“It comes and goes. Reckon I’ve had it fer a while, now,” he answered, coughing into his shoulder. “The lady what rescued me tried to take care of it, too.”
“I will speak to Miss Nora about it,” Colin said, more for himself than for the boy. He would ensure a doctor saw Benjamin. That was something he could help with—and he knew the perfect doctor for these children. He should speak with Nora about it first, aware that he wanted her approval.
Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew his watch. It was almost nine o’clock. Colin looked around and realized Nora had already left the room. He had become so absorbed by Benjamin that he had failed to notice that the children had cleaned the room and prepared for their next activity. The discipline the women had instilled in these children, in such a short time, astounded him. He needed to take care of something.
“Benjamin, I have enjoyed talking with you and I look forward to spending more time in your company on my next visit.”
“Thank you, sir!” he said, leaning down to scoop up a brush he had dropped.
On his way out of the orphanage, Colin saw Amos Woods. “Would you inform Miss Mason I plan to be back in an hour? And could you see that Mrs. Simpkins gets this note?” He wanted the afternoon to be perfect and felt sure the woman would help him with a few items.
“Yes, my lord.” He heard the door click shut behind him.
Colin strode towards the stables and met his carriage, clearly startling his coachman, who had not expected to take him anywhere until ten.
“I wish to make a quick trip,” he explained to the man, who, with the groom, scrambled to the coach.
“Very good, my lord. Where will we be going?” the groom asked, opening the door for him.
“Do you know where I may buy flowers and some confectionery in a hurry?” Colin directed the question to both men before he stepped into the carriage.
“I know just the place, my lord. ’Tis but a step from here,” Gerard, the driver, returned before climbing into his seat. The groom closed the door and climbed aboard. Colin closed his eyes and settled back against the black leather squabs. He hoped he had enough time.
The sleek black carriage maintained a slow, yet steady pace to allow the coachman to navigate the cobble-stoned streets safely. Colin noticed the flower carts before he saw the small confectionery just beyond them.
This spot is perfect! He raised his cane to tap on the roof, whereupon the carriage stopped.
“My lord, I think you will find what you need here,” the coachman remarked with a grin. “’Tis my mother’s pastry shop. She makes the best marzipan in London.”
“Your mother? This establishment belongs to your family?”
“Yes, my lord,” Gerard replied, tipping his hat.
“How marvelous that you have brought me here! I have not had sweets in an age. I shall keep this confectionery in mind for future events, Gerard!”
Fifteen minutes later Colin came out with several packages tucked under his arm and a bag. Using his free hand, he purchased a large posy of yellow roses from a sidewalk cart vendor. Colin felt pleased with his purchases and happy that he had managed them so quickly.
“Your mother also had biscuits covered with nonpareils and taffy! I think I may have bought her entire stock. The children will be besotted with it!” He handed the flowers to his groom and arranged the packages, before reaching for the flowers.
“Yes, my lord. It is a certainty,” his cheerful driver replied.
It seemed the carriage had barely started again before they were back in front of the orphanage. Colin shook himself from his bemusement. Still not able to fathom the workings of Miss Mason’s mind, he hoped the flowers and confections pleased her. He wondered if any of the children had ever tasted candies or pastries. That thought weighed on him as he thought again of both Becca’s and Benjamin’s artistic efforts. That had been an easier goal before meeting some of these children. Their brief lives had been like nothing he could even imagine. Part of him was ashamed, realizing that such brief excursions into the East End as made by wealthy rakehell blades often left by-blows behind. It had been his plan to make this school into a fencing club. Sorrowfully, he wondered how many of these children had had such a beginning, considering it for the first time from a fresh perspective.
As he approached the steps of the house with packages in his arms, the door opened, and Nora came out onto the flags beneath the portico.
“I wondered where you had gone. Woods assured me you would return,” she said with a nervous laugh.
“I hope you do not mind. A drive about Town could prove relaxing and would give us time to talk uninterrupted,” Colin offered.
Her eyes opened wide in surprise. “What a wonderful idea.”
The sound of hurried footsteps announced another’s approach from behind her, and Nora stepped aside just as Mrs. Simpkins appeared, holding a small basket.
“My lord, here are the items you requested on your missive.” Sporting a giant smile, the housekeeper pushed the covered basket into his hands.
“Thank you, Mrs. Simpkins. I appreciate this. I left too early this morning to have all of my thoughts properly collected, I fear.” He chuckled. “These are for you.” He pushed a small, wrapped package into her hands and closed her fingers about it.
The older woman swiped at her eyes. “That is so thoughtful, my lord,” she enthused, fondling the small package. “’Tis a long time since a man gave me a gift!” She giggled.
“I cannot imagine you being overlooked,” he said, beaming. “I hope you enjoy the gift. There should be enough sweets and marzipan in this larger package for everyone, especially the children.” He passed a second parcel to her.
“Oh, the children will love this!” Mrs. Simpkins’ excited tone brought a smile to Nora’s face.
“Capital!”
