“You know another innocent that’s got wrapped up in there?” He jerked his thumb toward the blue door.
“Not specifically tonight. But it’s a popular place I’ve heard.”
William shook his head. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll stand guard. Just if any trouble spills outta those taverns, then I’ll be hightailing you right home, milady. Deal?”
“That sounds sensible, William. Thank you.” Caroline reached out and shut the door.
She sat perched on the edge of the seat to stare out into the night. Time moved impossibly slow. One couple strolled past her carriage and headed into the Red Lion. But an hour passed without a soul entering or leaving the brothel. Her grand idea seemed to be for naught. Caroline leaned back to extend her legs out in front of her, pointing the toes of her sensible boots up to stretch her stiff calves.
A loud shout of male laughter rang out, and she straightened, pressing her nose against the window. A group of five men made their way down the street from the north end. More laughter echoed. One man slapped another on the back, sending his friend stumbling. The group stopped in front of number two’s blue front door.
There looked to be some discussion. Two of the men turned and walked in her direction. Caroline gasped as she recognized the taller of the men, his shock of blonde hair glinted in the light from the oil lamp. Lord Wrotham. Dressed in evening clothes, he held a tall beaver hat loosely in one hand. His companion said something to cause Wrotham to grin, and Caroline sighed a bit. No man should be allowed to be that attractive.
Focus, Caroline.She turned her attention back to the three men climbing the front stairs to Mrs. Kelly’s place. She squinted, but now that they had turned from the streetlamp, she couldn’t make out their identities.Blast!This was Wrotham’s fault. If he weren’t such a handsome distraction, she would have been paying better attention. She glared daggers at the man’s broad shoulders.
Lord Wrotham reached a hand up and rubbed the back of his neck as though he could feel her stare. Then he turned to look right at the carriage. Caroline pulled back from the window and scooted into the shadows. A moment later, she dared a quick peek and found the man staring in her direction with a frown. He waved to his friend to go inside and then started across the streettoward her carriage.Oh dear. She moved further back against the squabs.
“You there, don’t you work for Lady Caroline?” Wrotham’s voice called out.
“Yes, sir, I do.” William replied with total honesty.
Drat!She would have to talk to dear William about having some discretion. She closed her eyes, just don’t tell him I’m here.
“Who are you driving tonight? William, isn’t it?”
“Yes, William is my name. Um…well, I just be…you see I’m headed…” William stumbled over his words as he tried to come up with a good lie. The poor man did not have the quick wit needed for undercover work. Caroline sighed.
“Is she in there?” Lord Wrotham stepped in front of the window and gave atap,tap.
“Hey now, you can’t do that. Step back from the carriage, gov.” William stepped in front of the carriage door; his wide frame filled the window.
“Listen, I don’t want to do her any harm. I know Lady Caroline. I just want to speak with her.”
William’s head shook, and his shoulders bunched as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I absolutely won’t allow it. You best move on.”
Caroline straightened her spine and took in a deep breath before reaching out to crack open the carriage door. “It’s all right, William,” she called out. “I do know Lord Wrotham. You can step aside.” She waited for William to move and then pushed the door open halfway. She widened her eyes and tilted her head as she peered out. “Oh hello, Lord Wrotham. Fancy meeting you out here.”
“Lady Caroline, what are you doing in this neighborhood at one in the morning?” His expression was one of shock. “Shouldn’t you be tucked into bed like a good little girl?”
Caroline narrowed her eyes at his condescension. “What I am doing is none of your business. What are you doing in this neighborhood at one in the morning?” She arched one eyebrow.
Wrotham let out a bark of laughter. “Touché. But seriously, Lady Caroline, what are you doing out unaccompanied in the middle of the night. I am no expert in the rules of society, but I’m pretty sure unmarried young ladies are kept on a fairly short leash.”
Caroline frowned at the truth of his words. His cocky smile irritated her to no end. The only thing to be done was to brazen through this embarrassing situation. “I’m not unaccompanied. William is here for my protection. Besides, I’m here to experience some nightlife, same as you. Maybe I’m tired of always being chaperoned.”
His smile widened, lighting up the night. “Well then, would you like to accompany me into the Red Lion for some nightlife? I’m happy to buy you a drink.” He gestured with one hand to the tavern.
Drat, she couldn’t believe the man was calling her bluff. How ungentlemanly. She glanced down the street, and there was no one outside. The chances that anyone in the tavern would recognize her were slim. She cautiously extended her hand to Lord Wrotham. He helped her down from the carriage.
“William, I won’t be long. Stay here.”
William looked torn. “Are you sure, my lady?”
“Yes, Lord Wrotham can look out for me.”
Wrotham took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “I told you not to call me that. Morgan will do.” They turned to walk down the street. “Now, if I buy you a pint of cider, perhaps you will tell me the real reason you are sitting in a carriage just north of the Strand? Possibly the worst place for a woman of quality to be seen?”
“Is that where we are? I guess that makes sense,” she muttered. The Strand was infamous for its brothels and streetwalkers. Mrs. Kelly’s establishment was just enough off the beaten path to be discreet. She wondered if that was why it was so popular.
