Page 76 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

George was summoned and the carriage readied, Charlie riding back to the scene with them. They rode in silence, Mia heartsick.

They arrived and saw the blaze had been almost contained, though fire still burned at the north end of the building. The area where her workshop had stood was now rubble.

“Go to His Grace,” Hudson instructed Charlie. “Tell him what has occurred. Have George drive you there.”

“Yes, Mr. St. Clair.” Charlie hurried away.

Hudson turned to her. “I’m so sorry, Mia. I had no idea something like this could ever occur.” He embraced her. Being in his arms brought some comfort to her.

“I’ll just start again,” she said. “George will help me recreate what we can. I’ll certainly make copies in the future and keep them at home.”

Mr. Garson, the warehouse manager, and Mr. Willis joined them.

Willis said, “It was definitely set, Mr. St. Clair. We found evidence to that effect and also the night watchman...” His voice trailed off as he looked at Mia and sadly shook his head.

“The St. Clairs have always had enemies,” Hudson said. “We’ll need to figure out who would want to hurt us.” He looked at Garson. “What about the factory?”

“It’s fine. Production is continuing as we speak. It’s the first place I checked once the fire brigade arrived.”

“I want extra guards placed there,” Hudson instructed. “Not only during the day but surrounding the place at night.”

“Yes, Mr. St. Clair. “I’ll coordinate with the factory’s manager,” Garson promised.

“Keep me posted, Garson.”

Garson and Willis left. Mia felt such a sense of loss. It had been difficult losing her father but this was her life’s work. Still, she was young. She had a new, large place in which to conduct her experiments. More importantly, she had the love of this good man.

“It will be all right,” he assured her.

“I know it will.”

“We don’t have to move today,” he told her.

“No, I want to. It will give me something to occupy myself. I’d rather stay busy.”

He kissed her brow. “If that’s what you want.”

“I’ll have George take me home,” she said. “I know you’ll be busy here for some time.”

“Hudson! Mia!” Jeremy called as he approached them. “Thank God you are all right.” He glanced at what was left of the smoldering building. “Garson said it was arson. I’ve sent for several Bow Street Runners.”

“Good,” Hudson said. “Let me get Mia on her way home and we can talk about it.”

As they started toward the carriage, she heard a loud yowl and turned. A streak of orange bounded through the air and landed in her arms.

“Nelson!” she cried happily. “Oh, my sweet boy.” She covered his head in kisses. “You’re going to my new workspace. Or better yet, our home.” She looked apprehensively at Hudson.

He laughed and scratched the cat’s head. “I’m all in favor of Nelson coming to live with us. He’ll have dozens of rooms to explore.”

Hudson led her back to the carriage. “Send word here if you have need of me,” he said.

“I will.” Mustering a smile, she added, “Don’t forget to come home to the right house tonight.”

Hudson kissed her and handed her into the carriage. As George pulled away, Mia waved to her husband. Once out of sight, she allowed her tears to flow as she stroked the cat in her lap.

By the time they reached home, Mia saw a group of servants gathered in front, along with several wagons. She apologized, explaining that the warehouse had caught on fire and she and Hudson had been tied up there. She assured them that she wanted to continue with the move today and escorted the workers inside. With George’s help, she broke the servants into smaller groups, showing them what would need to be moved and what should remain behind.

Mia had the two women who’d come to accompany her to the bedchamber in order to pack Hudson’s things. She’d had George leave her trunks by the doorway so that streamlined their transport.

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