Page 114 of A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets 1)

Mr. Harvey’s eyes darted towards Pratt before saying, “I would like to apologize for attempting to rob ye.”

“A man will do just about anything to care for his family,” Baldwin stated.

“Aye, milord.”

Baldwin gave him a pointed look. “However, I would strongly encourage you not to squander this opportunity by doing something so foolhardy again.”

“I will not,” Mr. Harvey asserted.

“I am pleased to hear that,” Baldwin said.

Pratt spoke up. “If you will excuse us, John is set to meet with the head gardener to begin work for the day.”

Baldwin watched as they departed from the room before he brought the newspaper back up. He had just finished reading an article when his sister walked into the room.

“Good morning,” Jane greeted.

Baldwin lowered the paper. “Good morning.”

Jane stepped over to the buffet table and piled a plate high with food. “I thought I would eat breakfast with you this morning.”

“Wonderful,” he said as he brought the paper back up.

Coming to sit to his right, Jane asked, “Is there anything interesting in the morning newspaper?”

“Not particularly,” he admitted. “It was announced that Lord Desmond is having a rally to garner support for his bill.”

“Are you in support of the bill?” Jane inquired.

“I am not,” he responded. “I am in support of workhouses in the rookeries, but I do not believe the Home Office should take over the responsibilities of overseeing them.”

Jane placed her napkin onto her lap. “Then how do you suggest they be funded?”

“As they always have,” Baldwin replied. “By the parishes that they are located in.”

“But the parishes are unable to handle the growing number of poor people living in their borders.”

“That may be true, but they can also join together to form unions to share the costs associated with the workhouses.”

Jane nodded. “Those are known as Gilbert Unions. Thus, by creating large groups they are in a position to establish larger workhouses. Sadly, this was not implemented very well.”

Baldwin looked at her in surprise. “You are remarkably well informed.”

“I don’t know why you seem so surprised,” Jane remarked as she reached for her fork. “I read the newspaper nearly every morning.”

“I hadn’t realized you would be interested in reading the morning newspaper.”

“And why not?” she asked.

Baldwin folded the paper and placed it on the table. “My apologies,” he said. “I think it is commendable that you read the newspaper.”

“Thank you,” Jane replied as a footman placed a cup of chocolate in front of her. “I couldn’t help but notice that you and Madalene appeared rather close last night at the ball.”

Baldwin stiffened. “Why do you say that?”

“After dancing the waltz, you disappeared with her into the gardens for quite some time,” Jane shared, a smile on her face.

“You need not worry about propriety,” he started, “we were chaperoned by Miss Dowding’s companion the entire time.”

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