Edith Layton by To Tempt a Bride Read Free Book Online

wished, so they wereestranged. Papa started a mercantile business, but when he died, it was sold. We lived on the profit, but when Mama began to fail, I went through her dower chest and found letters. She had an older sister, who lived in London, and they’d corresponded years ago. I thought if I came in person I could find her and appeal to her for Mama’s sake. She needs more care than I can give her now.
    “I arranged for a neighbor to look after Mama and took the mail coach to London. When I arrived a week ago,” she said, looking up, eyes wide, bright with fear, “I was met at the coaching stop by the kindest little old woman. I thought my aunt had sent her, because she seemed to know so much about me.”
    Miles frowned. Rafe nodded. Belle sighed.
    “Yes, I was a greenhead,” Nell admitted sadly. “She asked as many questions as she answered, but I didn’t see that, not then. She said she’d take me to my aunt, but instead she took me to a terrible place—a brothel! She locked me in a room and wouldn’t let me out, although I cried and screamed.”
    “What is the name of the place?” Miles asked.
    Nell shook her head. “I don’t know. I saw the women and heard men coming and going, but I never heard any names. They brought me food, but I wouldn’t eat. I only drank from the wash water they brought me too. I had sense and remembered things I’d heard, if too late.”
    “Good thing,” Rafe said darkly.
    “Yes,” Nell agreed, looking up again. “I was afraid they’d drug me.”
    “They likely would have,” Miles agreed.
    Nell bowed her head and went on. “They took away my traveling bag and left me only the clothes I stand up in. I begged to be let go, but no one listened. I prayed the rest of the time. And then, just last night, when the old woman who brought me dinner said I’d better eat fast because they were going to send me company that night—I knew I had to do something. So when she turned her back to set her tray down, I pushed my handkerchief into the doorjamb so it wouldn’t close tight. After she left, I drew the door open, slipped out, and made my way down the stair.
    “I got out through the back door, but I didn’t get far. The streets were so dark and frightening, I started running. I supposed I shouldn’t have done that, because it drew attention. That’s how I met that man you saw tonight. He asked if he could help me, and I told him my whole story. I said my aunt would reward him if he took me to her. But he said I’d be a better reward.
    “He dragged me with him along the street and said he’d kill me if I fought or screeched for help. The next thing I knew he was offering me to your friend. I didn’t know that’s what he meant to do, but I hoped that would be my salvation. Your friend looked so strong, and he appeared to be a good man…one who wouldn’t need to buy…company. You know the rest. Ah, but it’s been such a terrible time!”
    The room was quiet.
    Yes, Camille thought with sinking heart, there sat a bona fide heroine.
    “We can find the aunt,” Rafe finally announced to the room, “but the bast—villain who attacked Eric is likely long gone.”
    “Yes,” Miles said thoughtfully. “He probably wasn’t in the trade, only an opportunist. As for the madam, there are too many like her in London. If the girl never heard a name, we’ll never find that house.”
    “So,” Rafe said abruptly, “what do we do with her until we locate this aunt?”
    “I don’t want to be any trouble!” Nell cried.
    “Can’t see how you won’t be,” he said in his usual abrupt way. “We’re certainly not going to turn you out on the street again. No insult meant, but you wouldn’t have a chance here in London by yourself. Make no mistake, if we let you out, you’ll only get into trouble again. Can’t put you in a hotel either, you’re too pretty for your own good, and you haven’t got the sense…”
    “She can stay here with us,” his wife interrupted