“I know.” Laurel took Hannah’s hand and squeezed it. “The orphanage is a refuge to so many children and the need is so great. The workers keep both it and the children neat and clean. My hope is you will take to these orphans as much as I have.” She smiled. “Are you still willing to come inside?”

  Hannah nodded. “I want to learn all I can about the place and its orphans. I feel I have been quite naïve. It’s time I learned something about the real world.”

  Mrs. Kinnon greeted them and Laurel introduced her to Hannah. Laurel explained how Catherine wouldn’t be able to come today, due to Delia’s fever.

  “That’s quite all right, Your Grace. The children will be happy to see you.” The woman looked to Hannah. “Would you like to have a look at our facilities, Lady Hannah?”

  “I would.”

  Laurel accompanied them on the tour. Most of the children were in the classrooms so they stood and viewed those from the hall. A few spotted her and waved. She waved back, warmth spreading through her.

  After they’d toured the entire building, they went to Mrs. Kinnon’s office, where Laurel asked what the most pertinent needs were.

  “Clothing and shoes are what come to mind first, Your Grace. Children grow so quickly. Of course, we pass down the clothes numerous times through as many children as we can but new clothing and unworn shoes would be something we’d all be grateful for.”

  “I wonder,” Laurel mused. “Linfield and I haven’t hosted any kind of social event. What if we had a ball and the admittance was predicated upon donating something the children could use?”

  “That is very unique, Laurel,” Hannah said. “It would also raise awareness among the ton. You might gain monetary donations, as well as clothing items.”

  “I will speak to my husband about it. What else?”

  Mrs. Kinnon hesitated and then said, “Our teachers could use a consistent salary. Though we provide room and board here for the three of them, often there is nothing left with which to pay them.”

  She thought how crowded the schoolrooms were and how many pupils those teachers were responsible for.

  “I will guarantee a salary for them for the rest of the year,” she declared. “And a fourth should be hired.”

  “Oh, my! Your Grace, that would be wonderful,” Mrs. Kinnon said.

  “I noticed the empty lot next to the orphanage. I had an idea. What if we purchased that land and built schoolrooms there? Then you could take in more children here.”

  “But . . . that would cost a great deal of money,” Mrs. Kinnon protested.

  “My husband is a wealthy man. He also knows of my interest in the orphanage, especially since I grew up in the area. Do you know who owns the lot?”

  A look of distaste came across the woman’s face. “A Mr. Farmon. He has bought quite a few places in the surrounding area.”

  The pit of Laurel’s stomach went ice cold. She had never thought she would hear that name again. She told herself it didn’t matter. Anthony had a solicitor. The sale could go through him. She need never see Julius Farmon’s face again.

  “I know of this man. He purchased the chandlery where I used to be employed. If we offer him the right amount, I’m sure he will sell the parcel of land. Would you like me to carry through with this?”

  Tears formed in the woman’s eyes. “Please. To have so much room for the children, both for their education and taking in other orphans. It would be a blessing. Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you so much.”

  “Go ahead and look for a new teacher then,” she suggested. “I will see that Linfield makes an offer on the property next door. Could we meet any day next week and discuss how to move forward? Hopefully, by then the property will have traded hands.”

  “Yes. Come whenever. And bring His Grace. Oh, this is so wonderful.”

  Mrs. Kinnon told them it was time for the children to have their bread and milk so she and Hannah joined them in the dining hall. Laurel saw Hannah seemed a bit standoffish at first but she soon warmed to the children. When they begged for Laurel to read to them, she readily agreed. A boy went to fetch a book and she had them gather around as they had on her first visit. With more confidence this time, Laurel read the story, another one written by Catherine, with enthusiasm.

  When it came time to leave, the children hugged both her and Hannah. By now, her sister-in-law had opened up and embraced the orphans, promising to return soon.

  “I see why you have grown so fond of them,” Hannah said. “They are so sweet, despite having no parents and so little in material goods. Anthony will be happy to help. I believe he would do anything to put a smile on your face.”

  They told Mrs. Kinnon goodbye and left through the front door. They had almost reached the carriage when a man stepped out in front of them, blocking their path. She recognized him immediately as the one who had informed her that her and Hudson’s rent would be tripled. He held a gun in his hands and pointed it at Hannah.

  “We’re going to get in your carriage. You won’t call out for help. If you do, I’ll shoot your friend here.”

  Laurel knew it was no idle threat and nodded. Hannah clutched her arm.

  “Do as he says.” She placed her hand over Hannah’s and led her to the carriage.

  The footman was gone. No driver sat atop the vehicle. Fear filled her. The man unlatched the door and opened it wide. He nodded and another large man joined them. That one grabbed Laurel roughly by the waist and hoisted her into the coach. Hannah joined her and the man with the pistol climbed in after them.

  By now, she saw her driver and footman bound and gagged, lying on the floor of the vehicle. At least they hadn’t been killed.

  Yet.

  Hannah scooted close to her and Laurel could feel the girl’s body trembling. She took Hannah’s hands in hers, feeling how cold they were. The carriage took off, throwing them against the cushions. The man sat opposite them, his weapon still trained on Hannah.

  “Who is she?” he asked.

  “Lady Hannah Godwin. My sister-in-law,” Laurel said stiffly.

  A gleam appeared in his eyes. “Good. Very good. A bonus.”

  She didn’t understand what he meant. She only knew the danger to her and Hannah—and the servants—was very real. They drove a short distance and the carriage stopped. She glanced out the window and saw nothing but a brick wall very close to the vehicle. The door opened and the other man reached in and grabbed the folds of Hannah’s dress. He yanked her away from Laurel and Hannah cried out as he hauled her from the carriage.

  The other one merely motioned her with his gun. She rose and stepped to the open doorway, where she was also grabbed and brought to the ground.

  Once the man with the weapon joined them, she asked, “What are you going to do with my driver and footman?”

  “I may kill them. It depends upon whether you cooperate or not.”

  Her eyes flew to the inside of the carriage at the bound, helpless men. A sick feeling washed over her as the door slammed, knowing she might never see them again.

  She looked around and saw they were in a narrow alley. The ducal carriage barely fit into the space. The first man climbed atop it and took up the reins and the vehicle pulled away.

  “Walk inside. Don’t say a word,” the man said as he opened the door.

  He shoved Laurel through and motioned for the weeping Hannah to follow. Hannah ran to Laurel and clung to her. They shuffled through the dark passageway until he called, “Stop.”

  Opening a door, she and Hannah walked through it. Laurel already knew who would be waiting.

  Julius Farmon.

  He sat behind a desk, his gloating, black eyes roaming over her from head to foot. He glanced toward Hannah and licked his lips. Both women shuddered.

  “Sit,” he ordered.

  They did as commanded. Hannah continued to weep copiously but Laurel remained dry-eyed.

  “I’m the one you want. Let her go.”

  Farmon’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll issue the orders around here,” he snapped. He steepled his fat fingers and studied Hannah. “Who is she?’

  When Laurel didn’t reply, he turned to the man who’d brought them here. “Braxton?”

  “Lady Hannah Godwin. The sister-in-law.”

  “Ah.” Farmon looked pleased. “An extra, unexpected prize. You are the sister to the Duke of Linfield?” he asked.

  Hannah nodded, her hand tightening on Laurel’s.

  “I only thought I would be ransoming Linfield’s wife to him. Now, I’ll receive twice what I ask for.”

  His words caused Hannah to wail. Farmon nodded and the man he’d called Braxton moved quickly, slapping Hannah hard. It stunned her and then she buried her head against Laurel’s shoulder.

  She stroked her friend’s hair. “Hush, Hannah. Quiet now.”

  Hannah quivered against her.

  “My husband will pay you. Just don’t touch her again.”

  What Laurel didn’t say was that once Anthony saw his sister’s face, it would fuel his rage. He would kill these men for what they had dared to do.

  Farmon nodded again and she wrapped both arms around Hannah, trying to protect her. Instead, she found herself ripped away from her friend. Braxton struck Laurel even harder than he had Hannah. Instead of a slap, he hit her with his fist. Pain shot through her as if a lightning bolt had struck her cheekbone. He’d also clipped her eye and she knew it would turn black.

  “I said I am in charge here, Laurel.” Farmon pursed his lips. “Don’t tell me what to do. Don’t even speak again. Is that understood?”

  She wavered, dizzy, but nodded, letting this monster know she would not cause further trouble. Her face throbbed painfully. Nausea grew in her belly and not only because of having been hit so hard. Her gut told her Farmon would demand a hefty ransom from Anthony—but he had no intention of returning them. He wasn’t a man anyone stood up to. Laurel had not only refused to become his mistress, she had physically attacked him. Embarrassed him. Julius Farmon was a man whose revenge would be complete.

  Would it mean he would rape her? Or kill her?

  Perhaps both. She—and Hannah—would pay the price for her actions. Laurel knew their lives were in danger. They had to find a way to escape.

  “Bind their wrists,” Farmon instructed his minion.

  Braxton had come prepared. He removed a cord from his coat pocket and wrapped it around her wrists, knotting it securely. He pulled another length from the other pocket and did the same to Hannah.

  “Take them upstairs.”

  The henchman opened the door and grasped both women by their elbows. He led them along the narrow passageway. They passed a man, who averted his eyes, keeping them on the ground. When they reached a back staircase, Braxton ordered them up it. Opening the first door on the right once they reached the upper floor, he shoved them inside and followed, closing the door behind him.

  “You’re in a brothel. Save your voices because screams are ignored. If you give me any trouble, I’ll gag you and tie you to the bed and let every customer here take a turn with both of you.” He looked to Hannah. “Virgins are especially prized.”

  Hannah gagged. She turned and retched into a nearby chamber pot. The man laughed and exited the room. Laurel heard the lock turn.

  She went to Hannah and held her elbow. The vomiting finally ceased. Hannah looked at her, misery filling her face.

  “What are we going to do, Laurel?”

  With determination, she said, “We are going to find a way out of here.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Anthony stood, stretching his arms high above his head. Satisfaction filled him. After several interviews over the past few weeks, he’d finally hired a business manager today. His army days had taught him to trust his gut when evaluating others and the man he’d spoken with today was both knowledgeable and trustworthy. He would report tomorrow morning so Anthony had worked on organizing his desk this afternoon, placing items in different stacks so that things would be prioritized.

  He knew it must be close to teatime and glanced out the window. Sure enough, Viscount Brixley pulled up in front of the house in his curricle, his matched bays definitely worth whatever he’d paid for them. Anthony moved a few more documents around, giving Brixley time to be escorted to the drawing room. He wanted to enter after and observe how the suitor interacted with the three female Godwins. Anthony had made subtle inquiries regarding the viscount at White’s and had learned Brixley was known for his keen intelligence and devotion to his parents. That boded well, considering Anthony’s interest in family now. He wanted Hannah to be as happy as he was with Laurel. Brixley seemed to fit the bill.

  He left his study and approached the drawing room, eager to see Laurel again. She and Hannah must have stayed a good while at the orphanage because she hadn’t stopped by for a quick kiss upon her return. Most likely, his sister had dragged Laurel to her rooms and made her watch as Hannah tried on gown after gown, trying to find the most suitable one for today’s tea.

  Entering the room, it surprised him to find only Aunt Constance and Brixley. The viscount rose.

  “Good afternoon, Your Grace,” he greeted.

  Anthony went and shook hands with him. He supposed Hannah wanted to make a grand entrance, especially after her remark last night saying that Brixley would have to work for her.

  “Did you bring your curricle?” he asked.

  “Yes. Would you like to see my pair since Her Grace and Lady Hannah are not here yet?”

  “Certainly.”

  The two men went downstairs and Anthony admired the beauties, learning they’d been purchased at Tattersall’s last week. Brixley convinced him to take the vehicle for a quick spin. Anthony climbed up and took the reins, finding the horses handled well.

  Once he’d returned, they went back inside to the drawing room. Concern filled him since Laurel and Hannah still weren’t present. The tea cart was already there so his aunt offered them both a cup.

  The door opened and all eyes turned in that direction. A footman entered, carrying a small silver tray with a note upon it. He delivered it to Anthony, who opened it and scanned the few words. A winter chilled filled him as he masked his emotions. Calmly, he looked to the others.

  “It seems Laurel and Hannah have been unavoidably detained at the orphanage. I’m afraid we’ll have to do tea another time, Brixley.”

  The viscount stood. “Of course, Your Grace. Would you please give Lady Hannah and Her Grace my best?”

  “Of course.”

  Brixley took his leave and Aunt Constance asked, “Whatever could have delayed them? Hannah was so looking forward to seeing Brixley.”

  He gave her a tight smile. “I think I will go and see if I can smooth things over.”

  He kissed her cheek and left, his rage boiling now. Fortunately, he had years of experience in keeping it hidden. Pocketing the note, he found his butler.

  “Have my wife and sister returned yet?” he asked, the slim chance of the note being a cruel joke making him stop and check.

  “No, Your Grace.”

  Anthony quickly left the house. He didn’t take time to have his horse saddled because he was only going a few blocks. Each step, though, fed his fury and by the time he arrived at the Everton townhouse, Anthony was ready to explode.

  Barton, the butler, admitted him. “Good afternoon, Your Grace. I hope Her Grace is doing well.”

  “She is,” he lied. “Is His Grace available?” he asked, thinking Everton would be at tea with his duchess.

  “His Grace is in the library. I’ll show you there now.”

  As the butler led Anthony upstairs, he wished the man would move faster. Everything inside him wanted to scream to the heavens. It took all he had to rein in his fear and anger.

  Barton announced him and as Anthony walked in, he saw Everton had company. Lord Merrick and Lord Alford were there, as was Laurel’s brother. Thank God no females were present. He waited for the servant to close the door and strode toward where the men sat.

  “Laurel and Hannah have been taken.”

  To their credit, all four men shot to their feet. Everton said, “Tell us everything.”

  Anthony pulled the note from his pocket and handed it to the duke. “They went to the orphanage this morning with your wife. They never returned home.”

  “Catherine did not go with them today,” Everton revealed. “Delia was running a fever so she stayed home.” He unfolded the page and read it aloud. “I have your wife and sister. A ransom demand will follow.” The duke looked up, anger sparking in his eyes. “Have you made any enemies, Linfield?”

  “None that I know of,” he said truthfully.

  “I know who is responsible.”

  All eyes turned to Hudson, Laurel’s twin.

  “Julius Farmon has taken her. Them.” He pushed a hand through his dark hair. “I worried when Laurel told me where the orphanage was located. It’s in the neighborhood where we grew up.”

  “Who is this Farmon?” demanded Anthony. “Why in God’s name would he kidnap them?”

  “Farmon owns several saloons and brothels. That’s where he made his money. In the past few years, he’s begun buying up chunks of land and buildings, including Mr. Cole’s chandlery, where Laurel worked.” Hudson’s hands balled into fists. “He told her she could keep her day job only if she took on one at night. As his mistress.”

  Anthony felt as if someone had punched him in the gut.

  “You know Laurel,” Hudson continued. “She gave him a tongue lashing—and worse. Boxed his ears and kneed him in the balls. Farmon was out for blood after that. He tripled our rent since he owned the tenement where we lived. Threatened to bring me up on charges and have me transported to Australia. We fled to a boardinghouse miles away but lived in constant fear.”

  Hudson looked to Everton. “That’s when she was desperate enough to come to you. If you hadn’t taken us in, I don’t know what would have happened. Farmon’s network of thugs runs deep. I don’t know how I would have protected her if they’d found us.”