Page 12 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“It was my mother’s dream to open an orphanage, but she passed before she was able to accomplish that goal.”

“And you are carrying on your mother’s dream.”

“It was the least I could do for her,” Madalene said, her eyes growing reflective.

Jane smiled tenderly at her sister-in-law. “She would be proud of you and everything that you have accomplished in such a short time.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so,” Jane pressed.

Madalene returned her smile, then said, “It was a shame that Emmeline couldn’t join us today.”

Jane let out an annoyed huff. “She was busy entertaining Oliver.”

“Is that an issue?”

“Yes, it is an issue,” she declared. “Oliver was gone for three days this time. Three days! And he shows up, and Emmeline greets him warmly every time.”

Madalene eyed her curiously. “How is she supposed to greet him?”

“She should be cross with him!” she exclaimed. “There should be some yelling and perhaps some cursing.”

“We don’t know that she doesn’t do that,” Madalene pointed out.

Jane shook her head. “It baffles me that Emmeline allows Oliver to behave so despicably.”

“Have you spoken to her about this?”

“I have,” she replied. “At great lengths.”

“And what does Emmeline say about his behavior?”

Jane pursed her lips together. “She says that she is just grateful that Oliver has returned home, unharmed.”

“They are still newly married,” Madalene remarked.

“Still,” Jane said, “his behavior is atrocious.”

Madalene appeared unconcerned. “We shouldn’t judge Oliver or Emmeline too harshly.”

“Why not?”

“Everyone has different trials, and we shouldn’t be quick to criticize others. It would be terribly unfair of us.”

Jane glanced out the window before saying, “You are being much too sensible.”

“Am I?” Madalene asked, amused.

“You are,” she confirmed. “I had hoped that you would side with me and we could confront Oliver together.”

Madalene smirked. “I daresay that everyone knows your feelings about Oliver and his wayward behavior.”

“Yet no one is helping me.”

“It is not up to us to correct his behavior.”

Jane bit back her retort as the coach came to a stop in front of a brick building with a sign hanging above the front door that readElizabeth Dowding School for Orphan Girls.The red bricks may have started to fade, but it was evident this building was properly tended to.

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