Page 36 of Dancing On Air

“He’s thirteen now,” Tom corrected her. “Yesterday was his birthday. We couldn’t afford to give him a present, and I think that is what caused the boy to go out and steal items from the townsfolk. He just took whatever he wanted and has no remorse for his actions.”

“Oh, I am so sorry about that,” said Eleanor. “I feel bad since I have been so distracted that I forgot it was the boy’s birthday. This is partially my fault, I fear.”

“Can you find him a new home?” asked Tom. “You would be doing me a favor.”

“You really don’t want him anymore?” Eleanor’s heart broke for the orphan. Everyone needed to be wanted, no matter how much trouble they were.

“We like having him as our son, but honestly, I don’t think Finnian is happy with us,” Tom told her. “My wife refuses to give him up, but I’m afraid if we keep him any longer, I’m going to get run out of town or go broke and put out of business, trying to bribe the other shop owners to stay quiet about Finnian’s little problem.”

“Where is Finnian now?” asked Eleanor.

“God only knows where that boy is. I can’t keep track of him and run a business too.”

“I’m sorry for all the problems, Tom. I will look into finding Finnian a new home as soon as I can. In the meantime, I’d like to purchase a chicken from you.”

“You would?” Tom made a face. “Doesn’t the abbey have their own chickens?”

“Well, yes. But most of them are egg-layers and I need one that we can eat.”

“All right. Come to the shop and I’ll get one wrapped up for you right away. God knows I can use the sale.”

Once the man walked away, Raven grabbed Eleanor by the arm. “Why are you buying a chicken? The abbey has enough of their own, and I know for a fact they aren’t all egg-layers.”

“I know. But this one is for someone else. Plus, I want to try to support Tom after all the trouble he is having with Finnian. I don’t want him to lose his business.”

“Oh, look at that rag doll in the window at the tailor’s shop,” said Lark. “I think that would be a nice present for Florie. I’m going to go buy the doll for her.”

“Raven, can you pick up some scented beeswax candles as well as some honey and a bar of soap from the chandler’s shop while I go get the chicken?” Eleanor dug into her pouch and handed her cousin a few coins.

“Are you going to tell me what this is all about?” asked Raven.

“Later. Now, hurry. I have one more stop to make before we pick up the girls.”