Secrets of Sloane House(71)

When the landlady came by again, she asked, “Ma’am, could I leave my suitcase here for a few hours?”

“You don’t want to spend another night?”

“I’d rather not if I don’t have to. I’m on a strict budget.”

“Where are you going instead?”

“I’m hoping to stay with a friend.” When the woman’s expression darkened with distaste, Rosalind felt her cheeks flush. She knew what she sounded like. Only women with bad reputations had no real lodging plans. Knowing she was about to be asking for Mr. Armstrong’s charity didn’t make things easier.

However, if there was one thing she’d learned during her time in Chicago, it was that far worse things could happen to a woman than a loss of reputation. Besides, soon she would be returning to Wisconsin and no one’s opinion of her in Chicago would really matter.

“I have no desire to hold on to your bag indefinitely,” she warned.

“I’ll be back by five or six.”

“I can’t be guaranteeing that I’ll have a room for you then.”

“I understand.” She stood up and grasped the handle of her worn carpetbag. “Where may I stow this?”

“Follow me.” The landlady led her through the dining room down the hallway and came to a stop at a door that was marked with a sign that said “Private.”

“I’ll put your case in here. Until 5:00 p.m.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back by then. I promise.”

After setting the suitcase inside the door, the woman walked her out. “I hope you know what you’re doing, miss. Chicago is a dangerous place. Especially for green girls like you.”

“Oh, I’m far less naive than one might think,” Rosalind stated.

The woman rested her hands on generous hips and eyed her more closely. “You know what? I think that might be true. Best of luck to you today.”

“Thank you.” She smiled tightly, then strode out the front door. She had roughly nine hours to find Reid Armstrong and to try to convince him to help her—or get back there to pick up her belongings.

If it look longer than that to find Reid?

She was going to run out of both time and money.



Reid was in a panic. So much so, he’d broken down and told his father everything at his bedside that morning, right after visiting Sloane House and learning nothing from the staff about where Rosalind may have gone.

The moment everything was off his chest, guilt surrounded him. His father was ill. He likely had only a few more weeks to live. He didn’t need to be burdened with Reid’s problems.

But instead of looking wearier, his father looked almost rejuvenated. Reaching out, he clasped Reid by the hand. “Help me sit up, son.”

Reid did as he was bid, fluffing pillows behind his father’s back and trying to find a way to apologize at the same time. Finally, he said what was in his heart. “I’m sorry for burdening you like this.”

“You’re not burdening me, son. Actually, I think you might even be helping me.”

“I don’t see how that would be the case.”

“Truth be told, for the first time in weeks, I’m thinking about something other than my pain and impending death.”

Reid could barely hide his wince. “Father, don’t speak that way.”

“It’s the truth, son. We know my days are numbered.” He shook his head impatiently when he saw that Reid was preparing to argue that point. “Enough about me. Where do you think Rosalind is right now?”

“I have no idea. She could be anywhere. Walking the streets or in some cheap room.” He lowered his voice. “At some man’s mercy.”

His father scowled. “Son, you’re not thinking clearly. Stop letting your fears get the best of you and think.”

“I have been thinking.”

“Think harder. You’re a smart man. At least, you used to be.” He snapped his fingers. “Now, let’s review everything you do know. Is she the type of woman to have already left Chicago?”

That was one thing he definitely did not need to ponder. “No. There is no way Rosalind would leave right now. Not without trying at least one more time to locate her sister.”

“Good. It’s about time you started using your God-given smarts. Now that you know that, where would she look? Who would she talk to? Who would she ask for help?”

Reid replied after thinking for a moment. “At first I was going to say she’d go to the fair, but now I’m not so sure about that. Rosalind told me she’s already gone there several times without any luck.” He paused, then said slowly, “Actually, Father, I think she would try to find me.”