“Right away, your lordship.” The boy didn’t move, but watched him.
“What is it, Dodger? You can ask. I won’t be angry.”
Dodger looked about the room. “It’s just, that lady who ran out, she looked a lot like Mrs. Smith. We all like her. You like her. You said she’s a good sort.”
“That’s true.” If only she liked him, life would be perfect.
“She ran off awful upset, looking a sight.” Dodger looked down. “You didn’t, that is, you didn’t hurt Mrs. Smith in any way, did you, your lordship?” The boy looked up, eyes wide. “Only, I’ll still keep your secrets, I swear it, but I won’t be helping you if you hurt that lady.”
William smiled, though the expression felt pained. Dodger was a good sort, too. “I did no physical harm to the lady. I’m afraid I may have done some to her heart, though, and mine.”
Dodger looked confused. “Her heart? Like, love and such?”
“Exactly like love and such. You see, I love the lady. I believe she may care for me, but, at the moment, she’s very cross with me.”
Dodger made a vague gesture around the room. “Them’s a lot of hairpins for a broken heart, your lordship.”
William chuckled, then winced. “Yes, well, we may have kissed, but I assure you, that was all. I would never harm that lady. I mean to marry her.”
“You intend to marry the Widow Smith?”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that, but yes, I mean to. If she’ll have me.”
“If you say so, lordship.” Dodger shook his head, looking doubtful.
“Will you help me?”
“Yes, your lordship. I don’t think you’re the type would hurt a lady, anyhow. I wouldn’t have asked had she not looked so distressed.”
William nodded. “You’re a good lad, Dodger.”
With the boy’s help, he set to work.
