Chapter Twenty-three
When Allison returned to Jocelyn’s, Joseph met her at the door, his handsome face drawn. “Miss Allison, did you hear the terrible news?”
She sighed and handed her wrap off to the butler, uncertain whether she wanted to know what had gotten him in such a state. “I don’t think so. What has happened?”
Joseph pushed a hand through his usually impeccable dark hair, leaving it sticking on end. “It’s Daisy. They found her last night. She’s been murdered, ma’am. In the same horrible way as Polly.”
Allison stumbled to a nearby bench and managed to sit just before her knees gave out. She leaned forward, bracing her head between her hands as the world spun around her. This couldn’t be happening. How could yet another girl in her care have been brutally murdered in such a fashion?
“Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am!” Joseph said, sinking to his knees beside her. “I didn’t mean to upset you so. I just thought you should know.”
“No, it’s all right,” she said with a shaking voice. “I’m glad you told me. I needed to know.”
Her second thought was of Quinn. This must have been why he’d been so upset this morning. How terrible he must feel to have had to deal with such a horrific thing once again. She wanted nothing more than to go to him and try to comfort him in some way, but she wasn’t even certain how she could accomplish that. Would just being there for him be enough?
And why hadn’t he told her?
Joseph gave her an apologetic look. “Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Allison?”
She shook her head and pushed to her feet. “No, I just want to go to my room for a while.”
He nodded. “I’m very sorry that this has happened. I know it must be very hard for you.”
“You’re right, it is,” she said sadly. “I hate to think that Mercy House is being targeted.”
“Would you like me to sleep over there for the next few nights?” he asked.
Her eyes widened. “Really? Are you certain you wouldn’t mind doing that?”
A big strong man like Joseph on the premises might make all the difference. If nothing else, the girls might feel a little safer.
“I’d be happy to,” Joseph assured her. “It’s been weighing heavily on me as well.”
“I’ll just check with Lucy and make certain the girls are all right with you being there,” she told him. “If they are, I’d love for you to do that. And I’ll also pay you more as long as you are there.”
“I didn’t offer because of money,” he said, sounding a little hurt.
“I know,” she assured him. “But I’d like to pay you more all the same. It’s a very brave thing you’re doing.”
He ducked his head a bit in embarrassment but didn’t argue anymore. She knew he was supporting his elderly mother. The extra funds would no doubt be very welcome.
As Allison headed up the stairs, she couldn’t help but wonder with a shudder who would be next.
* * *
QUINN HANDED HIS OVERCOAT to Hawkesmere’s butler, his heart pounding as the impassive elderly man showed him to the drawing room. He’d been summoned for dinner, and he really didn’t have any idea why.
Days had passed since the fiasco in Mayfair, and he’d assumed that when given the choice, Allison had decided against marrying a mere police inspector. Not that he really blamed her, but he’d tried to come to terms with the idea that he might never see her again.
He felt underdressed and awkward as he entered the huge room decorated in gold tones only to find it already filled with people. He recognized all three of Allison’s brothers and their wives, not to mention a half-dozen children laughing and running around. The children surprised him. He didn’t think the children of aristocrats were usually welcome while there were guests. This seemed like a family affair, so he was even more confused about why he was here.
Vanessa and Serenity Strathmore suddenly parted, and Allison stood behind them, resplendent in an ice-blue gown that set off her sapphire eyes and blond hair. She looked like the princess he always called her, and he realized that he’d never before seen her in all her glory. She usually dressed very plainly during her visits to his neighborhood.
A glad smile wreathed her face as she came toward him, her eyes shining with welcome. “Quinn! I’m so glad you came.”
He wanted to pull her aside and ask her why she’d invited him, demand she answer the question he’d asked her the last time she’d seen him. But he didn’t think that would be allowed, and he hated to be in a situation where he didn’t understand the rules. So instead, he simply forced a smile in return. “Thank you for inviting me.”
She took his hand and pulled him further into the room, and he was ridiculously grateful for the comfort of her hand in his. “You know my sisters-in-law, don’t you?”