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spare before Marcus would be knocking on her door. Thanks to Bea’s help earlier that day, her hair still looked quite nice. And due to Bea, all of her frocks were pressed and ready to choose from, so it made an easy time of it for Abigail. Thankfully, she didn’t have to change undergarments, and she chose a dress of peach satin with a brown overskirt that draped to the back. She’d just finished putting on her jewelry when Marcus arrived.
    From the look in his eyes, she felt she looked quite presentable.
    “You look lovely.” He smiled into her eyes. “And I am starving. Are you ready?”
    “Yes, I am. And I’m a little hungry, too.”
    “I told you those little sandwiches don’t fill one up. Let’s go.” He took the key from her and locked the door behind them before handing it back to her. She took the arm he offered, and they descended the stairs and walked to the dining room.
    Abigail had thought she’d been treated well the night before, but evidently coming in with a gentleman did gain one a higher level of service. Or perhaps it was because of the man she was with. Marcus seemed to garner respect wherever he went. She’d noticed it from the train depot to the hotel clerk and bellboys, and now—here at the restaurant. They were seated at a table in front of the windows, where Abigail could be seen as well as see most of the other diners in the room. She took the seat the waiter held out for her and glanced around. Satisfied that she was dressed in a similar style to the other women in the room, she felt herself relax, only briefly letting herself wonder why it mattered more tonight than it had the night before.
    They looked over the menus the waiter had left. “I had the veal last night, and it was delicious, but I’d like to try something different tonight.”
    “I can recommend the filet of beef with scalloped potatoes and brown sauce,” Marcus said. “It is one of my favorite dishes.”
    Abigail scanned the menu before nodding her head. “I’ll try that, then. Do you really eat here often?”
    “I do—several times a week, in fact. It’s near my apartment and office.”
    “You don’t eat at your parents’?” Abigail was curious about this man who’d been hired to protect her.
    “Of course I do. But many times I am working late or in a hurry, and it’s easier to eat out.”
    The waiter came back to the table, and while Marcus gave him their order, she was able to look at Marcus without his knowing. He looked quite handsome in his black wool suit and crisp white shirt. She could feel the color creep up her face when he looked back to see her watching him, and she quickly turned her head and looked out the window while he finished their order.
    She liked Hot Springs at night. The streetlights made it easy to see who was out and about, and she felt almost as safe as when she was at home in Eureka Springs. But was that because of the lighting outside or the man across from her? She knew. Much as she didn’t want to admit it—and sometimes resented it—part of her was glad that Marcus Wellington was in charge of her safety.
    “What time do you want to start checking out the bathhouses on Monday?” Marcus asked once the waiter left the table.
    “I thought around ten in the morning.” Abigail had slept in that day, but normally, even if she was up late the night before, she was a fairly early riser. And even if she weren’t, she wouldn’t want Marcus Wellington to think she was lazy. After all, she’d promised her father that she would check into things for him, and he would want to think she was acting in a professional way.
    “That should be a good time. If not, I’m sure you can set up appointments with the managers for another time.”
    “That is true. It isn’t as if I have to do it all in one day.” After all, she had no intention of going back home anytime soon.
    Their first course of cream of asparagus soup arrived, and while they ate, Marcus pointed out several people