Charming the Duke (8 page)

“What do you need at the bookseller, Mother?” Matilda asked.

“Books, I would wager,” Fran Sheldon replied.

Frances laid a hand on her husband’s cheek and smiled. “So very clever you are, Fran. That is exactly what I need. It’s as if you can read my mind.”

“We have an extensive library, Mother,” Matilda said. Although she privately wondered if her mother had ever ventured into that room of the house.

“I know, dear,” Frances said to Matilda. “I was there this very morning.”

Matilda waited for her mother to continue. She did not. “What were you looking for in the library? Perhaps I can help,” Matilda said.

“Why primers of course,” Frances said. “And we simply must purchase the new registry.”

What did Frances Sheldon need with an updated list of titled personage? She could quote family histories of nearly every duke and earl verbatim. Before Matilda could ask, Frances swept her husband’s arm into hers and pulled him to the door.

“The registry I used to tutor the girls is long out-dated. And, of course, I will need primers to teach the orphans how to read the registry,” Frances said.

“New primers you may need mother but a new registry will hardly be necessary for the children,” Matilda said as she followed her parents into the hallway.

“Of course I need a new registry.” Frances pulled her husband along. “The one I have says the Duke of Bancroft is Harold Raymond. Everyone knows Harold is dead.”

“No,” Francis Sheldon said in shock. “Arthur’s been Duke for years.”

Matilda followed her parents towards the entrance of Maplewood. Her mother had already called for the carriage. They turned, kissed Matilda, and swept out the door arm in arm. Her father called over his shoulder.

“Going to the booksellers, Matilda,” he said. “May miss tea.”

Chapter Seven

T
hornsby sat behind his desk busy not paying attention to the papers he shuffled. Athena was married. Married! On their honeymoon! He growled thinking about the fact that Andrew and Athena had left him. Thornsby raised his head to a knock at the door.

“Come in!”

Withrow appeared. “Your Grace? Lady Athena, pardon, sir, Mrs. Smithly left me instructions for you to meet your charges. As they are recently bathed, I believe this is the most fortuitous opportunity for you.”

“Charges?” Thornsby asked.

“Your charges.” Withrow withdrew and returned with a hand on the shoulder of two children. “Jonah and Alice Gilbert.”

Thornsby’s heart sank. The Gilbert children were now, in fact, his responsibility courtesy his sister Athena’s interference. He looked up at Withrow. “Have we managed to contact any relatives?”

“There are no relatives,” Withrow said.

“None at all?” Thornsby asked.

“Martha Gilbert was an only child. As you know her parents are long dead,” Withrow replied.

“The father’s family, perhaps?” Thornsby plied.

Withrow escorted the children into the hall. He stared mutely at his employer when he returned.

“What?” Thornsby asked.

“The father was a gadabout. One of the staff believes he may have been from Dublin, but no one really knows,” Withrow replied.

“And you did not wish to discuss this in front of the Gilbert children?” Thornsby asked.

Withrow pursed his lips and shook his head.

“You have more to say, I’m sure of it,” Thornsby said. “Out with it.”

“Not my place to judge, Your Grace.”

Thornsby looked at Withrow. The man had been with his family since before he was born. Athena often remarked that Withrow had appointed himself as the moral guardian of the Wilcox family when the late Duke and Duchess passed.

“It is quite apparent from the sour look on your face you have already passed judgment. What have I done now?” Thornsby asked.

“Seeing that the Gilbert children recently lost their mother and they undoubtedly don’t remember their father, I don’t believe it is necessary to remind them of their solitude. They are quite alone in the world and grieving.” Withrow drew himself up to his full six feet. “And have questions Mrs. Plumsbly and I are unable to answer.”

“What kind of questions, Withrow?”

“The kind that only a guardian can answer, Your Grace.”

      Withrow had managed to deliver a stern lecture without raising his voice. And it was, indeed, a set down. He’d been off worrying about his inheritance and wandering about town without the least thought for the two children standing outside of his door even though they, through no action of his own, were his responsibility.

“Bring them in, Withrow.”

“Certainly, Your Grace.”

Withrow returned with his hand on a shoulder of each child. The butler leaned close to the children and spoke quietly. He turned to leave with a nod to Jonah and Alice Gilbert.

Thornsby surveyed the Gilbert children. They seemed small on the other side of his desk and frightened as well. He stood and both children took a step back.

“Now, now. No need to be afraid. I am the Duke of Thornsby and your guardian as well. I’m going to see to it that you are well taken care of.”

“Mrs. Plumsbly’s been doing just fine,” Alice said.

Thornsby’s brows rose. Seemed as though Withrow wasn’t the only one in the household that found his absence lacking. “I’m sure she has. But she has left to attend her . . .”

“Mr. Withrow watched us since she left,” Alice interrupted.

Thornsby cocked his head. “How old are you Alice?”

“Eight.”

“And you, young man?” Thornsby asked.

The chubby boy held up five fingers. “My birthday is coming soon.”

“Is it? How very nice, Jonah.” The Gilbert children were staring at him. He really hadn’t any notion of what he was to do or say.

“I can help in the kitchens sir,” Alice said.

“I imagine you could, Alice.”

“And tend the fires,” Alice added.

“I don’t employ children,” Thornsby said firmly. He smiled his friendliest smile. “I must decide what direction your future will take.”

“Where will you send us, sir?” Alice asked. She held her head high and pulled her brother tight against her side.

Thornsby sat on the edge of his desk. What did one do with children who had no mother or father? Orphans. An orphanage, that’s where! And he happened to know of one being built this very instant.

“Children! I know of an orphanage that will be the perfect place for you,” Thornsby said. He wondered silently if Matilda Sheldon would slam the door in his face. Certainly the woman wouldn’t turn away two homeless children. “I’ll make arrangements for you two to see it this week.”

Alice led her brother from the room. Thornsby was congratulating himself for his quick thinking. If he had to face the Sheldon woman, so be it. Wasn’t such a bad face after all. His head came up to a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Thornsby called.

“Your Grace. I was wondering if you would mind if I asked Cook to pack some fruit and cheese for the Gilbert children to take with them,” Withrow asked.

“Where are they going?” Thornsby asked as he stood. “Too late to call on the orphanage now.”

Withrow left the door to his study open and walked away. Thornsby imagined that was his cue to follow. In the entranceway of his home Alice Gilbert struggled with the ornate knob to the front door and a sack over her shoulder. Jonah stood at her side.

“Where are you going?” Thornsby called. “What are you carrying there?”

“Just Jonah and my spare clothes and a book of my mothers. Nothing of yours, sir,” Alice Gilbert replied.

“But where are you going with your spare clothes?” He eyed the cloth sack over the girls’ shoulder. Apparently it held all their worldly possessions.

Alice dropped her hand from the door and held her brother’s shoulder. “We’re not going to an orphanage. And you won’t let me work here. We’ll make our way on our own.”

“Withrow! Whatever does she mean?”

“Miss Gilbert has been informed by her late mother that most orphanages split siblings up. Those that can be apprenticed out and those only old enough to work inside of the orphanage. She has no intention of being separated from her brother,” Withrow replied.

“And if you don’t let me earn my keep here, there’s no way for me to get food and clothes,” the girl added, lips trembling.

Alice Gilbert at that moment had a remarkable resemblance to his sister Athena. Not in looks, perhaps, but in the set of her chin and with the will of her words. And Thornsby did not doubt for
one second
that Athena would not have let her younger brother be separated from her in the same circumstances. Thornsby felt small and cruel and knew he had handled these children in a thoughtless manner. They were alone in the world, and he’d done nothing to reassure them. He walked to them and bent down on one knee.

“Listen to me, children,” Thornsby said as he laid a hand on each of their shoulders. “You will not be split up. Ever. You will not have to worry about food and clothes.”

Thornsby looked from the boy to the girl. Jonah wiped his nose on his sleeve and took a deep breath. Alice, however, wouldn’t let herself believe. He could see it in her eyes.

“Miss Matilda Sheldon is opening a brand new orphanage in a lovely house. I don’t know her well, but even with a short acquaintance, I am positive she is too kind and decent to take your brother away from you, Alice.”

Thornsby did know Matilda was kind and decent. He knew it instinctively. She was no simpering miss worried about society and its rules. Nor appearances. Matilda Sheldon was startlingly refreshing amidst a sea of women concerned only about their wardrobe or the title of their betrothed. He didn’t doubt for a moment that had Matilda Sheldon been in love with the tradesman he saw her with that day she would have married him.

“I will never let anyone separate you from your sister, Jonah. Do you understand?” Thornsby asked.

Jonah nodded and his lip quivered. “When do we gotta go?”

These children were raising a lump in his throat. The boy was staring at him so beseechingly he would have sworn it was Andrew as a child. Thornsby tugged Jonah onto his knee and patted the boy’s back in what he hoped was a comforting manner.

“You’ve had quite a few changes recently, haven’t you, Jonah?” The boy nodded and leaned his head onto Thornsby’s shoulder.

“Yes, sir.”

Thornsby glanced at Withrow. The butler raised his brows. Thornsby looked at Alice. The girl was still unconvinced.

“I’d have to meet this woman myself.” Alice stood straight.

Thornsby barely repressed a grin. “I would be happy to make the introductions. I’m sure you’ll agree Miss Sheldon is everything I’ve said.”

Thornsby began to unfold his legs to stand. Jonah Gilbert’s arms flew around his neck, and Thornsby found himself holding the boy to his chest. He felt sticky fingers touch the back of his neck.

“Where are the children sleeping?” Thornsby asked Withrow.

“In the room beside mine, sir.”

“Isn’t that very small?”

“Yes, it is sir.”

“Are there two beds?” Thornsby asked.

“Jonah doesn’t sleep good if he’s alone. We do fine with one bed,” Alice said.

“Get the footman to the attic, Withrow, and get a dresser and whatnot for their room,” Thornsby said.

“Very good, sir. Mrs. Plumsbly had it cleaned well before she left. But it is a bit bare,” Withrow replied.

Thornsby moved Jonah from one shoulder to the other. The child was heavier than he looked and gave no indication of wanting down. Thornsby dropped his tired arm, hoping to get some blood flowing again and felt the touch of a hand on his. Alice Gilbert looked up at him as she tightened her grip.

“Call for the carriage, Withrow. I don’t imagine it’s too late in the day to do some shopping for clothes for these two,” Thornsby said. Withrow’s eyes widened. “Yes, yes. You’re thinking that Lady Athena or Mrs. Plumsbly would be better suited for the task. I agree. But they are not here. Get our cloaks, Withrow.”

“Our cloaks, Your Grace?”

“You’re coming. Don’t try and squirm out of it,” Thornsby said.

Thornsby was certain he’d never been more exhausted and happy to see his home after the shopping excursion. He’d had no idea what to purchase for Alice, so he bought everything that looked suitable. Withrow had questioned the purchase of a small pink satin gown, and Thornsby had shrugged. The girl’s eyes lit up, and her hand reached out to touch the fabric and pulled back just as quickly. It was a dress for a gentleman’s daughter, and Alice Gilbert knew her place in the world. The dress wasn’t for the daughter of servant. And that was exactly why Thornsby bought it and the matching shoes as well. Jonah was easier. But still after small clothes, dresses, pants, shoes, coats and nightclothes, Thornsby was ever so glad to see Winterbourne in view. Footman carried their purchases as Withrow carried Alice and Thornsby carried Jonah, both asleep. Dinner, ices and the carriage ride had nearly lulled him to sleep as well.

* * *

Matilda was scrubbing windows on the second floor of the orphanage when she heard a “Hellooooo” followed by her mother’s and sister’s chattering as they came up the stairs.

“In here, Mother,” Matilda called.

“Whatever are you doing?” Frances said from the doorway.

“Cleaning,” Matilda said as she dipped a rag in the wash water.

“Owwee,” Alexandra said and shuddered as she peered over her mother’s shoulder.

Juliet crossed the room and grimaced as she picked a cobweb from the scarf covering Matilda’s hair. “But where are the servants?”

“There are no servants yet, Juliet. I’ve hired a Mrs. Brewer to cook. And Mr. Small to do repairs and handle the fires and such, but neither starts until next week when Jack is finished with the repairs.”

And even then Matilda wondered when they would have time to do any extra tasks. Two ministers had stopped by the day before asking when she would be ready to open her doors. Matilda worried the bedrooms would be full before she could get additional staff hired. She heard the brass knocker pound on the front door.