Page 57 of A Sinful Virgin for the Duke

“It is my boys, sir,” Mary explained, her gaze shifting between Frederick and Gemma. “My husband passed last winter, and I have done what I can to keep us all together. But there were two orphans from the village, boys who lost their parents to the fever, and…well, I could not bear to leave them. I have taken them in, but—” Her voice faltered. “I have three little ones of my own, and space is getting tight.”

Gemma’s expression softened and she stepped closer to the woman. “How old are the boys?”

“Seven and eight, Miss,” Mary replied, her face brightening slightly at Gemma’s interest. “They are good lads, hardworking, and eager to help. But it has been hard to feed everyone properly, and I am afraid they might have to go to the poorhouse.”

Frederick’s brow furrowed at the thought. He glanced at Gemma, who was already nodding thoughtfully.

“We could find work for them,” Gemma said, looking at him directly. “I am certain that there are tasks around the manor,and even here in the village, which would benefit from a few extra hands.”

Mary’s face lit up with hope. “Oh, Miss, that would be wonderful. They are truly good boys, I promise. And they are so eager to learn. They would be so grateful.”

Frederick felt an unexpected swell of pride as he watched Gemma’s compassion towards the woman.

“Perhaps we could find something for them,” he agreed, keeping his tone even but aware that he was as captivated by her generosity as Mary clearly was. “Miss Bradford, would you be able to oversee any arrangements?”

“Of course,” Gemma replied immediately, her eyes sparkling. “I would be happy to assist.”

Mary bobbed another curtsy, her voice full of gratitude. “Thank you, Miss. Thank you, Your Grace. I know they will be so grateful.”

They continued on through the village, Gemma’s smile lingering as she watched a cluster of village children laughing as they chased one another around the green.

“You did well back there,” Frederick said after a moment, glancing at her sidelong. “Not everyone would have stepped in so readily.”

Gemma shrugged lightly, a trace of shyness in her smile. “I have seen enough people abandoned to the poorhouse. They deserve a chance to build something better for themselves, especially if they are willing to work for it.”

Frederick felt a pang of admiration. There was no pretense in her response, only a quiet resolve that seemed deeply rooted in her character.

He respected that, perhaps more than he was ready to admit.

Their final stop took them to a large farm just outside the village, a sprawling estate bordered by stone walls and fields that stretched into the distance.

The farmhouse itself was sturdy but showed signs of wear, and a gruff-looking man, well into his sixties, approached them with an expression that was less than welcoming.

“Your Grace,” he greeted Frederick curtly, with a shallow nod. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

Frederick straightened, a touch of authority seeping into his tone. “Mr. Redding, I wanted to discuss the state of your farm. I noticed you are managing the fields with fewer hands than in years past. Given the scale of your operation, I would imagine you need assistance.”

The farmer’s face fell. “That is the truth. But the lads either go off to make their fortunes or…well, they are no longer here, in any event.”

“How can you keep up with your workload without proper help?”

Redding’s mouth thinned in a defiant line. “This land’s been in my family for generations, Your Grace. I will not let it go to waste, with or without help.”

Frederick felt frustration bubbling up at the man’s stubbornness, but before he could respond, Gemma stepped forward with a gentle smile.

“Mr. Redding, might I suggest a solution?” she interjected, her voice calm and respectful. “We met a woman in the village who is caring for two orphaned boys. They are young but eager to work, and they could certainly use a place where they would be of value. Perhaps they could help you here and learn the trade.”

The old man’s gruff exterior softened as he considered her words, his gaze shifting to Gemma with a newfound respect. “Orphans, you say?”

“Yes,” Gemma continued, her tone soothing. “They are hardworking boys, only seven and eight, but with guidance I think they would be a fine help to you. And perhaps you would also enjoy the company.”

A small smile creased the edges of Redding’s mouth. “Well, I would not say no to a bit of help, and it would be good to have some young ones about. Been quiet since my boys left.”

Frederick watched with growing admiration as Gemma held Redding’s gaze, her expression warm and genuine.

“Then it is settled,” she said, her voice tinged with satisfaction. “I will bring them by tomorrow morning to get them acquainted with the place, and if you need any extra help, I will come down myself and assist you with the work.”

Redding’s gruffness melted away entirely, and he nodded gratefully. “I appreciate it, Miss. You are welcome here any time.”

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