Page 86 of A Most Unlikely Lady
Ivy took Sarah’s hand into her own and squeezed. ‘I am so sorry. I should have told you before. But I will still come visit. I promise. Every week.’
A fat tear rolled down Sarah’s now splotchy cheek. ‘But it won’t be the same. Who will read stories to us at night? And protect us from men sneaking in the window? Who will take care of me if I get sick again?’ Her quavering voice rose higher with each word.
‘I don’t want a new headmistress. What if she smells of fish oil? Or beats us if we don’t get our chores done fast enough?’ Henry turned to Edward. ‘She can’t leave. You’ve got to make her stay.’
Edward put his hand on Henry’s shoulder. ‘I can’t make her do anything, nor would I ever try. But I promise we shall find the right headmistress. Someone with nary a hint of fish oil.’
‘Who will read to you every night,’ Ivy agreed, the heartbreak of Sarah making her want to take back everything she said about supporting the task force and rush to her small little room at the orphanage. ‘We promise.’
Sarah covered her face, her thin shoulders shaking with sobs. Ivy pulled her into a hug and looked helplessly at Edward. This was supposed to be a moment of triumph, but she felt terrible.
Olivia swept through the crowd, joining the tragic quartet. ‘What on earth is wrong?’
‘The children didn’t realise I would be leaving my post.’
‘You can’t leave.’ Henry’s face grew red, his eyes suspiciously bright. ‘You must stop saying it. Please.’
Help!Ivy mouthed to Olivia.
The fair beauty nodded her head. Taking Sarah’s and Henry’s hands in each of hers, she spread her lips in a bright smile. ‘Why don’t you both come with me? Cook has far too many puddings and will need some help eating them up. You’ve done such a wonderful job tonight, you deserve a special reward. You’ll feel loads better once you’ve had something to eat, and then we can discuss what to do about Miss Ivy. Trust me, darlings, all will be well.’ Pulling the children along, she swept out of the ballroom.
‘I feel awful.’ Ivy wanted to lean into Edward, but there were too many eyes on them.
‘So do I. We should have spoken with them first.’
‘It was stupid of me not to think of their shock.’
Edward clenched his jaw. ‘Stupid of us both. It’s only been a short time, but I’ve grown very fond of those two. All of the children at the orphanage. We’ll think of something. Some way to reassure them. But now, let us join the others at the refreshment table and see if our little speech drummed up any suspicious behaviour. There will be time enough to focus on the children once we’ve captured the Wolf.’
What kind of person had she become when the prospect of flushing out evil lords bent on horrific crimes improved her mood?
I’m no longer hiding in the shadows.
Nor did she want to remain alone. An idea was germinating.
What if I asked Worthington to marry me? And if he agreed, would he also be willing to take on Henry and Sarah?
It was a revelation of thought. To even imagine not only binding herself to a man for the rest of her days but adopting two children on the cusp of adulthood. Was it madness?
I don’t care. I’m not going to hide from what I want any more out of fear.
The seed of her idea propagated and grew like a vine, unfurling in her mind with endless possibilities. Providing the love and security she never experienced to two young people who had only known heartache and hardship would be a joy she could barely imagine. Guiding Sarah through the gauntlet of high society. Helping Edward mentor Henry and finding a vocation he would enjoy. What richness the two children would bring into her life. It was a shining dream, but was it one she could achieve?
It doesn’t have to hinge on Edward marrying me. I can do this on my own if I must. Mayhap I won’t be able to adopt the children, but I can hire them to work in my household if that is the only option available. If he rejects me, at least I know where I stand. I shall ask him tonight. When we are back at the orphanage. And I’m naked in his bed. Or he is naked in mine.
Some might think using her body as a tool to increase the odds of wooing him might be dishonourable, but she was going to use every weapon in her arsenal to fight for a future with Edward and the children. The thought of him refusing her was painful enough to have Ivy catching her breath as they walked around the edges of the ballroom.
‘Are you well?’ He gripped her elbow, squeezing tight.
‘Quite. It’s just these stupid slippers.’
Millie had a cup of ratafia ready for Ivy when they arrived at the refreshment table. Killian sidled up to Edward and handed him a flask.
‘You’ll thank me later.’
Philippa joined them. Her sharp gaze landed on the flask. Faster than an adder’s strike, she snatched it from Edward, unscrewed the top and took a long swallow. ‘Not bad, Killian.’ Re-capping the decanter, she tucked it into her pocket.
‘Hey!’ Edward’s mock outrage was the perfect comedic relief.
