a leering look. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

Josephine glanced over her shoulder. "Ignore them. We are about the Lord's business."

Lillian nodded and focused straight ahead, closing her ears to more calls and whistles as their group moved down the street. Dressed in their finest day dresses, they looked out of place on this street in White Chapel, but they had come on a mission and would not be deterred from reaching their goal.

The last forty-eight hours had passed in a whirlwind since Lillian, Serena, and Anne had called on Mrs. Josephine Butler and asked for her advice and help. Josephine was deeply moved when she heard how Alice had disappeared from the Foundling Hospital and been sold to the Lady's Slipper. She agreed to join forces with them, and the four women had spent that afternoon planning their strategy.

They composed and sent a notice to all the members of the Montrose Women's League and several other female friends, asking them to attend a public meeting on Friday in front of the Lady's Slipper. They also contacted Mr. Stead at the Gazette , informing him of the meeting and inviting him to send a reporter to cover the event.

Lillian imagined Mr. Stead and all the journalists at the Gazette had been extremely busy for the past several days. The response to Matthew's articles had been explosive, and several protests and meetings had sprung up around the city in support of tightening laws to protect women and girls from exploitation.

The Gazette had sold out each day, and extra newsprint had to be purchased so more copies could be printed for those who wanted to read the series. Just as Matthew had hoped, people's hearts had been stirred to action when they'd learned about the missing girls from White Chapel and the Foundling Hospital.

As the women gathered in front of the Lady's Slipper, Serena leaned closer to Lillian and whispered, "Do you really think this will work?"

Lillian glanced around the group and then up at the three-story building. Curtains covered the windows, and no one looked out. Her stomach tensed. She didn't even want to think about what went on in those rooms. "The Lord is on our side. We just need to do our part and trust Him with the outcome."

Serena nodded, determination filling her expression. "Yes, He knows what's needed." But her chin trembled as she scanned the building and then shifted her gaze to the group.

Anne climbed the front steps of the Lady's Slipper and turned to face the women. "Thank you for coming. We're grateful for your willingness to join us here today. As we said in the notice you received, we are here on a mission ... and that mission is to free the underaged girls who are trapped in the Lady's Slipper. And we will not leave until they are released!"

The women applauded, and a few added amens.

"Now, I'd like to introduce a woman who bravely speaks out for the protection of women and girls. She is someone I deeply admire, and I'm confident when you hear her speak, she will win a place in your hearts as well. Please welcome Mrs. Josephine Butler." Anne clapped as she stepped aside, and the other ladies joined in with polite applause.

Josephine mounted the steps and faced the group. Her face glowed with vitality that made her appear younger than her fifty-seven years. Dressed in a modest dark green suit and hat, she gazed out at them with an intense but sincere expression. "Thank you for your warm welcome. I can see that you are a dedicated and courageous group of women, and that is exactly what is needed here today.

"We have come to be a voice for the voiceless, for the forgotten women and girls who are subjected to exploitation and injustice. It is our sacred duty to protect them, to champion their rights, and to restore their dignity."

Several women clapped, and Josephine paused and nodded to them.

"We must do all we can to build a society where every woman and girl can thrive, where their dreams and aspirations are nurtured, and where their worth is recognized. Working together, we can forge a future where freedom reigns for generations to come."

More applause rose from the group.

"But this will not happen without sacrifices," Josephine continued. "We must be willing to take a stand against evil and speak up for what is true and right." She lifted her hand and motioned toward the building behind her. "Trapped in this den of iniquity are girls as young as eight years old who were sold here against their will. They should be enjoying their childhood in peace and safety, but that is not the case for these poor girls. This is a crime that cannot be ignored any longer. They must be released and returned to the care of their families and friends."

"Yes, let the girls go!" one woman called, and other voices rose in agreement.

Serena clutched Lillian's arms, her eyes shining.

"We can no longer turn a blind eye to the suffering of these children. We must smash the chains of oppression, uphold the principles of justice, and rise to challenge the systems that perpetuate their oppression, forging a new path of freedom and dignity for these girls and for others who are also chained. Joining our hands and hearts, we can be the guardians of hope for those who have been silenced, and the defenders of dignity for those who have been stripped of their worth."

She turned and faced the front door of the Lady's Slipper. Raising her fist, she knocked firmly three times. "Let the children go!" Josephine called, her voice loud and impassioned.

"Yes! Let them go!" Serena called. Other women's voices rose around them, calling out for the girls' release.

The curtain moved in one of the first-floor windows, and a young woman looked out. Her gaze traveled over the crowd with a stunned expression, then a firm hand pulled her away, and the curtain fell back in place.

Josephine turned toward the women once more. "Let's lift our voices in a hymn, and let it be our prayer as well as our cry for freedom. Join me in singing ‘I Think When I Read That Sweet Story of Old.'"

Josephine's voice rang out true and clear as she sang the first line, and the other women joined in.

I think when I read that sweet story of old,

When Jesus was here among men,

How He called little children as lambs to His fold,

I should like to have been with them then.

I wish that His hands had been placed on my head,

That His arms had been thrown around me,

And that I might have seen His kind look when He said,

"Let the little ones come unto me."

Memories of Lillian's own dear daughter flooded her mind, and tears flowed down her cheeks as she sang the beloved hymn. Ann Marie was safe in the Savior's care, but oh, how she missed her and all that could have been. Now she lifted the song for her niece, praying she would be released and soon come home.

Serena slipped her arm around Lillian's back, and their voices blended in harmony.

The door of the Lady's Slipper opened, and a tall man with dark hair and a beard stepped out. He wore a gold vest and black pants, with his white shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows. He scanned the group as their voices fell silent. "You ladies need to move on. This is private property." His voice was as hard and cold as his expression.

Josephine straightened her shoulders but remained on the top step.

His frown deepened. "I'm talking to you, woman! Get away from my door."

Anne stepped up beside Josephine, and Lillian and Serena climbed the steps and stood on her other side.

He huffed. "You've got no business here. You need to leave!"

"We would be happy to go," Josephine said, "as soon as you release the underage girls working here."

He shook his head. "I don't have any underage girls here."

A murmur passed through the crowd.

Heat surged into Lillian's face. "We know you have a girl here who is only eight years old. Her name is Mary Graham, and she was abducted from the Foundling Hospital."

He scowled. "There's no Mary Graham here! Now, get off my steps and take your songs and speeches where someone wants to hear them."

Josephine lifted her chin. "We know the girl is here, and we demand her release."

His mouth lifted in a mocking smile. "You demand, do you? I can call out my men to remove you, or you can go peacefully. Which is it going to be?"

Josephine's expression firmed. "We are not leaving without Mary Graham."

"Then I warn you there will be consequences." The man stepped inside and slammed the door.

Lillian's heart pounded, and she turned to Josephine. "Do you think he'll truly send men to remove us?"

"I believe he's bluffing, but we must be on our guard." Josephine straightened and turned to the group. "Ladies, let's gather in closer for a time of prayer."

Most of the women responded by tightening the circle, but a few women on the edge turned and walked away.

"I will lead in an opening prayer, then others may add their requests and petitions. Please bow your head and join me."

Lillian held tight to Serena's hand and lowered her head, a silent cry rising from her heart.

"Father in heaven, please come to the aid of your daughters who have gathered here to speak for those who are held captive and cannot speak for themselves. We ask you to break through to the hearts and minds of those responsible for their captivity and prompt them to release those girls today. We know you love all the girls and women at the Lady's Slipper, and you hear our prayer on their behalf. We call on you to right this wrong and show your great power and love by freeing them."

A holy silence settled over the group, then another woman's voice rose as she called out to the Lord for the girls' release. A third and then a fourth woman prayed aloud, asking for mercy, justice, and protection for the girls.

The sound of wagon wheels rolling down the street reached Lillian. She lifted her head and gasped. The wagon's driver whipped the horses, sending them rushing forward. "Look out!" she yelled.

Matthew lay on his jail cell cot with his hands behind his head and his eyes closed. The time between lunch and dinner always seemed to drag and pull his spirits lower. He'd already finished his next article and written a note to Reverend Howell. Now the hours stretched out before him with nothing but unanswered questions to fill his mind.

What was Lillian doing right now? Why hadn't she answered his note? Was it because her money had been lost, and she blamed him? Or was it his arrest on such a humiliating charge that had convinced her to distance herself? He grimaced and stifled a groan. He didn't blame her. He'd held on to his position at the Gazette , but the situation would have lasting consequences to his reputation.

The sound of keys jingling roused him from his thoughts, and he opened his eyes.

The guard unlocked his cell door and pushed it open. "Get up, McGivern. Grab your jacket. It's time to go."

"Go? What do you mean?"

"You can pick up your belongings at the front desk on your way out."

Matthew sat up. "I don't understand."

"Your barrister is out there with a couple other men. He'll explain it."

Matthew rose, stuffed his arms in his jacket, and followed the guard down the hall and out to the front room of the police station. Reverend Howell, Mr. Stead, and Mr. Baldwin waited for him by the front desk.

Reverend Howell stepped forward and grasped Matthew's hand. "Good to see you, Matthew."

"Thank you. I'm glad to see you too." He shook the reverend's hand, then turned to Mr. Baldwin. "How did you convince them to let me out on bail?"

The barrister's eyes lit up. "You're not out on bail. All the charges against you have been dropped."

Matthew's jaw dropped. "I'm free to go? There won't be a trial?"

"That's right." Mr. Baldwin nodded. "Your series of articles caused such a protest across London that the police pushed on with their investigation. It took them a few days, but they found Mr. Parker, even though he'd disappeared from the Foundling Hospital. When they questioned him, he said he knew you were a reporter, not someone intent on buying the girl for immoral purposes. He thought alerting the police to arrest you would create a distraction and give him time to get away. He confessed to selling five girls to brothels in the last year and a half, including Mrs. Freemont's niece."

Matthew stared at Mr. Baldwin, hardly able to process his words. Parker had been arrested and had confessed. Matthew's name was cleared. A wave of relief poured through him. He lifted his hand and rubbed his stinging eyes. Thank you, Lord.

Mr. Stead clamped his hand on Matthew's shoulder. "And not a day too soon."

Matthew lowered his hand and met his editor's gaze.

"You're free just in time to cover what may be your biggest story yet," Mr. Stead continued, "and the perfect way to tie up the series."

"What are you talking about?"

"Lillian Freemont has organized a public meeting and invited Josephine Butler to be the speaker."

Matthew's eyebrows rose. "Isn't Josephine Butler the woman calling for the repeal of the Contagious Disease Act?"

"Yes, that and other causes. She always creates quite a bit of controversy whenever she speaks. The meeting is set for this afternoon in front of the Lady's Slipper to demand the release of Mrs. Freemont's niece."

A surge of fear shot through Matthew. He knew Lillian was determined to rescue Alice, but he had no idea she'd try to confront those men at the Lady's Slipper. "What time is the meeting?"

"Three o'clock." Mr. Stead glanced toward the large clock on the wall behind the front desk. "If we hurry, we might get there in time to hear Josephine Butler speak and see how those running the Lady's Slipper will respond."

Matthew recalled the hostile attitude of the two men who had chased him out of the Lady's Slipper the day he'd tried to rescue Alice, and his chest tightened. What would they do to Lillian and the other women who gathered there to seek Alice's release?

Reverend Howell seemed to read Matthew's distress. "Don't worry. We've alerted the police. I expect they're already on the way."

He clenched his jaw, and determination coursed through him. "We've no time to waste. Let's go."

Mr. Stead passed him a small notebook and pencil as they strode out the door. "You'll need these."

Matthew tucked them in his jacket pocket and quickened his steps. He'd cover the meeting and write the article, but not until he made sure Lillian was safe.

Lillian rushed down the front steps of the Lady's Slipper. Women screamed and dashed out of the street as the wagon raced closer. An older woman tripped on her dress, and another woman pulled her away from the street just before the wagon thundered past.

Lillian ran to her side and reached out her hand. "Are you hurt?"

The woman took hold and shook her head. "No, just shaken." She rose and brushed off her skirt.

The driver of the wagon shouted to the horses, and they slowed to a stop a short distance down the street. He and another man jumped down and started toward the women.

Lillian's breath snagged in her throat. She turned and looked for Serena. Her sister, Anne, and Josephine hurried toward her.

"Mr. Jackson told you to leave!" the tall, muscular driver called, scowling at them as he moved closer. He wore dirty work clothes and carried a long piece of wood that looked like a heavy broom handle. The other man was short and lean, but he bore an equally threatening expression.

Serena linked arms with Lillian, and Anne and Josephine stepped up on the other side. The other women moved behind them.

The two men stopped a few feet away. The driver glared at Lillian and her friends in the front line. "You need to clear out!"

Lillian swallowed hard and met his gaze. "We are not leaving without Mary Graham and the other underage girls."

The driver shook his head. "No! You have to go—now!"

Lillian lifted her chin. "We have as much right to be on this public street as you do."

"Don't sass me, girl! You're blocking the road! Get moving!"

Josephine narrowed her eyes. "You're breaking the law by keeping underage girls at a brothel."

"We know one was stolen from the Foundling Hospital!" Serena added, her voice indignant.

The driver's face turned ruddy. "Your time's up! Leave now, or we'll make sure they'll have to carry you away!" He raised the broom handle and began striking his palm—once, twice, three times—as he moved nearer.

Lillian tightened her hold on Serena's arm, and an urgent prayer rose from her heart.

Galloping horses sounded in the distance. She turned as a carriage rolled around the corner. The door flew open, and a man jumped out, followed by three other men.

Lillian stared in disbelief, and her heart leaped. Matthew!

"Lillian!" Matthew ran toward her, and the crowd of women parted.

Reverend Howell, Mr. Stead, and another man she didn't recognize dashed after him.

Matthew's gaze darted from her to the two men. He gave her a quick determined nod, then stepped in front of her. Facing the men, he pulled his notebook and pencil from his pocket. "Your name, sir?"

The tall man shot him a confused look. "What?"

"Your name, please." Matthew's tone remained calm and steady. "I need it for the article I'm writing for the Pall Mall Gazette ."

The man pulled back and shook his head. "I'm not giving you my name." He pointed to the women. "They're causing a disturbance and blocking the way to our door."

"You're employed by Mr. Jackson, owner of the Lady's Slipper?"

The man's eyes flashed. "I didn't say that!"

Matthew cocked an eyebrow and lowered his voice. "I didn't name Mr. Jackson or the Lady's Slipper in my last article, but I may have to add that information to the next."

The shorter man glared at Matthew. "I wouldn't advise it."

"Would you like to make a statement about what happened here today?" Matthew poised the pencil over his notebook and sent them an expectant look.

The tall man growled, "I'm not telling you anything!"

"All right." Matthew slipped the notebook and pencil in his pocket. "Then I have something I'd like you to tell Mr. Jackson. We know he has underage girls working here. The police have been informed and are on their way as we speak. If he wants to avoid arrest, he needs to release Mary Graham and any other underage girls he's holding here."

The driver struck the ground with his stick. "I don't believe you! The police don't care what happens here."

Matthew took his watch from his pocket and looked at it. "I'd say you have less than ten minutes. If the girls are released by the time the police arrive, Mr. Jackson might avoid arrest." Matthew lifted his head. "I can't promise it, but that's his best option at this point."

The driver speared Matthew with a glaring look, then spit on the street. "If you're lying, we'll know where to find you."

Matthew stood tall and steady, unmoved by the man's threat.

The two men exchanged wary looks, then the tall one jerked his head toward the wagon. "Let's go." They turned, swaggered down the street, and climbed aboard the wagon.

Lillian sagged with relief as they drove away.

Matthew turned to Lillian and searched her face. "Are you all right?"

She nodded, emotion tightening her throat. "When were you released? How did you know...?" Her voice wobbled, and tears stung her eyes.

He sent her an endearing smile. "They arrested Parker and dropped the charges against me."

Her heart soared. "Oh, Matthew, I'm so glad."

"So you're not angry with me?"

She shook her head, surprised by his question. "No, of course not."

A look of relief flashed across his face, and he reached for her.

She stepped into his arms and closed her eyes. Resting her head against his solid chest, she soaked in the protection of his arms around her. He held her close, and she wished the moment didn't have to end.

"Let's gather the women." Josephine's words reminded Lillian she and Matthew were not alone.

She stepped back and looked up at Matthew. "Thank you."

He nodded, his eyes shining. "There's more to say, but it can wait." He scanned the front of the Lady's Slipper, and his expression sobered. "Let's hope they take my message to Mr. Jackson, and he's inclined to believe it."

Reverend Howell spoke to the women across the street and encouraged them to rejoin the others. The women gathered in a tighter circle. Lillian introduced Josephine to Matthew, Reverend Howell, and Mr. Stead. The editor introduced Mr. Baldwin.

Josephine sent a serious glance around the group. "I suggest we close ranks and block any customers from entering the building, in the hope that will motivate them to release the girls."

The front door of the Lady's Slipper opened, and Mr. Jackson stepped into view. He looked out and scanned the group. "I don't take kindly to people disrupting my business."

Lillian's pulse surged, and she gripped Matthew's hand.

Jackson narrowed his eyes in a hateful glare directed at Matthew and spat a curse. "Take the three girls and leave." He stepped inside and disappeared.

Serena tugged Lillian toward the bottom of the steps.

A middle-aged woman in a flimsy red robe stepped into the doorway and pushed the first girl outside. She looked about ten and wore a plain green dress and white apron. Her light brown hair had been braided, and the long plait hung over her shoulder. She froze and stared out at them with wide brown eyes.

The woman in the red robe pushed out a second girl, who looked younger. She wore a dirty white cap over her black curly hair and had large brown eyes. She gripped the first girl's hand, bit her lip, and looked down at her bare feet.

Lillian slipped her arm around Serena's back.

The woman grabbed a third girl and pushed her out to the top step, then stepped back and closed the door. The little girl brushed a long lock of wavy blond hair from her face and stared at them with sky-blue eyes.

Serena gasped. "It's Alice! I know it is!"

Lillian held tight to her sister's hand. "Wait. You must be calm. She's already frightened."

Alice huddled with the other two girls, her anxious gaze darting from one face to the next.

Josephine nodded to Serena. "Come with me."

Lillian released Serena's hand and followed her up the steps.

Josephine knelt in front of them. "Hello, girls. My name is Josephine. I would like to take you to a safe place where you'll be well cared for. Can you tell me your names?"

The girls exchanged hesitant glances.

"It's all right," Josephine continued in a gentle voice. "We're here to help you."

The first girl slowly raised her head. "I'm Cathy Newman, and this is Daisy Simmons." She pointed to the second girl.

Josephine smiled. "I'm glad to meet you." She turned to the blonde. "What about you, my dear? What's your name?"

Lillian held her breath, her heart pounding in her throat.

The little blonde looked at Josephine with a trembling chin. "Mary ... my name is Mary Graham."

Serena stifled a gasp and knelt in front of Mary. The girl's eyes widened, and she pulled back.

Lillian laid her hand on her sister's shoulder, then directed her gaze to her niece. "We're glad to see you, Mary, and to meet your friends. We've been looking for you since you left the Foundling Hospital."

Mary sent her a curious glance, but the mention of the Foundling Hospital seemed to calm her.

Serena held out her hand to Mary. "Come with us. We have a carriage waiting down the street."

Mary slowly reached out and took hold of Serena's hand. Joy burst across Serena's face, and tears ran down her cheeks. Anne took charge of the other two girls, and they followed Serena and Mary down the steps.

Josephine's face glowed as she lifted her hand and called the women closer. "Thank you, ladies. Your fervent prayers and courageous stand have helped secure freedom for these three girls. Well done! As you return home to the warmth and safety of your own hearth, remember the women and girls who were not blessed with freedom today and pray for them. I hope you'll also consider joining me as we continue working toward liberation and safety for all women and girls who are caught in such painful circumstances."

The women applauded, and several came forward to thank Josephine.

Matthew met Lillian at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes shining. "You found your niece and reunited her with her mother."

" We found her."

He grinned. "Yes, we did."

Her throat tightened as she looked up at him. "I'm grateful, Matthew, for everything you've done, especially for your articles. They've made a great impact." She glanced down the street. Serena and Alice still held hands as they walked toward the corner where their carriage waited.

His gaze followed hers. "I should let you go. Your sister and niece need you."

"Yes." But she hesitated, wishing she didn't have to leave. "When can I see you?"

A tender longing filled his eyes. "I'd go with you now if I could, but I must speak to Mrs. Butler and get a quote from her speech, and I should interview a few others. Mr. Stead wants this article right away. He's holding off printing tomorrow's issue so we can include what happened here."

Pushing aside her hesitations, she spoke from her heart. "Can you come tomorrow? There's so much I want to say."

He reached for her hand. "Yes."

She wove her fingers through his. "Would you like to join us for breakfast at eight? Is that too early?" Her cheeks warmed. She sounded so eager.

He grinned. "Eight sounds perfect, and I'll bring you a copy of the Gazette ."

"Wonderful. I'll look forward to it."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Take care. I'll see you then."