Thad studied her face. She looked ready to do battle. “As many as I’m able to entice out of hiding.”
Her gaze sharpened. “And how do you do that?”
“Any way that I can. Usually by promising I will not turn them over to the authorities, but will find them a home.”
“But I thought—?” She stopped, staring at him. “Where do you find homes for them?”
“Among my patients.” Thad blew out a breath and ran his hand through his hair, frowning as his cowlick popped free. “But the truth is, I’m running out of people both willing and able to provide for a child. Most of my wealthier patients refuse them.” He brushed at the lock of hair falling on his forehead.
“I’m appalled, but not surprised. Not after what Billy told me earlier.” Laina shot to her feet.
Thad rose and stood by his chair, following her with his gaze as she began to stride about the room. She was clearly angry, but there was something more…
“He said everyone always chased them away. That he and Emma slept in a shed and lightning struck it!” She whirled to face him. “It caught afire. Can you imagine their fright? And no one helped them! How can people be so uncaring about these children?”
“I don’t know that they’re all uncaring, Mrs. Brighton. A few are, of course—”
“Like that wretched man whose carriage ran Billy over!” She stared at him, her eyes daring him to disagree with her. He didn’t. He nodded and looked away. He had to. Her rigid posture, raised chin and clenched hands made him want to smile. Laina Brighton was a fighter of the first order, at least as far as children were concerned.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking since talking with Billy, Doctor.” Her voice had gone quiet-serious. Thad looked back and met her steady gaze. “These street children must have a home, and I intend to see that they get one. I want to start an orphanage.”
“An orphanage!” Thad gaped at her, astounded by her pronouncement. He didn’t doubt her sincerity—there was total conviction in her voice and unwavering determination on her face. But surely she didn’t understand the vast and varied components of such a project, let alone the prejudice she would be up against. He gave a low whistle and ran his hand through his hair again, weighing his words. “Mrs. Brighton, I appreciate how you feel, but an orphanage is a tremendous undertaking.”
“I realize that, Dr. Allen. And I don’t fool myself that I can do it alone.” She hurried over and stood looking up at him. “I intend to enlist the aid of others, including my brother…and you.”
His face went slack with shock.
Laina Brighton pulled herself to her full height and locked her dark blue eyes on his. “I would like you to be one of my advisers, Dr. Allen, as well as physician to the children when the orphanage is opened. Will you accept the positions? I’ll pay for your time, of course.”
Thad stared down at her, trying to grasp the concept of a society woman such as Laina Brighton running an orphanage. She had a heart for the children, but… But what? Did the rest matter? Workers could be hired. Problems could be solved or circumvented. Her heart full of love for the children was most important.
Excitement coursed through Thad. He had failed in his attempts to garner support for these street children from the wealthy members of Philadelphia society, but perhaps they would rally behind one of their own. Maybe Laina Brighton could succeed. He inclined his head. “I shall be happy to accept both positions, Mrs. Brighton, on one condition.”
A wary look sprang into her eyes. “And that is?”
Thad smiled. “I shall serve without recompense. I care about these children, too.”
“But that’s wonderful! Thank you so much for accepting, Doctor.” She clasped her hands in front of her chest and gave him a happy smile. “And as we shall be working together, Dr. Allen, please call me Laina.”
“I shall be pleased to do so…Laina.” He made his voice stronger, more businesslike. “If you will call me Thad.”
She dipped her head. “Very well…Thad.” She took a quick little breath. “And there’s one thing more before we go upstairs to check on Billy. Should you happen across any more children in need and have difficulty placing them with loving families, please bring them to me.” A shadow of sadness darkened her eyes. “I may not be able to provide them with a father—” she took a deep breath “—but I can give them love and a comfortable home.” Another smile curved her lips, chased the shadow from her eyes and shot straight to his heart.
Thad nodded and reached for his bag as an excuse to turn away. He was suddenly, undeniably certain he’d just made a huge mistake—it was not wise for him to spend time with Laina Brighton.
Chapter Ten
It felt odd sitting in the Twiggs pew—the Brighton pew now—while Justin and Elizabeth occupied the Randolph pew in front of her. Laina smoothed a fold in the skirt of her dress, ignored the urge to adjust the large decorative comb in her hair and stared at the pulpit, concentrating on its design, disregarding the pastor’s sermon about God’s blessings. Blessings? There was no husband sitting beside her. No baby she’d prayed ten years for!
Laina suppressed a frown and slid her gaze sideways, seeking distraction from her sour thoughts. Her lips curved into a smile as she watched covert glances being exchanged between a young man and woman obviously more interested in each other than in the pastor’s message.
Laina came to herself with a start as the congregation rose as one. She hurried to stand and bow her head as the minister intoned his closing words. At last! Now she could go home to Billy and Emma. She tossed her lace shawl around her shoulders, picked up her reticule and stepped into the aisle, joining the flow of people heading for the door as Justin made space for her.
The line stopped. Started. Stopped again. Bother! What was causing the delay? She tapped her foot in impatience, willing the people ahead of her to move on.
“Relax, Laina.” Justin’s warm breath swept across her cheek as he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “It’s only people saying goodbye to the pastor. You’ll be out soon.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Not nearly soon enough, dearheart!”
The line moved forward again.
They were next! Laina looked longingly at the door. Justin’s hand gripped her elbow, tugged her aside. “Sir, perhaps you remember my sister, Laina Brighton? She’s recently moved back to Philadelphia from New York.”
The minister smiled. “Of course I remember her. One does not forget someone as lovely and lively as your sister, Mr. Randolph.” He took her hand. “Welcome back to Philadelphia, Mrs. Brighton. I was certain that was you in the Twiggs pew.” His smile faded and a look of compassion warmed his eyes. “I heard of your husband’s passing. I hope you were encouraged by today’s sermon.”
“Thank you for your kind words, sir—oh!” Laina jolted forward, bumped by a man squeezing by her in the press of people. The pastor caught her arm and steadied her.
The man turned and gave a curt bow of his head. “Excuse me, madam, I didn’t mean to— You!”
Laina glanced up. Anger stiffened her spine. “I see you make a habit of running people over, sir!” She shifted her gaze back to the minister. “Today’s sermon about God’s blessings may have been meant to encourage, Reverend Brown, but in my opinion some members of your congregation would be better served by a message about learning to do for others less fortunate. They have already learned well how to amass blessings unto themselves!” She gave the man a pointed look, nodded politely to the pastor and stormed out the door beside him.
“I’m sorry I embarrassed you, dearheart. I shouldn’t have stalked off and left you to deal with that situation, but that horrid man makes me so angry! When I think that he was going to drive away and leave Billy lying injured in the street, I simply…well…I lose my composure.”
Justin snorted.
Laina paused as they turned the corner at Walnut Street and gave him a rueful look. “Was Pastor Brown angry?”
“I
think dumbfounded would be a better definition.” Justin looked down at her. The corners of his mouth twitched. “He’s not accustomed to the members of his congregation telling him what to speak on, especially when they’ve been away for ten years and have only just returned.”
Her cheeks heated.
Elizabeth shook her head. “Justin, stop teasing her.”
He looked down at his wife and grinned. “All right, but she deserves it. Watch that rough spot in the brick.” He took them each by the elbow and guided them around it. “Everything is smoothed over, Laina. I told him what prompted your outburst and he was very understanding. In fact, he intends to speak with Henry Rhodes about his callous disregard for a child’s well-being.” His grin returned. “I’d like to be there for that meeting.”
“Well, I wouldn’t.” Laina gave a haughty toss of her head and started up the gravel drive to her house. “I hope I never see that heartless pygmy of a man again! Now, let’s forget about him and have our dinner.”
“I must say, Laina, the house looks wonderful.” Justin propped his elbow on the mantel and grinned down at her. “Even I can appreciate the job you’ve done decorating it.”
“Thank you, dearheart. I’m pleased you like it.”
“I think it’s beautiful.” Elizabeth smiled and swept her gaze around the drawing room. “Look at these wonderful vibrant colors! I would never have the courage to use them together.”
Laina set her empty cup on the piecrust tea table. “No one who knows your story can accuse you of a lack of courage, Elizabeth.” She laughed. “I think perhaps boldness is the more accurate description of my decorative talents. Subtlety is not my long suit.”
“How true.”
Laina grinned at Justin’s dry comment. “That being the case, dearheart…”
“Uh-oh.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “I shall tell you I had an ulterior motive for inviting you to dinner—not that your charming company isn’t reason enough.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve decided something must be done about the orphans living on the streets of Philadelphia.” She glanced at Elizabeth, then fastened her gaze on Justin. “I want to establish an orphanage, and I want you both to help.”
“What?” Justin jerked erect. “Establish an orphanage! Laina, you’re going too far. I know you’re fond of these children you’ve taken into your home, but—”
“How can I help, Laina?”
Justin’s mouth gaped open. His gaze darted to his wife’s face. “Elizabeth, what are you saying? She can’t—”
“Yes, dear, with the Lord’s help, she can. And I believe this is the Lord’s will for Laina.” Elizabeth’s voice was firm, her gaze steady on Justin’s. “I believe this is the answer to our prayers for her and that we should help her any way we can. We have been blessed by the Lord, Justin. Don’t you feel as I do, as Laina said to Pastor Brown, that it’s time to share the blessing?”
Laina couldn’t help smiling, even if Elizabeth was talking about the Lord. She’d never seen her brother look so unsettled. He stared at Elizabeth for a long moment, then took a deep breath and slowly nodded his head.
Excitement spurted through Laina. Did that mean he would help her? She wiped the smile from her face as he turned back to her. “All right, sister of mine, what do you want me to do?”
She was stunned by the rapid capitulation. She had expected, at the least, a lecture, if not outright refusal. Laina shot Elizabeth a look of gratitude and hurriedly gathered her thoughts. “I want you to be one of my advisers.”
She rose and rushed to hug Justin. “I know I can’t do this by myself, dearheart. I need you.” She went to hug Elizabeth. “I need you both. Thank you so much for agreeing to help me.”
Laina pulled a list from her pocket and went back to her chair. “I’ve written down my thoughts. The first thing, of course, is to find a suitable place.” She glanced up. “I thought you might know of one, Justin. It must be large, of course—at least four floors. And have a vast lawn to allow for expansion, for kitchen gardens and for the children to play.” She stopped as Justin shook his head. “What is it?”
“You’re wrong, Laina. The first matter is funding. You’ll have to pay for this property.”
She gave him an exasperated look. “I’m aware of that, Justin. I intend to use the money from the sale of my house in New York instead of investing it. That should be ample. If it’s not, I’ll use some of the money Stanford left me.” She frowned at him. “Justin, do stop shaking your head in that negative way or we’ll never get this list covered.”
“If you want me to stop shaking my head, Laina, you’ll have to be more reasonable in your thinking.” He held up a hand to forestall her protests and walked over to take a seat beside her at the tea table. “Stanford named me to oversee the fortune he left you, because he trusted me to keep it intact and increase it. I’ll not let you toss it away on this venture.”
She surged to her feet, glaring at him. “Justin Davidson Randolph, if you think you—!”
“Sit down, Laina.” He grasped her arm and tugged. She plopped back onto her chair. “If you want this orphanage to succeed you must think of it as a business.”
She jumped to her feet again. “Children are not a business!”
“No, they’re not. But caring for them in large numbers takes a vast amount of continuous funding the same as running a business does.” He looked at her. She sat. He nodded and continued. “Providing a building for orphans to live in is only the first step.” He ticked items off on his fingers. “You have to furnish the rooms and hire staff. You have to provide food, clothing, medical care, schooling and a hundred other things for the children.”
“Yes, but I have—”
“No, Laina, you don’t.” Justin covered her hand with his. “I know you feel strongly about these children, but you have to be sensible. Your fortune would be sufficient to purchase the property and get it established, but the remainder would soon be eaten up by the day-to-day cost of maintaining it. You need financial backing—and that means support from the city or from private donations.” He squeezed her hand. “I know you’re disappointed you can’t rush ahead with this, Laina, but if you want the orphanage to prosper, your first step must be establishing financial support.” He smiled at her. “So use some of that emotional fire you’re expending on me to garner it.”
Laina stared at him, then jumped from her chair and threw her arms around his neck, almost toppling them both to the floor. “You see, dearheart, I told you I needed you. You’re so calm and sensible! You can carry our case before the city fathers.” She glanced at Elizabeth. “And we shall have to plan several small dinner parties and invite potential financial supporters. Oh, and intimate teas for their wives!”
She looked back at Justin. “We’ll need your help with the guest lists—you know, those wealthy enough to help.” She smiled. “Meanwhile, I need the name of that carpenter I inquired about. As I’m sure you could tell by my presence in church this morning, Billy and Emma agreed to stay and be my children!”
Laina rose from the chaise, pulled her dressing gown on and walked to the bed to look at the sleeping children. Her children. She couldn’t believe it, couldn’t grasp it. She’d waited so long. And now she was going to start an orphanage.
I believe this is the Lord’s will for Laina. I believe this is the answer to our prayers for her.
A chill raced down her spine and prickled her flesh at the memory of Elizabeth’s words. Laina closed her eyes and hugged herself against the chill. God’s plan for her. An answer to their prayers. Another chill chased through her body.
Laina opened her eyes and crossed to the window, looking up at the starlit sky. Elizabeth was always so certain when she spoke about God. But Elizabeth wasn’t barren after ten years of prayers for a baby. As far as she was concerned, it was all a coincidence. There was no way to know.
Laina frowned and walked back to the chaise. Elizabeth reminded her of Grandmother Davidson—she was
always reading the Bible, and Grandmother Davidson had said many times that the answer to every question or situation in life could be found in God’s word.
Laina pursed her lips. If that was true, then the Bible should tell her if God heard and answered prayers. Then she would know if He had a plan for her life. Determination rose within her. She was going to find out the truth. She closed her eyes, searching through her memory for where she had seen Abigail’s Bible. She recalled it resting on the fruitwood table at the end of the couch in the library. She’d left it there for effect—and to keep Justin from asking where it was.
A twinge of guilt pricked Laina’s conscience. She ignored it and glanced at the bed. The children would be all right for the few minutes it would take her to run downstairs and get the Bible. She stepped into her slippers and hurried from the room.
There! Laina checked the children, settled herself comfortably in the padded chair and pulled the candle she’d lit closer. She would start with Psalms. She rather liked the poetic quality of them.
She lifted Abigail’s Bible into her lap and reached to open the cover. There was a tiny gap in the pages. She frowned. Something was stuck in there. She thumbed through to find whatever it was, went too far and started back. A piece of folded paper was wedged near the spine. She took it out and opened it, scanning Abigail’s shaky, but familiar handwriting.
Dear Gracious Lord,
I don’t know how much longer I will be aware or have the strength to pray, so I am writing out my prayer for Justin and Elizabeth and placing it here, in Your word, beside the appropriate verse, James 5:16.
I have spoken with Justin and Elizabeth, but they will not yield and I am too weak to do more.
Dear Lord, override their stubborn pride, I pray. Their love for each other is strong and beautiful, and I know they belong together, for I see Your hand in their beginning. Have Your way in their lives, my Lord, have Your way. I ask it in Your holy name.
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