Page 71 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

As he left the room, Hannah called out, “Brixley is not vexing at all!”

Laurel laughed. “He doesn’t think that. He’s teasing you.”

“I know,” Hannah said with wonder. “I quite like this new Anthony. You were holding hands when you came in, Laurel. And he came back and kissed you. Really kissed you. Does he love you?”

“Yes,” she said with confidence. “I also love him. It’s the most wonderful, marvelous, amazing feeling in the world.”

“I wonder if Brixley might make me that happy,” Hannah mused.

“Give him a chance,” Laurel said. “If he doesn’t, there are many more bachelors available.”

They met downstairs at the appointed time and climbed into the carriage that Anthony had thoughtfully left behind for their use. When they arrived at the Everton townhome, Barton admitted them.

“It’s wonderful to see you, Your Grace. Lady Hannah. I’m afraid Her Grace will not be available today for your trip to see the orphans. Lady Delia has come down with a fever.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Laurel said. “May we go up to the nursery and see her?”

“She is in Her Grace’s sitting room.”

“Come along, Hannah,” she said.

They went upstairs and found Catherine rocking her daughter. The usually rambunctious Delia was curled up in her mother’s arms, sucking on her thumb. Her face was flushed.

“We heard Delia is unwell and just wanted to pop up and see how she is.”

Catherine kissed her daughter’s forehead. “It’s only a slight fever. It’s made her grumpy and sluggish. I thought it best to keep her out of the nursery so the others wouldn’t be struck with fever, too. I’m sorry I can’t go with you to the orphanage today.”

“It’s quite all right. Hannah will accompany me.” Laurel bent and kissed her niece’s cheek. “I hope you feel better soon.”

She and Hannah returned downstairs and informed the driver of the address. The footman assisted them into the carriage and, before long, they’d arrived. Laurel had told Hannah the orphanage was located in her former neighborhood. She could tell by the look on her friend’s face how surprised Hannah was as she took in the surroundings.

“You were very poor, weren’t you?”

“We were. But Mama loved Hudson and me so very much.”

Seeing her sister-in-law’s thoughtful expression, Laurel decided to describe her childhood in greater detail, hoping to educate Hannah and help her understand more why this work was so important.

“I only owned two gowns when I came to the St. Clairs a few months ago, Hannah. Both threadbare. And I only had two because I worked more than one job. When I was younger, I possessed only one. There was no money for more than that. I didn’t even own a pair of shoes until I was almost fifteen.”

Hannah gasped. “Oh, Laurel, how awful. I’ve already worn one dress to breakfast and changed into another to come here. I’ll wear a third for tea once we arrive home and then don my fourth for tonight’s social event. I had no idea how hard your childhood must have been.”

“It was quite difficult. Food was hard to come by because our rent claimed so much of what Mama, Hudson, and I earned. If we each had one meal a day, it was considered a luxury. Most days, we took turns eating and even then, there was little of it to be had. I’ve gone to bed hungry more often than not. At least I had a roof over my head and family who loved me. Many others in this neighborhood are not so fortunate.

“That’s why supporting this orphanage is something I care so much about. I know of children who’ve lived on the streets all their lives. Eating from mounds of garbage. Sleeping huddled against the walls of an alleyway as rats bit them. Selling their bodies to strangers, their innocence bought for a few shillings.”

Hannah’s eyes welled with tears. “I have never heard of such things, Laurel. I didn’t see anything like you speak of in the country. Even coming to London, I’ve never been exposed to such a wretched side of life.”

“I know.” Laurel took Hannah’s hand and squeezed it. “The orphanage is a refuge to so many children and the need is so great. The workers keep both it and the children neat and clean. My hope is you will take to these orphans as much as I have.” She smiled. “Are you still willing to come inside?”

Hannah nodded. “I want to learn all I can about the place and its orphans. I feel I have been quite naïve. It’s time I learned something about the real world.”

Mrs. Kinnon greeted them and Laurel introduced her to Hannah. Laurel explained how Catherine wouldn’t be able to come today, due to Delia’s fever.

“That’s quite all right, Your Grace. The children will be happy to see you.” The woman looked to Hannah. “Would you like to have a look at our facilities, Lady Hannah?”

“I would.”

Laurel accompanied them on the tour. Most of the children were in the classrooms so they stood and viewed those from the hall. A few spotted her and waved. She waved back, warmth spreading through her.

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