Thirty-one
“Thank God.” Emma’s relief was nearly overwhelming as she took Lily in her arms.
She, Portia, and Angelique had spent the last hour and a half going over strategies and plans for combating the repercussions of tonight’s events. And all the while, it was obvious the discussion was just an excuse to keep their minds off their fear and worry while they waited for news from Nightshade.
And now, miraculously, her sister was home.
Emma could feel the tension in Lily’s body as she embraced her. Drawing back, she assessed her sister’s appearance and noted that she did not seem injured or in any inordinate distress. In fact, Lily returned Emma’s intent stare with a soft smile before shifting her gaze aside.
The slight evasiveness gave Emma pause, but she shoved back her concern, focusing on the fact that Lily was home. It was all that mattered just now. Anything else could be managed.
“Come sit, ma petite,” Angelique said brightly, waving Lily forward, “have some tea. It may still be warm.”
Lily removed her cloak and took a seat on the sofa. Her gown was smooth and devoid of creases, but her hair was held back by a single ribbon at her nape. That was not how she had worn it at the start of the evening.
Lily’s hands trembled when she accepted a cup of tea, and Emma bit her lip against the words of concern that rose from her tight throat.
Portia leaned forward from where she sat at Lily’s side. Her face was bright with curiosity.
“Tell us what happened, Lily. You must. I have been frantic with worry all night and cannot wait another moment to learn how you managed to get home.”
“Give her a few moments, Portia,” Emma said sternly. “She has likely been through quite an ordeal. We can be patient.”
“Maybe you can,” Portia muttered.
Some of the chill that had invaded Emma’s being since receiving Portia’s note warmed at the sight of Lily and Portia seated closely together on the sofa across from her, their hands tightly linked. No matter what differences separated them, or what tragedies befell them, the girls would always be there for each other.
As Emma settled back into her seat, Angelique rose from hers. “I am off to bed, darlings.”
“How can you leave now?” Portia exclaimed. “We are finally going to learn what happened to Lily.”
“When you have had as many adventures as I have, one becomes much like the last. You girls catch up. I need my beauty rest. Bonsoir.”
“I will walk you up,” Emma offered, producing a groan from Portia.
“Non, you stay—I shall find my bedroom. I assume it is where I left it this morning.”
Once the older lady left the room, the attention turned to Lily, who suddenly looked rather small. At least the tea seemed to have braced her a bit. She appeared more relaxed. More herself again.
Emma was relieved. There had been something in her sister’s manner when she had first entered the parlor that had concerned her.
“Now, let us get to it, shall we?” Portia insisted. “What in bloody hell happened? How did you escape the brothel?”
Lily’s gaze swung to Portia in surprise. “How do you know about that?”
“Angelique and I have been on a mission to find you all night.”
“You have?” Lily asked.
“Of course.” Portia’s tone softened. “Did you think I would just watch you get carried away and not do anything to save you? It so happens Angelique knows of this mysterious man in the East End they call Nightshade. We hired him to help us. He tracked down Hale and learned the despicable monster had you auctioned off at a brothel. But he lost you after that. Nightshade is even now still trying to learn what happened to you.”
“You have to stop him,” Lily said. Her eyes were wide and her tone sharp.
Portia shook her head in confusion. “What? Why?”
Emma wondered the same. She looked at Lily more closely. Her sister’s fingers were tense around her teacup as she lifted it to take a sip. For a moment, it seemed as though she were stalling.
“Are you certain you are unharmed, Lily?” Emma prompted.
Her sister took a long breath and set her teacup down. “I cannot say I wasn’t frightened. I was, terribly so. There was a woman at the brothel. I thought maybe she would help me. Instead, she gave me something to drink that made me feel quite strange.” Her voice faltered and she clasped her hands together.
“I do not know much of what followed. It is all muddled and foggy in my head. I remember a room…with men. Laughter and talking. It wasn’t until later, after the drug started to wear off, that I learned what had happened.”
Portia wrapped her slim arm around her sister’s shoulders, adding her support and strength.