A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1), Laura Beers [romantic books to read TXT] 📗

the younger girls are practicing their plain needlework at the moment,” she remarked. “They are being instructed on how to make and mend their own linen. Would you care to observe?”

Madalene rose from her chair. “I would love to.”

“Just as I suspected,” Edith replied, rising. “The older girls are washing, ironing, and folding the linens. In the afternoon, all the girls will begin their academic lessons.”

“What does that entail?” Madalene asked.

Edith came around her desk as she explained, “We want all the girls to be able to read the Bible, write in a legible hand, and understand the basic rules of arithmetic.”

“That is no small feat for some of these girls,” Mrs. Foster remarked.

Edith stopped at the open door and gestured that they should go first. “You would be correct, but I have great confidence in this group. By the time they are fifteen, they should be able to find employment as a servant in a grand estate or work in the front of a shop.”

“Will we be able to help them secure employment?” Madalene asked, stepping into the hall.

“That is my hope,” Edith replied as she turned to walk down the hall. “I want to ensure that each one of these girls is placed in a safe environment.”

“You have accomplished a great deal,” Madalene commented as she followed Edith, “especially considering the orphanage has only been open for four months.”

Edith smiled over her shoulder. “It is amazing how much someone can accomplish when the funds are forthcoming. We also hope to raise funds for the orphanage by taking in all kinds of plain needlework.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Madalene insisted.

“I know, but I think it would be beneficial if the girls helped support the orphanage with their work,” Edith explained.

“That is a brilliant idea,” Madalene proclaimed.

“You sound surprised,” Edith joked as she stopped in front of a closed door. She knocked, and a muffled voice granted permission for her to enter.

Edith opened the door and stood to the side to allow Madalene and Mrs. Foster entry first. As Madalene stepped into the room, she saw a tall, thin woman with brown hair sitting at a desk in the corner of the room. She had a narrow face, deep-set eyes, a sharp nose, and thin lips.

The woman rose and looked at them expectantly.

Edith came to stand next to them as she provided introductions. “Miss Dowding and Mrs. Foster, please allow me the privilege of introducing you to our French teacher, Miss Gaillard.”

Miss Gaillard dropped into a curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle Dowding,” she said, “and thank you for this opportunity.”

Madalene tipped her head. “I am pleased that you are with us, Miss Gaillard.”

“Will you be observing my class today?” Miss Gaillard asked.

“With your permission, I believe I shall,” Madalene replied.

Miss Gaillard nodded vehemently. “Of course. It would be my privilege.”

“Her class doesn’t start for another hour,” Edith interjected. “We have plenty of time to continue our tour of the orphanage.”

“How delightful,” Madalene murmured.

Chapter Two

Baldwin Radcliff, the Marquess of Hawthorne, walked down the foggy streets of a disreputable section of Town. The sun had set, and lamps had been lit on the street corners. He was well aware of the men that were lurking in the alleyways, waiting for the opportunity to rob him of his coins. But he had little to fear. He had two pistols on his person, one concealed behind his blue jacket, and the other in his right boot. A small knife was in his left boot, as well.

He wasn’t one to go in search of a fight, but he had no qualms with finishing one. He almost welcomed the chance to engage in fisticuffs. It had been far too long since he had boxed with his younger brother.

A lanky man dressed in threadbare clothing stepped out from the shadows of the alley and pointed a pistol at him.

“Give me yer money,” he demanded.

Baldwin stopped in front of him and shook his head in disapproval. “May I ask what you are attempting to do?”

The man stared back at him in disbelief. “I am trying to rob ye of yer coins.”

“With that stance?” Baldwin asked, pointing at the man’s feet. “If you aren’t careful, you could easily be relieved of your pistol.”

The thug huffed. “I think not.”

In a swift motion, Baldwin grabbed the man’s wrist, ensuring the pistol was pointing away from him, and wrenched it out of the thug’s hand. Then, he pointed the pistol back at the man. The thug put his hands up, and Baldwin could see a trace of fear in the man’s eyes.

“As I was saying,” Baldwin continued, keeping the pistol aimed at the man, “you have to keep your feet balanced.” He gave the man a knowing look. “Have you never robbed anyone before?”

The thug lowered his hands and sighed. “I’m sorry,” he said. “This is the first time I have even tried.”

“If that is the case, then why start now?”

The man shrugged his thin shoulders. “Ye appeared to be an easy target.”

“Ah,” Baldwin said, lowering the pistol. “I would suggest you give up your life of thievery before it even begins.”

“I have tried, but I can’t find a job, though. I’ve been looking since I came back from the war,” the man explained. “My kids and wife haven’t eaten in two days.”

“What about you?”

The thug lowered his gaze. “It has been longer for me.”

“That is most unfortunate,” Baldwin said, extending the pistol back to the man. He reached into his waistcoat pocket and pulled out three gold coins. “Here is three pounds. It should be enough to feed your family for weeks.”

“Thank ye, Mister,” the man said as he clutched the money in his hands. “I don’t know what to say.”

“If you are looking for honest work, then go to the Marquess of Hawthorne’s townhouse on Grosvenor Street.” Baldwin paused. “Are you familiar with Hawthorne House?”

“I have only heard tales about its grandeur.”

“Very good,” Baldwin replied. “Go around to the servants’ entrance and they