“Have I upset you?” He scrubbed the back of his neck. “Please be honest.”
“I still don’t understand how you gentlemen can joke about your tragedies.”
“It helps, I guess, as long as it’s done with the right intention. We aim to lighten up the situation. It’s not appropriate for everyone, and we would never make fun of someone who doesn’t appreciate that. But for those of us who do, it’s a relief and the best cure.” He paused, drumming his fingers on the desk. “The only problem is that I’ve exhausted all the possible jokes about ears for Ethan. Ears are difficult subjects to make jokes with. If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.” He tapped his forehead. “Why, I’m a genius.”
This time, she laughed. “Oh, Mr. Purnell, you’re incorrigible.” She rose but waved him down when he tried to stand up. “Please stay seated. Thank you for the chat.”
“You’re welcome,” he said. “But you were looking for Ethan, I guess.”
“Is he here?” She hoped she didn’t sound too eager, but she’d rather talk to him sooner rather than later. She regretted not having discussed the details of his offer immediately. He’d caught her off guard with his bluntness.
Mr. Purnell consulted a logbook. “Ethan should be in Long Mary’s Brothel on Tottenham Street. Usual visit. He’s going there more often as of late.”
Cora leant closer. A brothel? “I beg your pardon.”
He pointed in the direction of Tottenham Street. “The brothel.”
Yes, she knew what a brothel was, but why was Ethan there? “I wonder?—”
The door swung inwards, cutting her off. “I’m sorry for the intrusion, Mr. Purnell.” A very agitated woman strode in. “Your ladyship.” She curtsied.
“Mrs. Parker.” Mr. Purnell staggered to his feet. “What is it? Mr. Brown again?”
The woman breathed hard. “’Fraid so, sir. He’s upsetting the others.”
“Can I help?” Cora asked.
“No, do not worry.” Mr. Purnell hurried towards the door. “Everything is under control. You may go home and rest. Sorry for the abrupt goodbye, my lady.”
“My lady.” Mrs. Parker urged Mr. Purnell out.
He and Mrs. Parker disappeared in the hallway, leaving Cora alone with her shock.
She loitered on the pavement outside the centre. Jacob wouldn’t be home for another few hours, and David was busy with his riding lesson for another hour at least. On the other hand, Tottenham Street was just around the corner.
As she started walking, she found a penny on the pavement and snatched it, considering it a good omen. A quick detour to Tottenham Street wouldn’t be a problem.
It wasn’t that she meant to spy on Ethan, but… All right. She burned to know if he was one of those men who paid for a tumble, and she needed to talk to him anyway.
The thought of Ethan enjoying himself in a brothel left a bitter taste in her mouth. He didn’t strike her as the type of man who took advantage of unfortunate girls. Girls who didn’t have other means to sustain themselves. It was sad. Those women worked in a brothel not because it was their choice.
She would take a walk around the area and then head to the park where David was taking a riding lesson. Along the way, she changed her mind with each step. Right or wrong, Ethan was entitled to his privacy. What he did in his spare time was none of her business. But she would be lying if she said her esteem and respect for him wouldn’t waver. She slowed her pace close to Tottenham Street and came to a stop in front of the infamous building.
Long Mary’s Brothel had seen better days. The walls contained more mould than bricks, and red paint flaked from the front door as if the building were bleeding. Goodness. As brothels went, this one was decrepit. Who knew what diseases those girls risked catching in such a place? The smell wasn’t the best either, a combination of rotten eggs and putrid fish. She should leave. She would talk to Ethan another day. A day or two wouldn’t make much difference.
Cora didn’t mean to stay, but right then, Ethan came out of the brothel. In his dark coat and bowler hat, he was easily recognisable. He adjusted his jacket and the collar of his shirt. A girl threw herself at him, wrapping her thin arms around his neck, and he held her with one arm since his other hand held a heavy-looking leather bag. They chatted while holding each other before he kissed her forehead and released her. Heaven. The girl was so young she could be his daughter.
Not Cora’s business. She’d seen enough. She shouldn’t judge. He had several qualities and was a decorated soldier. No one was perfect. The end.
She spun on her heels and headed to the park. She’d said she shouldn’t judge but… Ethan’s behaviour was a disappointment. She’d thought he was a man of integrity. But to each their own. Although why did he need to visit a brothel? She kept going in circles with her thoughts. She wouldn’t be surprised if she burst a blood vessel in her brain.
“Cora.” His voice startled her.
Dash it all. She definitely should have been faster. She turned towards him inch by inch. “Ethan. Fancy that.” Her voice sounded strangled to her own ears.
He gave her a charming smile, walking towards her. His coattails flapped around his long, strong legs. “What are you doing here?”
“I had some errands.” She moved a hand around. “What about you?”
