“Time to search for the mineral deposits? It could take weeks or months for the railroad to repair the bridge.”
“Exactly. But I think he found the deposits and needed time to excavate them. He could assemble a group of men on the land to remove as much of the deposits as possible while the train was out of commission.”
“And no one would notice men digging up the railroad’s land?”
“Bribery,” Hew said. “A few hundred pounds paid to railroad officials is a small price compared to the riches Pennywhistle would gain. I had submitted these theories to my director—Baron Keating. He will determine the next steps. Usually the local officials are notified and take action.”
“But if Pennywhistle is a prominent man in the area then he might have them in his pocket.”
“Astute observation.”
She shrugged. “It’s not so different than some of the leaders of those criminal gangs who try and extort payment from shopkeepers. They don’t usually venture into Fenchurch Street, but I’ve known tea merchants in other parts of the city who have had to pay.”
“And here I thought all you did was sell tea and dust shelves.”
She smiled. “That is all I do. I live a quiet life.”
Until you came along was implied.
“Do you think Baron Keating will send you back to catch Pennywhistle trespassing and digging for minerals? Pennywhistle must think so or he wouldn’t have sent men to kill you.”
“If he wanted to deflect suspicion, he’s certainly gone about it the wrong way. I can’t rule out the possibility that the men after me aren’t Pennywhistle’s, but it seems rather convenient timing. Ah, there is Mivart’s Hotel.”
She didn’t look out the window but instead leaned forward and grasped the hand he’d laid on his knee. Hew raised his brows. “These men are killers. They’ve already killed three people on the train, and if they’d had their way, you would be dead too. Now they’re using my father to get to you. If you meet them tomorrow night, they’ll kill you.”
“They will certainly try.” He grinned at her. “I won’t make it easy for them.”
The hackney slowed and the doorman from Mivart’s stepped forward to open the door. Belle put her hand on it to keep it closed. “I can’t allow you to risk your life. Again.”
Hew put his hand over hers. “Belle, I can’t allow an innocent man like your father to be harmed. It’s against the vow I took to protect Queen and Country. I can handle myself.”
She snorted. “You are still recovering from an injury that almost took your life.”
“It’s a good thing I have another day to build up my strength then.” He reached for her hand on the door, removing it so the doorman could open it.
“You won’t need it,” she said as the door swung open, “because I intend to trade myself for my father.”
Chapter Sixteen
Belle had never been to Mivart’s Hotel, or any hotel, before. Until the last few nights at Lady Keating’s, she couldn’t recall ever having slept anywhere but her own bed. She’d walked away from the hackney quickly, leaving Arundel to pay the jarvey, and hoping to avoid further discussion of her plan. She’d made up her mind. She would trade herself for her father. She was young and healthy and could endure captivity much better than he.
Her thoughts about her upcoming sacrifice faded as she entered the lobby of the grand hotel. The black and white marble floors and soaring ceilings left her momentarily breathless. She looked about, staring at the footmen in their dark livery and white gloves, carrying silver trays under the glittering lights of the crystal chandeliers. Fresh flowers sat on heavy tables with gilded claw feet and guests wandered through archways to recline on velvet couches. Belle stared at the art on the walls, the sculptures, and then focused on one lady sipping tea in a room just off the main foyer. If she could supply the tea for this establishment, that would be a true accomplishment.
“I hope you don’t think that’s the end of the conversation,” Arundel said, coming up behind her.
Belle turned and grasped his sleeve. “What sort of tea do they serve here? Where do they buy it?”
Arundel stared at her. “I have no idea. And don’t think you can change the subject. You are to have nothing to do with Pennywhistle’s thugs.”
“Fine,” she said, not really listening to him. She had always known there was grandeur behind the grand facades of the mansions in Mayfair. She’d seen a glimpse of that at Lady Keating’s residence. But for some reason, Belle had thought that sort of opulence only for private residences. But now here was a public place, where anyone could stay in luxury. Well, she supposed anyone who could afford it.
She narrowed her eyes at Arundel. Just how wealthy was he? She didn’t believe that an employee of Her Majesty’s government had a salary large enough to afford a place like this.
“That agreement came far too quickly. This conversation is not over. For now, keep your mouth closed and follow my lead.” He offered his arm, and she stared at it for a moment until he lifted her hand and placed it on his forearm. “Where are your gloves?”
“What gloves?”
“God help us because we will need it.” He led her toward a long counter where a short man with a highly starched neckcloth peered at them from over the spectacles perched on his nose.
“Good day, sir. Welcome back.”
“Thank you, Mr. Andrews. Do you have any letters or packages for me?”
“Yes, sir. In fact, I do. One moment while I fetch them.” He turned sharply, opened a door behind him, and disappeared.
“You receive correspondence here? Is this where you live?” Belle hissed.
“No, but Baron knows I’m staying here and assuming he received the report I sent before I came to London, he would send a reply here. Of course, with the weather so bad and the roads being what they are, I don’t have any expectations.”
“I had no idea places like this even existed,” she murmured.
Andrews returned, with two letters on a silver tray. Belle wanted to ask why he needed the tray when his gloved hands looked to be in perfectly good order, but she’d sold tea to the servants of enough wealthy customers to know that one couldn’t begin to understand the foibles of the upper classes. Arundel took the letters and pocketed them in his coat without looking at them.
“Would you like your key, sir?” Andrews asked, holding out a large golden key with a black velvet ribbon tied to it.
“Thank you, Andrews. I would like to show my sister my rooms.”
Belle started to be referred to as his sister, but she supposed it was all for show. No doubt Andrews didn’t believe she was his sister, but for propriety’s sake, they would all pretend.
“Very good, sir. Anything else?”
Arundel glanced at her. “Send a maid with a selection of your teas. All of your teas. My sister is quite particular.” He nodded at Belle. “She will want to peruse all the offerings of the hotel.”
“Of course, sir. I will send Jenny to you right away.”
Belle waited until Arundel had opened the door to his chamber and they were inside before she turned to him. “Thank you!” She didn’t think, merely threw her arms about him and hugged him.