The clerk smiled. “Of course.” He checked the boxes of keys. “It appears he’s here. I’ll send a boy to bring him down. Why don’t you have a seat over there?”
Victoria looked at the plush sofa and chairs in the corner of the lobby. “Thank you. You are ever so helpful.”
She took her seat, hoping Arthur would be quick about it. The last thing she wanted was to have to deal with her three jailers when she returned to the house.
Within a matter of minutes, Arthur made his way down the stairs. He went to the front desk, and the clerk pointed him to Victoria even before she could call out his name.
“I didn’t expect to have mysistercome to see me,” he said, joining her.
Victoria jumped up and hugged him. “Oh, brother dear, I’m so glad you were here.” She noticed the clerk smiling their way. “I need to know what you’ve found out for me.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Arthur nodded and waited until she’d positioned herself again on the sofa before he took the chair to her right. “You’re taking a big risk coming here.”
“It can’t be helped. I must get away from those people. They have no intention of giving me my freedom, and I abhor them.”
“Well, then you’ll be happy to know that Abraham Ruef is checking into what can be done.”
He smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. Victoria thought him very handsome. He wouldn’t be a horrible choice for a husband, and he had spoken of establishing her in Kansas City. That reminded her of Caleb’s trip.
“He can’t be quick enough. Mr. Coulter has gone to Kansas City and—”
Arthur frowned. “Kansas City? Why?”
She shrugged. “I think they’re trying to arrange a place to put me. They were all very hush-hush about it.”
His expression turned into a scowl. “No doubt he’s up to no good. I’m afraid, however, it has more to do with me than you. It would seem we’re both running out of time. When did he leave?”
“Yesterday. But why would his trip have anything to do with you?”
“Because that’s where I live, you ninny.” His tone was impatient. “I should have known something like this might happen.”
“Well, he’ll be gone for ten days—possibly longer,” she said, trying to ease his concern. “I still think it’s got more to do with me than you. They’ve been impossible to live with, and every time I do the slightest thing wrong, they threaten me.” It was a lie, of course, but she figured it might bring his attention back to her. “In fact, Judith slapped me the other night and told me she was going to put me away so that she could have all my money.”
“Yes, well, power does corrupt,” Arthur murmured. “I wonder, do you know where the good doctor lives?”
She raised her brows, hoping to look surprised. “Oh ... oh, I do. He was at the house just before Caleb left. In fact, he’s been at the house quite a bit.”
“No doubt,” Arthur growled. “Just tell me where I can reach him.”
“He’s at the warehouse where we first met. Apparently he’s going to open a hospital there or something. I don’t know the details, but he’s definitely living there. I heard him discussing it and how he and that Irishman would take care of everything while Caleb was away.”
“Good. Then I shall have to pay him a visit.”
“But what about me?” She hadn’t meant to speak with such a whine, but she was sick and tired of everyone thinking more about their own problems than hers.
“I’ll get word to you when Ruef is ready to meet with you.” He got to his feet. “Right now, I have other things to handle.” He took her arm and pulled her to her feet.
Victoria noticed the clerk watching them and smiled. “Thank you. I’ll tell Mother that you’ll be in touch.”
He frowned down at her, then seemed to understand. He bent and kissed her cheek. “Run along, now. Do you have fare for the ride home?” Victoria shook her head, and Arthur immediately turned to the clerk. “My sister needs a cab.”
The clerk signaled the doorman, and Arthur walked Victoria outside, where the doorman had already hailed her ride. Arthur handed the driver money and gave him the address, then helped Victoria up into the carriage. “Good-bye, sister.”
Victoria gave him a wave. “Good-bye, brother.”
She sat back in the carriage and smiled, filled with elation. Mr. Ruef was already at work on her situation. She could imagine the looks on everyone’s faces when she told them that she was rid of them.
“Oh, what a happy day that will be.”
