“Thank you for your concern, but I’ll do what I want. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She marched towards Minnie who was standing in a quiet corner at the end of the alleyway.
Alexander blocked her path. “It’s dangerous.”
“Sometimes a little danger is what a lady needs.”
“Have you been there before?”
Her boldness petered out quickly for lack of frequent use. There was no point in pretending she knew what she was doing. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” She rose on her tiptoes to make sure Minnie was still there.
A few people walked past her to stop at the same spot as Minnie.
“The New Club,” he said as if expecting a big reaction from her.
“Never heard of it.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way.” He offered her his arm. “Let me take you home.”
She hesitated as two giggling ladies rushed along the alleyway to the same infamous spot. She wanted to know why that club attracted so many people. It couldn’t be that bad if so many ladies wanted to go.
“Esther?” His eyes glinted.
“Sorry, but I’m curious. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She sidestepped him.
“Esther!” It was an order, and she stopped only because she wanted to give him a piece of her mind.
“I’m going, and you can’t order me around. I’m curious. I thought you understood how difficult it is for me to be constantly forced to renounce things I like.”
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Be careful.” Genuine worry filled his voice, and her resolve wavered.
Perhaps she should listen to him. But when the group behind her started to cheer and clap, curiosity won.
She held up a hand. “I will be.”
He gave her a nod, his expression still concerned.
A thrill of excitement danced down her back as she strode onwards.
Minnie’s eyes flared wide when she saw Esther. “Esther?” She searched around. “What are you doing here?”
“I followed you. Sorry.” A heavy-looking door closed one side of the alley. “You aren’t upset, are you? I didn’t tell anyone. Your grandmama doesn’t know anything if that’s what worries you.”
Minnie tugged at the hood, covering her face. “You should go home.”
“Not even you!” She balled a fist on her hip. “I want to see The New Club.”
“So you know about it?”
“More or less.”
“Do you know what it’s famous for?” Minnie asked.
“The view of the sea?”
“No.” Minnie drew her closer. “The New Club is one of the very few nightclubs that allows women.”
A flicker of interest sparked in her. “And what can a woman do there?”
Minnie showed a wicked smile Esther had never seen. “Everything the gentlemen do, like playing cards.”
