William Fitzgerald was a tall man by any account. And not only tall, but he was also lanky, willowy almost. One would take one look at him, and fear that the wind might blow him away. But William Fitzgerald always stood on the ground with both his feet planted firmly. That was partly why Alexander considered him a good man. William did not care about what others said or thought. He went about his own way when he wanted to decide, relying on objective information, rather than subjective talk and worst of all, gossip.
“Good morning to you, too, William,” Alexander approached his friend, and shook his hand cordially. “In case you have not breakfasted, perhaps I can offer some food.”
“Never mind food,” he waved his hand dismissively, a bright gold ring adorning his pinky.
Alexander knew that the ring had been in their family for generations, passed down from father to son. It was the most precious thing William owned, especially now that both his parents were gone from this world, and he was yet to find a wife. In Alexander’s humble opinion, William should have no trouble in obtaining a wife, but it did appear as if William was rather reluctant to try. Always buried in work, he avoided balls as if they were the plague, excusing himself with work, work, and more work.
Just as Alexander was about to speak to his friend, who happened to act as his attorney as well, another knock on the door interrupted them. Both men remained quiet as a short, slightly plump servant girl busied herself with setting up the teapot and teacups, immediately excusing herself upon the end of her work, leaving the two men alone once again.
“Have you something stronger than tea?” William frowned. “I have not slept very well last night. I was immersed in the latest merging of two companies, with one of the owners being a new client of mine, and I needed to set up all the necessary paperwork immediately.”
“I for one have slept splendidly,” Alexander felt as if nothing could wipe that smile off his face. And after this conversation, he hoped to be even more overjoyed.
“I can see that,” William tilted his head, as if he could not believe the sight before his eyes, and he needed to take a closer look. “Would you mind sharing the cause of it?”
“Certainly, old boy,” Alexander chuckled. “Although I think you can pretty well tell.”
“Heavens!” William gasped loudly, with a look of utter displeasure on his face. “You’re in love. Like some young maiden, all rosy-cheeked and smiling without any reason.”
Did he flush? He could not tell. He had been feeling warm all morning, but he attributed it to the general sensation of warmth that had enshrouded him ever since the previous night. Good deeds made one feel good. He knew that now.
“Not quite,” Alexander chuckled.
He liked being with Marjorie. Her laughter sounded like the chime of little angelic bells. Time spent with her made him a better man in more ways than he could ever possibly be, but love? It was too strong a word, too strong an emotion.
“What then?” William wondered, disbelieving.
“I need your help,” Alexander finally commenced with his plan.
“I can help you with any legal matters reading purchasing houses, if that is what you need help with,” William assured him. “Although if you’re in love, then you are asking for help from the wrong person. I’ve never been in love in my entire life.”
“Your time shall come, old boy,” Alexander patted his friend on the shoulder, then led his friend to the small table where the tea set was served. They sat opposite one another, and Alexander proceeded to pour them both a steaming hot cup.
“I know you will deem me mad, but hear me out first, please,” Alexander urged, sliding one teacup towards his friend, who still seemed a little suspicious regarding the circumstances in which he had been brought here.
“All right. I’m listening.”
“I never really paid much attention to the overcrowded orphanages before,” Alexander started, feeling his mind trailing off to the scene from the previous night. “These poor children are living on the streets, managing as best as they can. To save themselves, they become members of street gangs, they become thieves, or even worse. I mean, I’m certain that you’ve seen this happen.”
William was frowning. “I tend not to move about those neighborhoods. I also do not know why you are telling me all this. You want to adopt an urchin?” He made himself laugh, but Alexander wasn’t laughing.
“Not quite, but close,” Alexander corrected him. “I wish to purchase a big house somewhere in town, and set it up as an orphanage, but not the type we have now. I want this to be open for all, and never full in capacity. I want it to be a home to those who have no home, to all the dirty little, rambunctious urchins, so they know that there is a place they can always hide from the weather and have a warm bowl of soup.”
“I know that your father had such plans which never came to fruition, but when have those plans become yours?”
Alexander did not wish to admit aloud that he had forgotten all about that. His father had indeed had such plans, right before he had taken ill, and slowly, his strength gave up on him. He did not live to see it happen. But there was hope of it yet. With William’s and Marjorie’s help, Alexander was certain that he would make his father’s final wish come true.
“You remember Marjorie?”
“The orphan your father adopted?” William squinted to remember.
“Yes,” Alexander confirmed. “With the death of my father, there have been some issues regarding the division of the estate and the bestowing of the title. You know that we’ve never been that close, but we’ve been spending some time together, because I need to assure that she finds a good husband.”
“You are still not making much sense,” William shook his head. “You sent for me needing urgent assistance. Is there any particular place that has caught your fancy?”
“Oh yes,” Alexander chuckled. “I apologize. I shall cut straight to the chase, so you can return home and enjoy a proper breakfast. You see, I would like to purchase the old Miller residence.”
William’s brows knitted in confusion. The place has been devoid of an owner for over twenty years. The fire had left it barren and hopeless looking. That was exactly why Alexander wanted it for his project. He would transform it from a dilapidated construction with no purpose into a place of hope.
