“Why would he do this?”
“Somehow he learned I was going out at night,” Mrs. Mallard replied meekly. “In the evening, I’m not to leave the residence without him.”
“Therefore, he struck you?”
She nodded mournfully.
“Has he done this before?”
“It’s of no consequence,” Bishop responded sternly. “Mrs. Mallard, do you know where he is now?”
“Probably at his club.”
“Which one would that be?”
“The Cerberus.”
“I know it. Daisy, will you accompany Mrs. Mallard home?”
“Yes, of course.” A spark of fear rushed through her, not for the woman, but for the man who stood there with fury undulating off him in waves, a man who gave all appearances of preparing to go to war. A man who would not accept defeat. “What are you going to do?”
“Ensure he never touches her again.”
Then he was storming from the chamber, and she wanted to rush after him, urge him to take care. To possibly wait until he had a cooler head. Instead, she looked back at her charge and thought she detected the tiniest of smiles, but it was quickly gone and she couldn’t be sure she’d spotted it at all. “Do you feel up to traveling?”
“Without a doubt.”
As they journeyed in Bishop’s carriage—after he’d given instructions to the driver, he’d disappeared to either walk or hire a hansom cab—Mrs. Mallard stared out the window. As an inquiry agent, Daisy had grown accustomed to observing and scrutinizing even the smallest of details. Something niggled at her, something she couldn’t quite identify. Perhaps it was simply her worry over Bishop, when her concern should be this woman. “Will you be safe in your residence, do you think?”
Mrs. Mallard looked at her. “Once Bishop puts the fear of God in him, I don’t think Bertram will bother me at all. I shall lock my bedchamber door, however, as a precaution.”
“Could he not break it down?”
“I very much doubt it. It’s quite sturdy.” She gave a caustic laugh. “He ensured it is almost impregnable. He has always been more jailor than husband.”
“Why did you marry him?”
“At the time, he seemed the best choice.”
Daisy couldn’t help but wonder if her mother had thought the same thing. How did one know what was truly in the hearts of men? Her line of work brought into her life many menandwomen who had trusted and been betrayed. Although she was beginning to understand why Mrs. Mallard might have turned to Bishop, sought him out as a lover. He might be a scoundrel, but he did have some good in him. She couldn’t imagine him ever striking a woman. Maybe Mrs. Mallard had just needed some reassurance that there were gents in the world who wouldn’t hurt her.
When they reached the residence, the woman waited in silence for the footman to open the door and hand her down. Daisy made to follow, but Mrs. Mallard gave her a shy smile. “No need to come with me. I’ll be fine. Thank you for accompanying me home.”
“If you need anything, send word to Bishop.”
“I shall. Good night.” Slowly she wandered toward her residence.
Daisy settled back against the squabs. The footman closed the carriage door. Once Mrs. Mallard was inside, the coachman urged the horses on.
Daisy banged quickly on the roof, and the carriage soon came to a halt. She leaned out the window and shouted, “Take me to the Cerberus Club.”
If Bishop was familiar with the club, no doubt his coachman had delivered him there a time or two. From his perch, the fellow bent over and glared at her.“Master’s orders are to return you straightaway to the residence.”
“I don’t give a bloody damn. Take me to the club or I’ll find my own way there.”
He hesitated. “Bishop ain’t gonna like it. He’ll sack me.”
“He’ll like it even less if you leave me to wander the streets. Please. You know he’s going there, and you no doubt have discerned the reason for it. If he gets hurt, he might need us. Where’s the harm in making certain he’s all right?”
