His father heaved a sigh as he pulled alongside. “At least it is a respectable place, so there’s that.”
“I don’t like it. Feels too quiet.” Parker rolled his cane between his palms. “Either they don’t expect trouble, or they’re ready for it. And there is only one way to find out.” He reached for the brass knocker.
Henry beat him to it, restraining himself from banging a hole through the door.
Juliet squeezed his hand, peering up at him with a sad smile. “This will soon be over,” she whispered.
Before he could answer, the door flew open to a bulgy-eyed matron, a scowl pulling her brows into an ominous dark line. “May I help you?”
It was more an accusation than a question.
Henry stepped forwards, ready for battle. “We are looking for Miss Charity Russell and request that you take us to her at once.”
The woman’s lips pursed, making several dark whiskers stand out at the sides of her mouth. After thinking a moment, she shook her head. “I am sorry to disappoint, but there is no Miss Russell in residence here.”
“Please.” Juliet stepped up beside him. “If you would but look at your records. Miss Russell would have arrived yesterday withan attending nurse. She is my height but with golden hair and blue eyes.”
The woman pressed her fingers against her ample belly, pulling her shoulders back.
“As I said, there is no record of a Miss Russell—or an attending nurse—on the books. And I should know, as I am Mrs. Bellamy. I oversee all those who are admitted.”
No. Unacceptable. If Charity were not here, then not only had they wasted all this time, he had no idea where to look next. Shehadto be inside.
And just like that, the last of his patience snapped like an overdrawn bowstring. “Blast your books, madam! Let us in at once.”
A firm hand landed on his shoulder, pulling him back, steady and unyielding. His father’s voice followed, cold yet calm, as quietly threatening as a knife pulled from its sheath.
“Pardon my son,” he said evenly, his unrelenting stare sizing up the woman. “We are all a bit overwrought, but this is an urgent situation. My daughter is missing, and we have cause to believe she is here. Now, if you would please step aside.”
He stopped right there, omitting a threat if she did not comply. But he needn’t elaborate. His father might be in his sunset years, but there was no denying the power in his stance.
Mrs. Bellamy’s chin quivered slightly, a hint of sympathy wavering on her lips. But then she drew herself up, smoothing her hands along her black skirts as if brushing away any soft emotions. “I am sorry to hear of your distress, sir. I would like to help you, but I cannot. Bellamy House policies allow for no strangers to be admitted under any circumstances. The convalescents residing here require perfect peace and quiet.”
Once again she reached for the doorknob. “I wish you all the best in your search for this Miss Russell of yours. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have patients to attend.”
She swung the door.
Parker swung his cane, catching the space between wood and frame.
Then pried it open wide to a mottle-faced Mrs. Bellamy.
“As a former officer,” he began with the smoothest of tones, “I understand your concern for those beneath your care. In fact, I recuperated in just such a residence as this, and many of my fellow soldiers can even name this establishment as their first step towards recovery. While I respect your discretion, I know from experience that not every patient is admitted by choice. Some arrive unconscious. Some drugged. And some, I daresay, are delivered under questionable circumstances. I would hate to see Bellamy House associated with such a scandal. If word got out”—his tone dropped to a dangerous growl—“and I assure you, it will, then those government contracts you rely on for your income would vanish overnight.”
Her nostrils flared. For the first time she looked truly rattled. Henry drew a deep breath, thanking God for Parker’s military connections.
But then, just as suddenly, Mrs. Bellamy’s face hardened to granite. “By all means, sir, fetch a constable. I shall have the lot of you arrested for trespassing!”
She gave his cane a swift kick and slammed the door shut.
Parker wobbled.
Henry grabbed his arm, shoring him up while exchanging a knowing look with the man. Good. Judging by the fire in his dark eyes, they were on the same page.
“So.” He let go of Parker’s sleeve. “On three, I ram it open with my shoulder, and you employ that blade of yours?” He nodded towards Parker’s cane.
Parker bobbed his head, a rakish tilt to his lips. “She can’t say we didn’t give her a chance. One. Two.”
“Wait!” Juliet dashed to the door to stand spread-eagle in front of it. “You are not seriously considering such a move, are you?”
