Beth wanted to be a man so she could thrash someone. Leo shook his head. Surely he was not hearing that right? The proper Miss Whitlow never spoke that way.
“I would like someone to run him over in their carriage,” the other woman said.
“Yes, that would suffice, Heather,” Beth added in that cool voice she used.
He listened as they discussed people he did not know, and his curiosity grew. Leo began to understand that the women Beth mentioned had been mistreated by men, and that she had something to do with coming to their aid.
“There is a young girl who comes in here often, Miss Whitlow. I’m sure she is suffering too. Her face is often bruised and her eyes have the look.”
What look?
“Have you tried to speak with her, Heather?”
“Yes, but she just walks away.”
“But the fact she keeps returning is surely an indication that she wants help,” Beth said.
Leo looked around him, and saw the shelves filled with trimmings, bonnets, gloves, and handkerchiefs. What connection did Beth have with this shop?
He was too late to move when he heard footsteps, so instead he walked to one side and inspected a shelf filled with delicate handkerchiefs.
“May I help you, sir?”
He turned and it was to Beth his eyes went. The color left her cheeks and her mouth fell open.
“What are you doing here?”
