Page 51 of The Not So Perfect Duke

“My God,” Buchanan stated, still clearly shocked.

Damon unfolded the stationary.

Chloe O’Connor age 5

Byron Holloway age 8

Adina Desmond age 12

Hugh Crossingham age 13

Jack Benton age 6

My God, indeed.

These poor foundlings were of his blood, which meant something to Damon. But how does he single out these children over the others? What a damned jumble.

As if reading his mind, Althea said, “I believe we should speak to these children and hear their stories. At least what they remember. Some have been at the home a long time, others, like Chloe, a matter of months.”

“Yes, we will. Buchanan, perhaps you can look at these children first, then allow Miss Galway to ask a few questions.”

The doctor nodded. “Of course.”

They arrived at the home, and what a complete difference from when they were last there a few days ago. The younger children were playing in the yard, some of the older ones sitting on chairs, reading.

Mrs. Seddon came to greet them, wiping her hands on a clean apron, with MacClery right behind her, carrying one of the younger girls.

“Your Grace, and Miss Galway. How wonderful to see you,” Mrs. Seddon smiled warmly.

Damon was not used to people being happy to see him, and all the youngsters seemed to be as well, bowing and giving him curtseys or casting shy glances his way. It was a strange feeling.

“This is Doctor Buchanan; he will be examining everyone. MacClery, you seem to be fitting in,” Damon said.

“That I am, Your Grace. I have much to tell you.”

Damon waved his arm. “Later. I—”

“Mr. Duke!” a young female voice squealed with delight. Chloe ran toward him, and he scooped her up into his arms. She hugged him tight, and Damon’s heart squeezed in response. This pint-sized darling had stolen his heart. What a discovery to find that he even had one. Well, Althea had stolen it months ago. He could admit that now.

“Chloe, you say, ‘Your Grace,’” Mrs. Seddon chided gently.

“It doesn’t matter,” Damon replied, reveling in the warmth offered by the little girl. “Can you show the good doctor to a room where he can examine the children? Miss Galway and I want to speak to Hugh and Adina after the doctor.” He passed Chloe to Mrs. Seddon.

A flurry of activity ensued as the children were herded inside, and Damon and Althea were shown to Mrs. Seddon’s small office. MacClery also stepped into the room, making the area cramped indeed.

“Beneath the neglect, the building is solid, Your Grace, in need of general maintenance, perhaps new windows. The farm has only been abandoned for a few months; it could be quickly made functional again. This could be a solid and ongoing concern,” MacClery stated firmly.

“Good to know. It will assist with my decision.”

“Your Grace, allow me to put in a word to convince you,” Mrs. Seddon interrupted. “I am not married, never have been. I took on the missus mantle as it denotes respect and seniority. I was brought up in a workhouse. It is not a life for any child. I know there have been improvements, but it is still not enough. I was raped in the workhouse by one of the guards there. He took me to some back-alley abortionist who botched the job so badly I nearly died. I was thrown to the cobbles to fend for myself at fifteen.”

Mrs. Seddon shook her head. “You haven’t lived until you find yourself digging through rubbish bins to find a morsel of food. I won’t continue with my tale of woe, only to say if we have a chance to make things better for a group of children, we should take it. We can’t save them all as there are too many. But to give some a chance at a better life? There is nothing more rewarding, Your Grace. Take my word for it.”

Mrs. Seddon’s emotionally spoken words took hold.

Give some a chance at a better life.

“You have given much to contemplate, Mrs. Seddon. I haven’t opened the safe yet, but I will make an informed and swift decision when I do.”