“Why are you lot not warm inside your homes?” he demanded.
“Mavis thinks we need to be stronger and fitter to live longer, as she’s afeared we’ll die,” Miss Alvin said.
The woman would blow over in a good puff of wind.
“Well then, I’ll leave you to your madness,” he said.
“We like Miss Downing, Mungo, if our say holds any weight,” Mr. Greedy said with a smile.
“Kindred spirits meet not by chance, but by quiet design—for when the heart knows, it knows,” Mr. Alvin said.
They then all raised their gloved hands and walked on. He watched for a few minutes as Mavis herded them like ducklings.
“This street,” he muttered.
Mungo returned to 11 Crabbett Close and entered. Bram was in the parlor with Ivy, drinking tea. Lottie sat on the floor by the fire, reading a book.
“Good morning, Mungo!”
“Good morning, Lottie.” He bent to ruffle her hair.
Ivy poured him a cup of tea, and he took the seat opposite. These two knew him better than anyone. He wouldn’t lie to them.
“I’ve been to visit with your brother and check on the girls,” Bram said.
“I’d planned to go soon too,” Mungo added.
“I know you will. They’re doing well considering what they’ve been through. Your niece seems to be in good spirits, as does your brother, and they’ll come here for a meal today, we’ll talk things through,” Ram said.
“We’ll ensure those two girls are cared for also, Bram,” Mungo said.
“That we will. They will not be subjected to more pain, we’ll make sure of it. As yet, I’m unsure how, but this family will find a home for them where they can feel happy and safe.”
Mungo nodded, knowing his friend’s words were the truth, and then told him what he’d just done.
“I’ve purchased the Douglas house, and I’m going to ask Eliza to marry me.”
Ivy burst into tears and hugged him across the table.
Bram’s smile was wide. “I could not be happier, my friend, on both counts. You’ll be close and married to a woman you love. It’s all we’ve ever wished for you.”
Mungo looked into his third cup of tea for the morning, trying to find the words he wanted to say.
“I can never thank you enough for your friendship, both of you.” He looked at them then. “You gave me a home and allowed me to be part of your family, and for that I will be forever grateful. You saved me from a life of solitude.”
Ivy started weeping harder then.
“It has worked both ways, Mungo. You helped us with six broken children. Helped us to love and help them become the wonderful people they are today. Neither Ivy nor I could have done that without you.”
They meant it. He saw that in their eyes.
“Now go and tell your woman what’s in your heart, my friend,” Bram said. “And use your words—all of them.”
He found a small smile at that. Talking or expressing himself was not something Mungo excelled at. After yet more hugs from Ivy and Bram, he left.
Eliza was coming down the stairs as he started up them.
“I’m late,” she whispered. “I overslept, and?—”
