by Jane Charles
“Lily, you’ve nothing to be worried about. We are married. There is nothing he can do.” Max smiled at her and reached out his hand.
“You got married, Lord Max?” one of the children asked.
Max grinned and looked down at the group. “Yes, I did, George. May I introduce my wife, Lady Lilian Warrick.” The children turned, a look of awe on their innocent faces. “Lily, these are some of the children from the Haven. I sit on the board of the orphanage.”
Stunned, Lily took in the scene. The urchins before her, orphans from London, were comfortable enough around her husband to travel to Scotland to see him? She assumed board positions were so one could claim to be a philanthropist and make decisions without ever encountering those who benefited from the good works.
“It is very nice to meet you.”
The six boys bowed and Lily sank to a curtsey. Her world became odder the longer she lived in Max’s home.
The children broke apart and stood in a circle, hands clasped with the person next. Max held the hand of the child on his right and the one on the left. A place remained open and the children looked at her, Drake and the servants expectantly.
“It is time to pray,” a little boy announced in frustrated tone.
Lily glanced at Drake and they stepped toward the children, along with the servants hovering in the doorway, and took small hands in their own. In unison, the group bowed their heads.
“Heavenly Father,” Peter began. “Please make Lord Max better soon. He still feels like a fever to me.”
At the pause, Lily glanced up. Where was the Amen?
“Lord, thank you for delivering the children safely to my home,” Max began. “It was a long way for them to travel.”
Another pause. She had never been part of a prayer such as this and was not sure what to expect next. After a few more seconds an older boy said, “Amen.” The hands broke apart and the boys beamed up at her husband.
“Why don’t you boys go to the kitchen? I am sure Cook has learned of your arrival and is making something special,” Max said.
One of the children stepped forward and put his hand on Max’s head again, a look of concern marred his brow.
“I promise I am much better, Charlie. Go with the others.”
“This way, young men.” Wilson stood at the door ready to usher them to the kitchen.
“How did they manage to stowaway with you, Drake?” Max asked after the door closed.
“I stopped by the Haven to explain why you haven’t visited. I know that even while you searched for Lily, you still made time for the children. I had no idea those scamps had stowed away in the carriage carrying our parents belongings. I did, however, send a note to Mrs. Harper, once they were discovered, so that she wouldn’t worry. By that time we were two days into the trip north.”
Drake had been in London so he would have news. “My father still doesn’t know where I am?”
“No, he does not.”
Hope sprung in her breast. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I ran into him and asked if he had any news as to your whereabouts. The man scowled and said he hadn’t found you.” Drake smiled. “And, since he didn’t ask me if I had news, I didn’t feel obligated to tell him.”
Lily’s shoulders relaxed and she sank down into a chair. Her father still did not know. Perhaps Dr. Cornelius hadn’t written him? On the other hand, if he did, perhaps the letter had been lost.
Max watched in amusement as Lily went through the closet, wardrobe and now dresser drawers. “Perhaps if you tell me what you are looking for, I could direct you.”
Lily jumped and turned. “I thought you were asleep.”
“No, I simply had my eyes closed out of boredom. It is time I left this room.”
She bit her lower lip and narrowed her eyes. “I do not want you to have a relapse.”
Max barked out a laugh. “I feel better than I have in months. If I don’t move around soon I am liable to atrophy, and never be able to leave the bed.”
She folded her arms across her chest and gave him a stern look. “Very well.”
Thank goodness. Max started to get out of bed.
“Tomorrow. It is too late to go wandering about.”
It was late in the evening, Max reluctantly admitted to himself. One more night and he would be free of this room.
“As I am still a prisoner, at least tell me what you are looking for.”
“Do you have any older shirts?”
“Whatever for?”
“The boys need night shirts.” She turned once again and began rifling through the dresser. “Do you know they have been in those same clothes the entire trip? It is the only thing they have to wear. One of the maids took them for washing while the boys bathed.”
“The boys bathed? I am sure they did not go willingly. I have witnessed their reaction to water if it’s not a pond or lake, because those are different than a hip bath.”
Lily looked over her shoulder and grinned at him. “Oh, they offered argument, until Harriet threatened to feed them only porridge from now on.”
Max chuckled. He would have to thank this Harriet, once he met her. “Who is Harriet?”
Lily’s brows furrowed. “Your cook.”
“That is her name? I’ve only known her by Mrs. Dunkin.”
“Then I suppose you should spend more time in the kitchen.” She shut the top drawer and moved to the second.
“I have no old shirts,” he finally said.
“Your nightshirts are far too big for the children.”
“Take any of the shirts. I have plenty.”
Lily glanced down at the drawer. “Are you sure? They will likely be ruined in a short time.”
“I’ll buy more. Take them.”
She paused, then reached in and pulled all the shirts from the drawer.
“Leave me a few. As I do get to leave my bed tomorrow, I would like something to wear.”
“I am only taking six.” She put the shirts on the bed. One by one she picked each up and inspected it. “Oh, here is one with a tiny rip.” She tossed it aside. And so her search continued until she decided on the ones she would take. After putting the others away, she leaned over and kissed his brow. “Sleep well.”
Max grabbed her hand. “Why don’t you stay with me? You could use some sleep as well.”
“I need to see to the children.”
Max was not sure he liked this turn of events. He wanted to spend time with his wife. “Check in after they are settled. If I am still awake, we can read further.”
Lily stood and looked down at him. “Very well,” she sighed and left the room.
Max had every intention of being awake when his wife walked back through the door.
Chapter 43
“Ah, you are dressed already.” Though she was glad to see Max up and moving about, it meant that soon their marriage would move forward. She was not sure she was ready to be a wife in truth. Intimacy often meant children. At one time in her life she never dreamed it would be a possibility for her and Lily had planned on it never occurring. Except, now she had Max, she lived in Scotland and her father could never gain control of any of her children. The Duke of Wayland would never allow it to happen. The only thing to fear now was suffering the same fate as her mother, but Lily put it from her mind. It was too soon for such worries and if a child made Max happy, then she would give him one.
“Here, let me do that for you.” She took the razor from his hand and began to shave his cheek, just as she had been doing since her arrival. “What are your plans today?” she asked and handed him a towel. “I do not want you overtaxing yourself.”
Max took the razor from her and set it aside. “We are married, I am well, and I don’t wish for you to sleep in the other chamber.”
Lily’s stomach churned. Perhaps a part of her did fear intimacy. It was new and something she knew almost nothing about and possessed only a vague idea of what to expect. “Husbands and wives do not share a chamber, wit
h the exception…” Her face began to burn. She couldn’t voice what it meant.
“I will not have my wife so far away. I would like you to share my bed, always.”
Lily gulped. “If you wish.”
“It’s far more than a wish, Lily. It’s my most important desire.”
“If you insist.” She pulled away, grateful that she had finished shaving him because with the way her hands had begun to shake she would surely have cut Max. “I’ll leave you to finish your preparations for the day.”
Lily bolted for the door, entered the chamber she had assumed would always be hers and shut the door, before leaning back against it.
Max was ready for her to be a wife in truth. Was she ready to be that wife?
Lily pulled away and checked her appearance in the mirror, a habit since she was a child. A perfect appearance was of the utmost importance, though she could only do so much. She’d never be a fair English lady that so many gentlemen preferred. At least when the time came, it would be dark, so he would not need to look upon her.
Max saw very little of Lily the remainder of the day. He knew she was avoiding him. He’d be insulted or worried if he didn’t suspect the cause.
His desire for Lily had never died. They were married and it was time.
She was frightened, which he could well understand. Weren’t most new brides?
He’d left her at her chamber door so that she could change into her night clothes and asked her to join him. That was nearly thirty minutes ago. What all did she need to do?
Perhaps she was pacing and worrying.
“Have you turned down the light?” Lily called from her chamber.
Max grinned. There was a catch in her voice, but he’d calm her. At least he hoped he was able to.
“If I extinguish all light you could trip and injure yourself on the way to the bed.”
“But I am in my nightgown,” Lily argued.
Max grinned to himself again and turned down the lamp. The light from the fire should be ample enough for her to see. “I’ve turned down the lamp. Now come to bed before you freeze in there.”
Lily darted from the room and dove under the covers.
Max chuckled. “I promise to try and not keep you awake with my snoring. If I don’t succeed, you have permission to kick me.”
Lily grinned and snuggled deeper into her pillow.
Max smiled back. His wife was now by his side, where she belonged for the rest of their lives. The woman he loved more than he thought it was possible to love another. And, this was the night he had waited months for. Max leaned forward and brushed her lips with a kiss.
Chapter 44
Lily stood at the terrace doors, sipped her chocolate, and looked over the white landscape to the war occurring in the valley below. An early snowfall, much to the delight of the boys. Snowballs flew like cannonballs from one fort to another. She wished the boys did not have to leave, but they were due to return to London tomorrow with Max’s family.
She heard Max’s approach before his arms slid around her waist. He pulled her against him and pressed a lingering kiss on her cheek.
Her body heated almost immediately and her skin tingled where he touched. Never had she dreamed that intimacies with one’s husband could be so special and so wonderful. Lily had believed it an uncomfortable duty, which she’d been willing to endure because she loved Max. Such was not the case and she couldn’t wait to retire with him each night and was reluctant to leave his arms and the warm cocoon of the bed each morning. His touch and lips were magic and Lily wondered if she’d ever tire of his attentions.
A snowball flew and hit in him the face just as Charlie popped up from hiding.
She and Max laughed as they watched the children.
“I am going to miss them,” she whispered.
“Me too.”
“Couldn’t they stay a while longer?” She did not know what the weeks held, once Max’s family and the boys were gone. It would certainly be quieter.
“That would not be fair to the others.”
“How many boys are there in the orphanage?” Lily leaned her head back against his shoulder. In the past week, she had grown used to Max holding and kissing her. Other than on rare occasions, Lily had not known physical affection and found herself surprised at the comfort it brought.
“We have fourteen boys and ten girls.”
Lily lifted her head to look at him. “Girls?”
Max chuckled. “Do you think we only care about the boys?”
She didn’t know what to think. She just assumed they only took in boys, to teach them a trade before they were sent back out in the world. She knew better than anyone that girls served only one purpose. Or, at least she used to. By actions and words, Max was teaching her that the whole of society did not believe the way her father did.
“What is the orphanage like?” she asked as she continued to watch the snowball fight.
“It is a large townhome, in the very poorest section of town. It is called The Haven. The children sleep four to a room, which is why we are limited to twenty-four orphans. We don’t have room for more.”
“I thought foundling homes were much larger.”
“They are. The Haven was established by an older couple, many years ago, who kept taking in children. One grew up to become successful and began to support the home, so there was a place for other children to go. A place that was better than the larger institutions. With his passing, it came under the care of a committee, which I sit upon.”
“Are there a lot of orphans that need homes?” She really had no idea of the world outside her own and the one her father kept her in.
“It is a sad state,” Max sighed. “There are so many children on the street, trying to survive. Some have parents, others are alone.”
“At least your orphans are able to play like this.” She gestured out the window.
“Oh, I wish they all could, but there is no yard to speak of. On Sundays, weather permitting, they are able to enjoy a day in the park.”
Lily grew up on acres of land, but she may as well as have been in the city since she was rarely granted playtime. Soaked clothing from snow would have earned her banishment to her room.
She shook the unpleasant thought away.
“It is too bad they all can’t come here to live.”
Max stiffened behind her.
Had she said the wrong thing? Perhaps he wanted them at the orphanage where he could visit them on his schedule instead of having them underfoot all of the time.
Hastily she continued. “I know it is an impossibility. I just thought it would be a better environment for children to grow. We lived in the better part of London, which could be unpleasant with regard to some smells. I assumed where they lived it was worse.”
“It is. Much worse.” He relaxed back against her.
“At least they have a roof over their head.” It was better to bring the topic to an end. Lily sensed it made him uncomfortable for some reason.
They continued to watch the children in silence, only to laugh when Charlie stood at the wrong moment a second time and received a fistful of snow in his face.
“You wouldn’t mind having twenty-four children underfoot?” Max asked after some moments.
“We certainly have room,” Lily answered. Was he seriously considering moving the children here?
“What of our own children someday?”
She didn’t want to think about having a child of her own and hoped it was years away. “I don’t understand why that should be a concern.”
“Do you know where these children come from?”
“They are orphans. Their parents are deceased and you have given them a home.”
Max sighed and pulled away. “They are not all orphans in the literal term.”
Lily turned to look at him. “I don’t understand.”
“Many of them are abandoned.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Their mothers were most likely prostitutes, with no idea
who the father was. Some, their fathers were drunkards or thieves. Either they beat their child or tried to teach their son or daughter how to pick pockets.”
“Then they were lucky to have a place at the Haven.”
“There are many in society who give money and food, but they don’t want to actually interact with them.”
“Why?”
“Because they come from a lower class, whose parents were not upstanding individuals.”
“They are still children. They had no control over the circumstances of their birth.” Her voice rose in anger. “It’s no different from Wesley being shunned because he was born on the wrong side of the blanket. It doesn’t change the fact that he’s my brother and I love him.”
Max grinned. “I have wanted to bring the children here. I feared my future wife, though I didn’t know it was you at the time, would not appreciate having these type of children in my home.”
“I don’t understand. It is still your home. A wife has no say.”
Max threw back his head and laughed. “True, I could have insisted, whether she liked it or not. But, I had no desire to live in a house in discord with my wife.”
There was so much to get used to. Max did care about her thoughts and feelings. This was such a new experience. Of course, they had been married barely a month. There was still a lot to learn about each other.
“Max, if you want the children here, with you, I have no objection. But what will the others on the board say?”
“They will be glad for the room so that more children can be taken from the dangerous neighborhoods.”
He looked deep into her eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
It continued to astound her that he cared about her opinion. “Yes. It would be pleasant to have their laughter around every day.”
Max kissed the tip of her nose, then exited onto the terrace. He ran forward, scooped up snow, and began pelting the children. They in turn focused all their aim on him. He grabbed his chest and fell backward into the snow. The children rushed forward and piled on top of him. He pushed them off one by one. That is when he must have told them about the latest plan because in a moment the children were screaming and jumping up and down.
