Page 13 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Puzzled, Win asked, “Then why is she living in a room at a boardinghouse with two small children?”

“Miss Sawyer had to take time off during her confinement and after giving birth to Freddie. She couldn’t traipse about the stage, big as a barrel. By the time the next Season rolled around, younger women with fairer faces had taken her place. The London stage is a fickle one, Your Grace. Miss Sawyer lived off selling the various jewels in her possession and did so for five years. Then the townhouse was repossessed. It seems the marquess, though he had moved on from Miss Sawyer, never actually put the deed in her name and had left it in his own. His heir claimed the title, begging your pardon, a righteous prick, as is his wife. They discovered ownership and booted Miss Sawyer and the two boys from the residence. By this time, from what I can surmise, she was down to the last bauble, a diamond bracelet which she sold for a fraction of its worth.”

The runner’s gaze met Win’s. “Jewelers and pawnbrokers know when they have a client in a tight position and they took advantage of her circumstances. Consequently, Miss Sawyer is down to her last farthing. She has not paid her rent in two months and she is not going to last two days.”

“What?”

Blumer leaned forward. “She has consumption, as I said, Your Grace. I think the landlady, Mrs. Bridges, has a kind heart and was merely allowing her to stay on in order that she did not die on the streets.”

This news took Win aback. “She has no other relatives who could take in these boys? Or the dresser had no relatives step forward to claim little Charlie?”

The runner sadly shook his head. “No, Your Grace. I will tell you now, the foundling home will not take boys at six. They are too old.”

Confusion filled him. “Then what is to happen to them?” he asked.

“They will be turned out from the boardinghouse to the streets, Your Grace. It’s a common enough story in London.”

Win slammed a hand on the desk. “That will not happen under my watch. I will take them in.”

It surprised him hearing the vehemence in his voice—and the fact he was willing to take on two young boys. Though the thought of his brother’s bastards living in his home sickened him. He thought of an alternative.

“I suppose I can bring them to Woodbridge with me. I can hire someone and provide them a cottage on the estate. Even see to their education when they come of age.”

“That is most generous of you, Your Grace. I doubt many men in your position would take on his brother’s by-blows.”

Win rose. “Take me to them now. I want to meet Miss Sawyer and assure her both boys will have a home and be looked after.”

Admiration flickered in Blumer’s eyes and he nodded. “Then let’s have at it, Your Grace.”

Win rang for his butler and asked that the carriage be readied. While they waited, he asked Blumer about the boys themselves.

“I have yet to see either one of them, Your Grace. They were not present when I interviewed Miss Sawyer.”

“You truly believe she has a limited time?”

Nodding, the detective said, “I do.”

“Then we should fetch a doctor and have him accompany us to Miss Sawyer’s, as well.” He rang again and asked his butler the name of the physician his family had used when in London.

“Why, that would be Dr. Cook, Your Grace.”

The butler supplied the doctor’s address and a footman notified him the carriage was ready to leave. He and the Bow Street Runner went outside to the vehicle and Win instructed the coachman to stop first at Dr. Cook’s office.

When they arrived at the address, Blumer said, “Wait here, Your Grace. I will go inside and explain the situation to Dr. Cook.”

“Very well,” Win agreed. He supposed it wasn’t like a duke to go about such tasks. He couldn’t help but wonder if this physician would come with them but then realized that hewasa duke and that the man would have little reason to turn down his request.

Sure enough, less than ten minutes later, Blumer and Dr. Cook climbed inside the carriage.

“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have cared for your family for several years now.”

“You understand the circumstances?”

The doctor nodded grimly. “I do. if Miss Sawyer is as bad off as Mr. Blumer here says she is, there will be little I can do for her, other than to make her comfortable.”

“Do whatever you must, Doctor,” he said. “I will also want you to check the boys over before I take them back to Woodbridge.”

“I would be happy to do so, Your Grace.”

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