Page 72 of An Unwitting Alliance
She patted his arm. “You’re right. Alan does possess those.”
Ian chuckled at Tom’s affronted expression. “Very well. We will do our best to help this family Tom has bonded himself to.”
“Thank you,” Tom replied. “We need a permanent solution for the workhouse and an immediate one for this suffering family. Mr. Longbottom does not want anyone entering the workhouse because of the outbreak of consumption. However, I doubt very much that anything is being done for the sick. Mrs. Kelby is under his jurisdiction, and he will not release her. In her current situation, she will not live long; that I am sure of.”
“What of Alan?” Miles asked.
“You know me. I did not like being turned away. When Mr. Longbottom would not see me this morning, I evaded the guard and found my way to the children’s workroom. Alan was not there. An older boy directed me to the discipline closet, where I found him locked inside with no light. On closer examination, I discovered bruises on his upper arms. With the guard not far behind, all I could do was promise him I would return. And I will, as soon as I can think of a way to bypass that oily and barbaric overseer.”
“Tom, why did you not tell me this as soon as I came to the stables? We must report Mr. Longbottom to the magistrate!” Cassie’s indignance normally would have made him smile, but the situation was too dire. If he had thought Alan’s innocent face had haunted him before, it was far worse now.
“I am afraid a few bruises will not be enough to condemn Mr. Longbottom.”
“Unfortunately, Tom’s right. The workhouse is Mr. Longbottom’s jurisdiction.” Miles crossed one leg over the other. “And we have no legal right to withdraw Mrs. Kelby either.”
“Unless...” Ian snapped his fingers. “Unless she withdraws herself!”
“She is far too sick,” Tom argued. “She has no idea that we have an alternative for her and her son. We have never even met.”
Miles sighed. “There is no other way than to use force. I say we break in and kidnap them both. Our only hope is if Mrs. Kelby is coherent enough to withdraw herself like Ian said—with our assistance, of course.”
“I thought you said you were a vicar.” Cassie’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Miles’s quiet grin was sure. “A vicar with friends in high places. It’s rather convenient should I meet any trouble.”
Cassie turned to Tom. “No one will get hurt, will they?”
He shook his head. “We have done a lot of stupid things, but no one ever gets hurt. And, in this case, two people will be rescued.”
Cassie gave an exasperated huff. “Why does that not inspire my confidence?”
Her concern was darling, and he suddenly wished his friends would wait outside while he reassured her. Unfortunately, his words would have to suffice. “I am confident my disguise will work one last time. Longbottom might not be interested in dealing with Tom Harwood, but he seemed to like signore Rossi.”
“And what about Alan?” Cassie asked. “He has no nurse to care for him.”
Miles nodded. “She makes a good point.”
“In my ignorance I assumed one would be easy to secure. You have the most experience with children, Cassie,” Tom said. “What do you recommend?”
Cassie fell silent, thinking. “What about asking Nancy to help until we can find someone permanent? She is from Bengal and was also treated unfairly when she arrived here, so she would empathize with his circumstance. She is also a dream with children—especially those like my siblings, who can be quite stubborn and mischievous. I can see Alan taking to her.”
Tom gave a quick nod. “I think the idea genius. Could the Beechams spare her? And would your mother agree?”
“I will discuss it with Mama and write to both Nancy and Mama’s cousin.”
Auntie Evans stepped into the room with Nutmeg by her side. “Who are all these people?”
Tom hurried to Auntie Evans’s side and escorted her into the room. “Auntie, these are my friends, recently arrived from Brookeside.” He did another quick round of introductions.
Megan moved to her sister’s side and whispered, “Does this mean you are done with your lovers’ spat?” The whisper, however, carried around the room for everyone to hear.
“Aunt,” Cassie said, fully ignoring Megan. “Three ladies are expected to join us in a few hours’ time. Might you inform Cook of our extra guests for dinner?”
“It is very kind of you to invite us to your table,” Miles said, and Ian murmured his agreement.
Auntie Evans’s face elongated with her apparent surprise. “Will any be staying the night as well?”
Miles shook his head. “I am staying with Mr. Miner.”
