Page 72 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

After they’d toured the entire building, they went to Mrs. Kinnon’s office, where Laurel asked what the most pertinent needs were.

“Clothing and shoes are what come to mind first, Your Grace. Children grow so quickly. Of course, we pass down the clothes numerous times through as many children as we can but new clothing and unworn shoes would be something we’d all be grateful for.”

“I wonder,” Laurel mused. “Linfield and I haven’t hosted any kind of social event. What if we had a ball and the admittance was predicated upon donating something the children could use?”

“That is very unique, Laurel,” Hannah said. “It would also raise awareness among theton. You might gain monetary donations, as well as clothing items.”

“I will speak to my husband about it. What else?”

Mrs. Kinnon hesitated and then said, “Our teachers could use a consistent salary. Though we provide room and board here for the three of them, often there is nothing left with which to pay them.”

She thought how crowded the schoolrooms were and how many pupils those teachers were responsible for.

“I will guarantee a salary for them for the rest of the year,” she declared. “And a fourth should be hired.”

“Oh, my! Your Grace, that would be wonderful,” Mrs. Kinnon said.

“I noticed the empty lot next to the orphanage. I had an idea. What if we purchased that land and built schoolrooms there? Then you could take in more children here.”

“But... that would cost a great deal of money,” Mrs. Kinnon protested.

“My husband is a wealthy man. He also knows of my interest in the orphanage, especially since I grew up in the area. Do you know who owns the lot?”

A look of distaste came across the woman’s face. “A Mr. Farmon. He has bought quite a few places in the surrounding area.”

The pit of Laurel’s stomach went ice cold. She had never thought she would hear that name again. She told herself it didn’t matter. Anthony had a solicitor. The sale could go through him. She need never see Julius Farmon’s face again.

“I know of this man. He purchased the chandlery where I used to be employed. If we offer him the right amount, I’m sure he will sell the parcel of land. Would you like me to carry through with this?”

Tears formed in the woman’s eyes. “Please. To have so much room for the children, both for their education and taking in other orphans. It would be a blessing. Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you so much.”

“Go ahead and look for a new teacher then,” she suggested. “I will see that Linfield makes an offer on the property next door. Could we meet any day next week and discuss how to move forward? Hopefully, by then the property will have traded hands.”

“Yes. Come whenever. And bring His Grace. Oh, this is so wonderful.”

Mrs. Kinnon told them it was time for the children to have their bread and milk so she and Hannah joined them in the dining hall. Laurel saw Hannah seemed a bit standoffish at first but she soon warmed to the children. When they begged for Laurel to read to them, she readily agreed. A boy went to fetch a book and she had them gather around as they had on her first visit. With more confidence this time, Laurel read the story, another one written by Catherine, with enthusiasm.

When it came time to leave, the children hugged both her and Hannah. By now, her sister-in-law had opened up and embraced the orphans, promising to return soon.

“I see why you have grown so fond of them,” Hannah said. “They are so sweet, despite having no parents and so little in material goods. Anthony will be happy to help. I believe he would do anything to put a smile on your face.”

They told Mrs. Kinnon goodbye and left through the front door. They had almost reached the carriage when a man stepped out in front of them, blocking their path. She recognized him immediately as the one who had informed her that her and Hudson’s rent would be tripled. He held a gun in his hands and pointed it at Hannah.

“We’re going to get in your carriage. You won’t call out for help. If you do, I’ll shoot your friend here.”

Laurel knew it was no idle threat and nodded. Hannah clutched her arm.

“Do as he says.” She placed her hand over Hannah’s and led her to the carriage.

The footman was gone. No driver sat atop the vehicle. Fear filled her. The man unlatched the door and opened it wide. He nodded and another large man joined them. That one grabbed Laurel roughly by the waist and hoisted her into the coach. Hannah joined her and the man with the pistol climbed in after them.

By now, she saw her driver and footman bound and gagged, lying on the floor of the vehicle. At least they hadn’t been killed.

Yet.

Hannah scooted close to her and Laurel could feel the girl’s body trembling. She took Hannah’s hands in hers, feeling how cold they were. The carriage took off, throwing them against the cushions. The man sat opposite them, his weapon still trained on Hannah.

“Who is she?” he asked.

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