He guided her to the armchair in front of the fire. Once they were seated, he began.
‘When I arrived in London, I made further enquiries about Madame Jacqueline’s establishment. A friend from my military days has agreed to assist me. He has been working to uncover its location.’
‘Really? Did you find the missing girls?’ Grace was eager to know.
He winced slightly. ‘Yes, we managed to find them,’ he replied, though his expression remained pained.
Studying his face, she cautiously asked, ‘What happened to them? Where are they?’
‘Brace yourself, Grace. What I am about to tell you is disturbing. My friend infiltrated the establishment, which took a great deal of effort, as this place is only accessible by invitation from a member. It is an exclusive club of men called the Order of Oddfellows.’
‘Oh, my goodness, that must have been what Taylor overheard when the guests kept calling each other "odd fellows." They were addressing one another as members of the society!’ She smacked her forehead in disbelief.
‘That is correct. The guests who visited Skye Manor were members of this society. They are highly secretive. My friend had to fish for contacts among the ton who knew of institutions that procured young virgins for elites. It took a great deal of work to find a lead. Eventually, he found men who could make introductions.’
‘My goodness, that must have been difficult. He must be a good friend!’
‘The best. I will introduce you at some point, but for now, his anonymity is crucial.’
Grace nodded. ‘So, what did he find out?’
‘Nothing good, I’m afraid. This organisation is responsible for kidnappings across England, mostly targeting young girls, and selling them to so-called gentlemen of high society. It’s a vast criminal network, and we are working with the Bow Street Runners to bring it down. But it will take time. If we don’t dismantle it properly, they will simply reorganise under a new name elsewhere.’
‘So does this mean the girls from my area cannot be taken out of there?’
‘Thankfully, they are being kept together in one of the group’s safe houses. There is a way to get them out, but it will be dangerous. This is where I need your help. It must look as though they escaped on their own—otherwise, the organisation will be alerted.’
‘How? I will do anything I can to help.’ After so many disappointments, she was feeling reckless and restless—desperate to act.
‘This is one of the reasons I admire you. Your bravery is legendary. We intend to break them out tomorrow night, but they will be frightened, traumatised, and sceptical. That is where your presence will be invaluable. Seeing a familiar, kind face will reassure them. It is vital they do not scream, or try to run away, thereby alerting the bodyguards. I know it is a great deal to ask, but I can think of no one better suited.’
‘Thank you. Yes, of course.’
‘There is one more favour I must ask of you. Melissa may have witnessed Mr Gibbs’s murder and could identify which Averton we are after.’
‘And you want me to talk to her?’
He nodded.
It would be difficult, and she would need to be careful, but aiding in the downfall of this vile organisation—and helping Lord Armitage uncover his father’s and brother’s killer—was worth any risk. Besides, she was increasingly worried for his safety.
‘I think I can do that,’ she said, with more confidence than she felt.
He looked relieved and stood up. As he reached the door, he paused.
‘Thank you, Grace. I don’t know what I would do without you. We leave tomorrow night—I will collect you at midnight.’
She nodded in agreement but, before he left, said, ‘Wait, Mr Stone, you said you would make enquiries about the watch. Did you find out anything?’
He shook his head. ‘The Bow Street Runners visited many watchmakers, but no one could identify it. There is a chance it was not made in London at all. This task seems like looking for a needle in a haystack. I am afraid the Bow Street Runners gave up on this lead. I have tried a few other places but not had much luck either.’
‘What about Lady Elizabeth? Perhaps she will be able to tell who it belongs to? I know you do not want to involve her, but you can make it seem like a casual question.’
Lord Armitage appeared conflicted. ‘I showed her this watch, but she said all gold watches look the same to her. She could not tell if it belonged to anyone in particular. I have not pressed her further.’
‘In that case, may I have it? I will make a few discreet enquiries while the ladies shop in London.’
He nodded, took the watch from his inner jacket pocket, and placed it in her hands alongside a list of shops that had already been checked.
