“You tease me.”
“I do.”
Janelle looked out the window. “Oh. Are we going to Duck’s Row?”
He raised his eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, it was the first place I visited this morning. It has stuck with me all this time. Have you been here?”
The look she gave him was a strange one. He wondered what it meant. “I have been here, yes. This is the land you were thinking of purchasing?”
“It’s one of them. But I felt the most at home here.”
Janelle nodded, looking out the window. “It makes me feel good here. I’m glad you wanted to come here.”
“Shall we get out and walk for a spell? It will be dark soon and we will need to head back.”
“Yes. Let’s.”
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER NINE
JANELLE’S CHILDREN
JANELLE’S CHILDREN
They stepped out of the carriage. It was half past four and soon the sun would be setting. Clouds had covered the sky, leaving it darker than normal for that early in the afternoon. Allan left the carriage first and when he gave his hand to her to help her step down, he didn’t want to let it go. She let him hold it for an extended period before gently pulling it away.
“So you were here this morning?” She asked, turning to walk down the rock pathway that followed the side of the road. The sidewalk was made of small white rocks that had been beaten down to approximately the same size. Janelle was not fond of walking on the small rocks when she was wearing high heeled boots or shoes. She wore slippers when she came to this land for the sole reason of not having to walk on the white rocks in high heeled shoes.
She noticed when Allan walked next to her only inches away. He was so close, she was sure she could feel his body heat. Her eyes settled on the house filled with little children. She felt warm throughout her body.
“Yes, this is a beautiful area.”
“If you were to purchase this land,” Janelle said, unfolding her umbrella and holding it over her head, though there was no rain nor sun to block out. “What would you do with the existing buildings? There are a few farms that come with it, plus the orphanage.” She glanced up at him. His eyes were fixed on the children’s home.
“I wouldn’t do a thing.”
“You would be purchasing those places along with the land, you know. Will you make the people move out of their homes? Are you willing to assume the responsibilities of the orphanage? It must be run somewhat like a business, you know. A business where you are obligated to feed and clothe many children that aren’t your own? They need to keep warm at night and have fun toys to play with and schoolbooks to learn with. Will you supply these things for them?”
Allan listened to her spell out what it would mean if he bought this land. The responsibility wasn’t the problem. But the thought of the money that would be needed to fund the operation being nowhere to be found did frighten him. He had ideas in mind, ways to expand on the land, build it up and make it prosperous. His plans wouldn’t include tearing down or eliminating the orphanage. He wanted to build on it and make it better than it was. He hadn’t been inside yet. It might not need any work. The land was currently owned by the Duke and Duchess. Allan knew they would not let such a facility become downtrodden or in ruins, especially with the children living there.
“You make it sound very negative, miss. I don’t see it as a negative thing.”
“You are willing to let the people stay?”
He smiled at her. “Of course I would. To do otherwise would be unthinkable. One of the aspects that I admire most about this particular parcel of land is that it is home to an orphanage filled with children.”
“Would you like to go in and visit?”
“That would be nice. You have been here before?”
She smiled at him. “Yes, I have.”
They walked together to the front door. When Allan lifted his hand to knock, he was surprised to see Janelle gently push his hand down. She reached for the knob and opened the door. He followed her into the building. The front foyer was clean and smelled like flowers. To the right, an open door showed him a room filled with toys of all kinds, a rocking horse, wooden animals, books, balls and dolls. To his left, another open door showed him a kitchen that was fit for small children. The chairs and tables were miniature. Small plates and cups were placed around the surface of the table.
“They must be in the back.” Janelle walked past the set of stairs that led to the second floor, going down the hallway that led to the back of the building. Allan followed her. Everything she was doing had caught him by surprise.
Janelle opened the back door and stepped out onto the small deck. The children and the plump little woman were in the yard. The children were chasing each other through the grass, yelling and laughing, fully involved in the game they were playing. The woman was standing to the side watching, her arms folded over her chest.
Allan looked at Janelle. She was gazing at the children with a smile on her face. He moved his eyes back to the children. When one of them spotted the two of them standing on the deck, she shrieked and threw her little arms up in the air.
“Janny!” She screamed, drawing the attention of the rest of the children. “Janny! Janny!”
In seconds, there was a flood of children heading toward them. Allan took a step back but Janelle stepped forward into the crowd, leaning to pick up the little girl that had noticed her.
“Sweet little Becky, how are you? Johnny, Danny, Alice. You are all looking very happy this morning.”
“We’re happy to see you, Miss Jan, what are you doing here so late in the day?”
“Yes, Miss Jan, what are you doing here so late in the day?” Janelle laughed and patted the little boy on the head who had repeated the question.
“I came for a visit with a friend of mine.”
The little plump woman had approached with the children. Her face was bright and friendly, though she cast a few skeptical glances at Allan. “Lady Janelle. How are you today?” She asked.
“I am well, Mrs. Bell. How are you?”
“We are all doing fine today. We are getting our exercise before dinner and bed.”
“But it’s a long time before bed, Miss Jan!” Danny said, his brown eyes flashing in the sunlight.
“It’s a long time before bed!” Shawn, who had been named after the Duke, repeated Danny once again.
Janelle looked up at Allan. “Children, this is my friend, Viscount Allan Gray from Australia. Say hello to the Viscount.”
“Hello, my lord.” Their voices rang like a chorus when they greeted him.
“Hello, children. I hope to get to know all of you very well!”
“The Viscount is thinking of buying this land and the orphanage, too. Isn’t that wonderful?” Janelle noticed the instant worried look that crossed Mrs. Bell’s face. She shook her head, patting the older woman on the shoulder just before setting the little girl she had picked up back down on the ground. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Bell. He isn’t going to change anything here, if he does choose to buy it.”
Mrs. Bell moved narrow eyes to Allan. “I hope you understand these children will become yours when you buy this property. Duke Worthington always takes wonderful care of them. He is very proud of them and the work that we are doing to help these children.”
“I do understand.” Allan nodded. “You need not worry. I have no plans to change anything, as the Lady mentioned. I would not put sweet children out on the street.”
“That is good to hear. I love them, I don’t want to see any harm come to them.”
“Of course not. I completely understand.”
“Would you like to have dinner with us? I believe we have enough for two extra mouths, even if they are adult mouths.” Mrs. Bell smiled at him. He looked at Janelle. She nodded at him.
“We mustn’t eat much, though, Mrs. Bell,” she said, putting one hand on the shoulder of one of the bigger boys. “We have plans at the Worthington Mano
r tonight.”
“I’m sure they will eat much later than we.” The woman responded. “Come along, children, let’s wash our hands and faces. We will eat dinner early tonight.”
“Oh but does that mean we have to go to bed early, too, Mrs?” Danny asked. While there were at least ten or eleven children there, it seemed Danny was always the first to speak up.
“No, no. I will read you a long bedtime story and perhaps we will have a short playtime before bed, as well.”
“Oh thank you, Mrs.!”
The children swarmed around them, going past them into the house. They waited for all of them to be inside before following them in. Mrs. Bell brought up the rear.
Once they were inside, the children started to talk a great deal more. Without hesitation, they went up the stairs and soon the adults could hear water splashing as they poured it into the basins and used cloths to wash their hands and faces.
“They are very responsible, aren’t they?” Allan’s eyes were on the ceiling as if he could see through it to where the children were cleaning up.
“I do my best.” Mrs. Bell smiled.
“You do a wonderful job. I assure you, you have nothing to worry about if I buy this land.”
“Does it interest you enough? I’m sure you have had the opportunity to see many parcels of land to purchase.”
He nodded, walking into the kitchen with the women. He noticed that there were only two adult-sized chairs and remained standing to let them sit. Mrs. Bell shook her head and gestured to one of the chairs. “I will be preparing dishes, my lord, please feel free to sit down.”
“Why thank you, Mrs. Bell, my feet are asking me to sit down, I must say.”
The ladies laughed softly.
“I’ll help you, since I’m here.”
“That is appreciated, miss.”
Janelle nodded to her and went directly to the cupboard, where a large basket sat, covered by a clean cloth. She removed the cloth and began to take out biscuits, setting them on the cloth, which she had laid out on the counter next to the basket. When Mrs. Bell opened the door of the iron stove, reaching in with a poker and stoking the fire inside, Allan’s nose was met with the distinct scent of baking ham. A large pot hanging inside the stone fireplace gave off the smell of boiled potatoes.
“The children will have a good dinner tonight.”
Mrs. Bell nodded. “Duke Worthington always makes sure the children are eating as well as his own would eat. He sends over the finest cuts of meat and we always have a stock of potatoes and rice. We are never in need of anything.”
“That is very noble.”
“The Duke is one of the finest men I’ve ever met.” Mrs. Bell leaned over to tend to the potatoes. “He cares for everyone.”
“So it seems.”
“Are you staying at the Manor, my lord?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then you will soon find out what a gentleman he is. And the Lady Duchess. We could not have asked for a finer Duchess. He chose well.”
Allan looked over at Janelle. She was beaming with pride, though her eyes were still on the biscuits, which she was transporting to the table in the cloth and placing one on each plate.
“May I help in some way? Is there anything I can do?”
Mrs. Bell smiled at him. “If you would like to pour milk into their cups, that would be lovely.”
“I certainly will.” He stood up, glad to have something to do to help the women ready the table for the children.
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER TEN
EMILINE REVEALS A SECRET
EMILINE REVEALS A SECRET
Emiline peered at the cloth, flipped it and looked closely at the one underneath. She didn’t have the money to purchase a new dress but she didn’t want anyone else to know that. She looked up at the seamstress.
“This is a lovely fabric.”
“Yes, my lady. It is. Would you like a fitting?”
“I will consider it. I must consult with my brother before I make any purchases. He is very stingy with his money.”
“I understand, miss.”
“Do you have anything in purple?”
“We do. We have this, which is a lighter color and this one over here, which is a darker color with a bit of red tint to it. Do you see how it seems to shimmer and change color in the sunlight?”
Emiline was impressed. She wanted the fabric immediately and wanted to have a dress made. But she knew that they didn’t have the money.
“How long do you think you will have this fabric in stock? I would like a dress made from it.”
“We keep our fabrics in stock until they have been bought out. I cannot give you an answer to that question because I cannot predict how quickly it will go. However, I can tell you that this particular fabric is of the finest quality, it is easy to work with for a seamstress and is a unique and vibrant color. I believe it will sell quickly. If you would like a gown made from it, I would suggest that you purchase it now. We can do a fitting and hold the dress until you are able to pay for it.”
Her generosity surprised Emiline. She wasn’t used to the friendly nature the woman had. Many seamstresses running their own shops – and even those with men in charge – were rarely open to giving any type of line of credit.
“What is it that you need, Miss Emiline?” A male voice behind her made both women turn to see Steven.
“Lord Miner! What are you doing here?”
“I saw you through the window. You look distraught.”
Emiline shook her head. “Not distraught. I saw this lovely fabric and would like to have a dress made but I don’t think Allan will give me the money for it. This kind lady has offered to give me a fitting and have a dress made to put on hold until I am able to purchase it.”
“That is very generous of you.” Steven nodded, giving the woman a friendly look. “I am Lord Steven Miner. And your name?”
The woman blushed furiously and curtsied. “Yes, Lord Miner. It is a pleasure to have you in my store. I am called Angelia.”
Steven held out his hand. Shyly, Angelia placed hers in it and her blush intensified when he kissed her hand. “Please do give the lady a fitting and make the dress. I will be glad to pay for it.”
Emiline gasped. “Steven…Lord Miner, that is quite munificent. I do not normally accept charity but for a dress this lovely, I may have to change my mind.”
Steven laughed. “Of course you will, sweet miss.”
Emiline turned to give Angelia a dark look. Angelia was surprised for a moment and backed away slightly. “I will prepare the fitting room, miss.” She turned on her heel and left without another word.
“My, my, miss Emiline. You certainly gave her an evil look.”
“Do you think it is appropriate for you to be so open with our friendship, Steven? What if it gets back to my brother?”
“Allan doesn’t have an inkling who I am, Emiline. He will not understand the nature of our business together until we are open with him about it.”
“You seem to desire revealing it to the entire world. I don’t know if that is a good idea.”
“Do you want the dress?”
“You know that I do.”
“Then you should cease protesting and take it.”
“I didn’t know you had that kind of money.”
Steven gave her a disdainful look. “What do you think I do with the artifacts we have gathered in the last three years? Store them away so that I can look at them? I have sold the vast majority to the highest bidder. It is the way of thieves, you know.”
Emiline looked uncomfortable. She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped the fingers of one hand against her arm. “I do not like to be called a thief.” She grumbled.
Steven raised his eyebrows and shook his head. “Emiline, what is the appropriate word for a person who procures items that do not belong to her? Logic surmises the word is ‘thief’.”
“I still do not like it.”
“I
am sorry. Now, do you want to be fitted for the dress? I believe Angelia will be ready for you whenever you go into the fitting room.”
“What are you going to do with your day?”
He smiled. “Spend it with you, I’m assuming. Where is your brother?”
“He went on an afternoon carriage ride with Janelle Dowling. I told you he was going to woo her. I am sure he desires her. How will you manage to get into the Dowling estate without courting the only daughter that is not yet married?”
“I will find a way. She is not married to him yet. I believe I can manage to, at the very least, befriend her.”
“It is a shame that the artifact is not in Worthington Manor. That is where I am staying.”
“Yes, I am aware.”
“Tell me more about what we are looking for. Perhaps it has been moved to Worthington Manor. I can look around.”
“I do not see why it would have been. We are looking for a bronze sculpture of an elephant.”
“What is it that makes the sculpture valuable?”
“A prince in Egypt worships elephants. This particular elephant is special. It has a ruby embedded in its belly.”
Emiline’s eyes opened wide. “A ruby?”
Steven gave her a furtive look. “Yes. And you are not allowed to keep it. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the ruby might be. You will keep your hands off it. It will bring us a good price.”
“I said nothing about keeping the elephant.”
“You will not keep the elephant or the ruby.”
“Don’t you trust me, Steven?” Emiline gave him a seductive look. He shook his head and lowered his voice.
“I have not been given a reason to trust you when it comes to money or artifacts of value, Emiline.”
“I have never stolen anything from you.”
“That does not mean you will not try.”
She stuck out her bottom lip in a pout that Steven found attractive. He pushed away the feeling and frowned.
Regency Romance: Loving The Reluctant Viscount (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Regency Romance & Mystery) Page 7