Page 3 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“M-Mr. Talbot g-got very cross, a-and I was scared,” Tilly stammered through her tears.
“Do you know why he became cross?” Edith pressed gently.
“A-A fire broke out in the dormitories. He th-thought I did it on p-purpose. But I didn’t! I really didn’t, I promise! They began chasing me like I had done something wrong!” Tilly cried.
“And you ran into the park?” Edith asked.
“I know m-my way through the park. I didn’t know something was happening. I didn’t mean to?—”
“Oh, this is ridiculous,” Mr. Talbot sneered, reaching for Tilly.
“Don’t touch her,” Edith snapped, blocking his hand.
“Mr. Talbot has every right to handle his charge in whatever way he sees fit. Please, My Lady, I must insist that we approach this matter in line with the rule and law of the country,” Mr. Brackett said beseechingly.
“The rule and law have their place, but this child needs compassion and a listening ear,” Edith retorted. “Besides, it is not the rule or law to have her punished in public for a private offense.”
“The breaking of that statue was a very public offense!” Lord Harrington growled.
Edith shot him a glare. “Still, they shouldn’t be using that as justification to harm her for the fire?—”
“I care not about the blasted fire! I demand compensation for the damage this impudent child has caused!” Lord Harrington interrupted.
Mr. Talbot and Mr. Brackett shared a look.
Mr. Talbot’s mouth curled into a frustrated sneer. “Of course, My Lord,” he gritted out. “I will make sure the debt is paid,” he said before looking back at Tilly. “In fact, I can cut the amount from the girl’s wages.”
“What?” Edith gasped.
“She can scrub and sew until every penny is repaid,” Mr. Talbot added, glaring at Tilly.
Edith looked down at the little girl, whose face had fallen. Her lip quivered, and her small shoulders shook as her eyes shimmered with tears.
A fierce protectiveness surged through Edith; she would not let the child suffer. She took Tilly’s hand, squeezing it gently, then stood and faced Lord Harrington.
“What is the cost of the statue?” she asked.
The crowd around them inhaled sharply, all eyes on her.
Lord Harrington’s eyebrows shot up, and he took a half step back. “Why ever do you ask, Lady Nealton?”
“I refuse to let any more harm come to this child. It would take her years to repay any sum greater than a few pennies, would it not?”
People in the crowd shared looks. Even if they knew she was right, none of them would dare to ask such pointed questions.
“Even so,” Lord Harrington scoffed, straightening the lapels of his coat. “She is the one who damaged my property, and she is under the care of Mr. Talbot, so he should decide her punishment.Andmy compensation.”
“I asked you a question, Lord Harrington. Will you deny me the answer?” Edith pressed.
Lord Harrington’s jaw tightened, and he let out a slow breath. “One hundred and eighty pounds.”
Edith’s lips pressed into a thin line, and her eyebrows knitted together. Her charity work brought independence, but it did nothing for her coffers. She often had to be conservative with her spending, and paying for a broken statue wouldn’t help her situation.
Still, she wouldn’t let Tilly take the fall.
“I will cover the cost,” she declared.
Lord Harrington’s eyes widened. “The girl should pay the cost to learn a lesson! And Mr. Talbot agrees.”
