Standing, Thomas shrugged at her expression of regret. “Don’t worry, I’ll get over it. I shall see you at dinner. And please, Dilly, if you can, put in a good word for Constance and me with the Westings, I think you’re right about that going a long way to opening doors.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
They were finallygoing to the Westings as an engaged couple. Adelia was excited by that, but more so by the seeds of an idea that had planted themselves in her brain. She was a little worried about telling Owen but decided to brave his displeasure. After all, even when upset, he was the calmest, most peaceful man she knew.
Though he had gone to hear Beaumont’s sentence, he had not gone to the hanging.
When Owen had taken her to meet his parents—good people to whom something unthinkably awful had happened—they’d greeted her warmly and shown real enthusiasm for their son’s betrothed and his upcoming marriage.
At dinner in their home, however, Adelia had faltered upon seeing an extra setting at the table, realizing they kept it laid for Sophia.
She hoped the execution of their daughter’s killer had helped, but she feared despite having answers, they continued floundering in the emptiness of their home.
“I have an idea,” Adelia said as soon as she was ensconced in Owen’s carriage, absolutely throwing all propriety to the wind by not taking Penny. Engaged couples had strict rules, but since she was an orphan and he, a reformed rake, she decided they would break them and have no chaperone at all.
The wheels had barely started turning when Owen leaned forward and kissed her, a long, thorough kiss that curled her toes in her pretty satin dinner slippers.
When he finally let her breathe, he asked, “What is your wonderful idea?”
She took a deep breath. “I did not say wonderful. It may be utterly beyond the pale. You may discount it at once, and I would understand.”
“Tell me.”
“Lady Jane’s orphans,” she said. “There are so many who could use a good, clean home and the bright future which your parents could provide.”
He sat back, looking stunned.
Into the silence, Adelia tilted her head. “Are you offended?”
“No, of course not,” he insisted, taking hold of her hand. “Only annoyed I hadn’t thought of it. Truthfully, even when I went with Jane into one of her orphanages, the idea never crossed my mind. Perhaps because Sophia’s death had been too fresh. But now…” he trailed off, looking pensive.
Encouraged by his reaction, she added, “I suggest it only because your parents are young, and the hole in their hearts may not be filled by the mining company or by friends. But if they could literally change the lives of some youngsters, hopefully come to love them, perhaps—”
“Perhaps they would heal and find purpose again,” Owen agreed. “It is as if they had a goal in seeing their daughter reach her fruition, meaning a good marriage and children, even more than they did with me. And with that gone, they are at a loss as to what their lives are for. I’m simplifying, of course, but more children in the house, especially for my mother, would give her the chance to fuss over someone and guide him or her.”
Adelia told him what Lady Jane had told her. “There are so many orphans between the ages of seven and fourteen who do not get adopted. They have left their cute infancy and toddler years behind, and prospective parents overlook the older ones as if it is too late to make a difference. Sadly, they must wait until their childhood is over, at which time, they are sent into servitude or apprenticeship.”
He ran a hand through his hair, messing up the work of his valet. “You are being so kind to my family after everything I did.”
“I know you didn’t act maliciously. And my brother will come to understand that and, hopefully, won’t want to throttle you every time he sees you.”
Owen couldn’t help but chuckle. “I shall put it to my parents gently and see how they react.”
“That’s a good idea. Maybe Lady Jane can suggest a suitable child.”
*
Many hours later,when they returned to his townhouse for a nightcap, Owen reached for her.
“You are an incredibly considerate woman. I am so glad you’re mine. Have I told you that?”
“Am I yours?” she asked teasingly, ducking away from his touch.
With a roar, he grabbed for her, yanking her against him, making her squeal with excitement.
“I never thought I would want a strong man touching me. But your strength is all controlled and never brutal,” she said.
“Are you saying that merely because you hope by placating me, I shallnotscoop you up and toss you onto the bed?”
