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She swallowed down her panic.
Quickly, she made her way a little farther down, careful to stay close to the wall. Georgina paused to greet Nettie who stood in her usual spot. “Good evening, Nettie.”
“Lady Masterson.” The older woman inclined her head.
“There’s a gentleman in a bottle-green coat, Nettie. He might ask if you’ve seen me. Please say you haven’t.”
“Never, my lady.” The older woman nodded, flashing the gap where she was missing two teeth. “Mr. Murphy would have my head if I were to cause you any ill.”
Georgina nodded, wiping at another tear as she walked through the door behind Nettie. The room was empty of other female patrons, thankfully. Moving to a small alcove, Georgina pressed gently at one side until the wall swung open, as Nettie had once shown her it would. A narrow hall was revealed, painted a pale cream and lit by a single lamp. A shadowy figure stood at the end, becoming larger as he stood and waited for her to approach.
“Good evening, Smith.”
“Lady Masterson.” He bowed, his eyes flashing silver as he glanced over her cheeks; he likely saw the tears she hadn’t completely been able to hide. “May I offer assistance?”
Georgina nodded. “Yes. Would you summon me a hack, Smith?”
“Of course, my lady.” He opened the door behind him.
Cool air rushed into the hall, finding its way up her skirts. She thought of the carefully packed trunk in her carriage, but it was too much of a risk. While she’d never had cause to distrust her driver, it would be best if he continued to believe she was still inside Elysium. Harold would be watching her carriage.
The door opened onto a narrow gravel pathway that split in two directions. To the left was the main entrance of Elysium. The line of carriages was clearly visible, including Georgina’s.
Smith’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “You wish me to call you a hack, my lady? Your carriage—”
“I need a hack. As discreetly as possible, Smith. From that direction.” She pointed to the right. “Please, Smith. It is a matter of some urgency.” Georgina looked at the horizon. It would be dawn in a few hours. Her arrival at theBetty Suewouldn’t be as early as she’d thought.
“I have somewhere I need to be.”
