“I’ve got the interviews at Orendel House today. The earl said I was welcome after ten, and since I’ve no wish to waste any time—”
“You want to leave as soon as possible.” She stretched and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “I’m thinking of paying Melody a call. If there were any rumors attached to Lady Eleanor’s name, she’ll know of it from Lady Heathbrooke.”
“That could be helpful.”
“I’d like to check on Isak too, but I can join you at Orendel House after.”
“A fine idea.” He proceeded to dress while she took her time tending to her toilette. “I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready.”
She yawned again and waved him off, then called for her maid to assist her.
When she arrived in the dining room, Adrian was already on his last bite of toast. He stood, pulled out a chair and helped her sit, then dropped a kiss to the top of her head.
“I’m sorry,” he said, handing her the morning paper. “We can spend more time together later.”
“Of course.” She made an effort to smile. “I’m actually so tired now I doubt I’ll notice if you’re not here.”
“Don’t fall asleep with your head on your plate.” He kissed her again, wished her a pleasant day, and headed for the door just as Elks entered the room.
“Excuse me, sir, but Mr. Murdoch has come to call. He claims it’s urgent.”
Adrian pulled his shoulders back. “Right. I suppose you might as well show him in here since there’s already coffee and tea at the ready.”
Elks dipped his head and departed, and Adrian returned to his seat.
“If I recall,” Samantha said, “you mentioned Murdoch to Phelps last night when you told him where to drop off the children.”
“Precisely.” Adrian sent her a sideways glance. “He runs the largest employment agency in the City. We collaborate from time to time.”
The man Elks showed into the room shortly after was short and plump, with a very expressive face. Like a ball of energy eager to voice his opinion. “Croft. I rea—”
“Allow me to introduce my wife.” Adrian said, cutting him off.
“I…um…yes,” Murdoch blustered, a bit out of breath. He gave a quick bow. “Forgive me. Bill Murdoch. At your service. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Croft.”
Samantha dipped her chin while fighting the instinct to laugh. “Likewise, Mr. Murdoch. Would you care for some coffee or tea? There’s breakfast too, if you’re hungry.”
“No thank you. Um…” He cleared his throat, pulled out a chair, and sat at an angle, his left elbow resting on top of the table. Chin dipping, he regarded Adrian with a slight frown. “Imagine my surprise when I learned six children were dropped on my doorstep last night.”
“Didn’t Phelps knock and ask for them to be brought inside?” Adrian asked.
“Well yes, but that’s hardly the point.”
“On the contrary, it determines whether or not mycoachman requires a harsh dressing down. Dropping children on somebody’s doorstep is very different from making sure they’re brought indoors and properly cared for.” Adrian sipped his coffee. “Precision of language my dear Mr. Murdoch is very important.”
“Of course.” Murdoch inclined his head to acknowledge the truth in that statement, but the flattening of his mouth suggested his patience was being tested and that he was doing his best not to show it. “Phelps did knock on the door and wait with the children until it was opened. All he had to do was speak your name and my butler immediately took them in.”
“Good man,” Adrian murmured.
“I don’t have room for them,” Murdoch said, his exasperation beginning to show. “My house is smaller than yours. Why can’t they stay here?”
“Because it’s a bad idea for children to get caught up in my life at the moment.” He gave Murdoch a pointed look. “They’ve just been saved from a horrid existence. I believe a bit of stability might serve them better than what I can offer. Besides, it’s only temporary.”
“How temporary?”
“That depends upon you.” Murdoch’s gaze narrowed with interest and Adrian added. “I want to create a home for those children and others like them. Get them off the street and give them the education they need. Make something of them.”
Samantha watched her husband with increased fondness. She hadn’t expected this, though she probablyshould have. The lengths he’d gone to in order to save those children – what he’d done for Isak – proved he was a sensitive man with a big heart.
