Page 62 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Chapter Nineteen

Laurel joined Catherinein the Everton ducal carriage.

“I’m so glad you could come with me today,” her sister-in-law said. She indicated a large stack of boxes on the coach floor. “I stopped by Evie’s and picked up scones for the children.”

Laurel had eaten scones a few days ago when she and Anthony had attended Catherine’s reading.

“Having tried Mrs. Stinch’s and Mrs. Baker’s baked goods recently, I can vouch that the children will be delighted with these treats.” She chuckled. “And I saw Luke took several with him.”

Her brother had come in to London for the day to support Catherine and make sure everything ran smoothly at the bookstore reading. Everyone had eagerly asked about Caroline’s condition. Luke had told them they were enjoying the last bit of peace and quiet before the storm of the new baby’s cries filled the halls.

“He does relish eating anything the two women make,” Catherine agreed.

“He’s going to make a wonderful father,” Laurel said.

“I believe he will. Who would have guessed London’s biggest rogue would make one of its best husbands and fathers?”

“Luke... was a rogue?” she asked, startled by the comment.

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I have always adored Luke. From the moment we met, he was charming and amiable. But yes, he left a string of broken hearts and had a bevy of mistresses.” Catherine smiled. “It merely took the right woman coming along to settle him down. They do say reformed rakes make the best husbands.”

“He certainly adores Caroline.”

“He does. I am glad he was able to change and grow into the man we now know.”

Laurel wondered if Luke could change so much, could Anthony do the same?

They arrived at the orphanage she had walked past so many times over the years. As she stood on the sidewalk, she looked at the neighborhood she’d grown up in with new eyes. It hadn’t been so long since she’d left here yet it seemed ages ago. Despite its short distance from Mayfair, these streets were a different world from the one she now inhabited. She determined to use her position to do all she could for its residents, especially the children she would soon meet.

They entered, one footman carrying the boxes of scones and another loaded with something unknown to her. Laurel asked what they contained.

“Those are copies of my latest book,” Catherine explained. “Books are a precious commodity. When I come to the various places and read my work to the children, I give them a copy to call their own. I’ve brought dolls and the like in the past wherever I go but the children seem to appreciate books most of all.”

“Good morning, Your Grace.”

Laurel turned and saw a woman approaching, her brown hair starting to turn to gray. She looked to be about forty years of age and had a kind face.

“Mrs. Kinnon, it’s a pleasure to see you again. May I introduce to you my sister-in-law, the Duchess of Linfield.”

Laurel offered the woman her hand, seeing the surprise that brought.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Your Grace.”

“Mrs. Kinnon runs the house,” Catherine explained. “I’ve brought scones for the children. Perhaps you could show the duchess around while I distribute them.”

“Very good, Your Grace.”

Laurel was led on a tour of the building. There were separate dormitory rooms for boys and girls and a large room with numerous cribs for babies. She went to one and leaned over, seeing a baby sleeping peacefully.

“They come to you this young?” she asked.

“All ages do. The babies are found on our doorstep. Sometimes with a note revealing their name but more often not. Mothers too young or too poor and desperate to raise them.”

Next, she saw the schoolrooms. Mrs. Kinnon told Laurel that it was easier to educate the children on the property. When sent to a public school, the orphans were often belittled and made fun of. Too many fights had occurred and too many never wanted to return so keeping the orphans in one place for their schooling made the most sense. She met the three teachers, all young and earnest. Two had grown up in this very orphanage. Last, she saw a large playroom.

“This space is new,” Mrs. Kinnon said with pride. “Her Grace insisted that play is important for young children. All the toys, books, and puzzles you see come from the Duke and Duchess of Everton.”

“I grew up in this neighborhood,” Laurel revealed.

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