Signs of Love and Deliverance

by Tracy Kay

  “Trevor, I am sure there is something I can do.”

  “Me name ain’t Trevor, tis Seth Davis. Farrington made me change me name so’s nobody know who me be. He make all the boys change names.”

  Cassandra smiled softly at him. “Seth, I will help you.”

  “Thank ye, me lady, but are ye sure ye can help me. Farrington be real mean. He take kids from the orphanages and streets and hides ‘em. He do some real awful things to ‘em, he does. He be evil, me lady. Maybe I shuld no’ get ye involved.” Defeated, he got up and started to leave.

  “Sit down, Seth.” She waited until he was seated again before continuing. “I am well aware of the evil Farrington performs on children and youth. I had the misfortune of witnessing it firsthand. Farrington prefers small children, but he takes what he can get. However, I was unaware that he was using orphanages as one of his sources. Do you know when he started taking children from the orphanages?”

  “No’ too long ago, me thinks. He sometimes has us steal the kids and other times he buys ‘em. I think he bought the Dravenport Orphanage ‘cause he had me and the other boys stake it out to see what went on. Farrington goes into them places as if he was helpin’ ‘em, but he ain’t.”

  “Seth, thank you for the information. You may have helped another child by having the courage coming here today. Now, about you and your family. Early tomorrow morning, I want you to go into the Sailor’s Bakery, three blocks west of here, and ask the woman behind the counter for the Sailor’s Special Tart. When she gives you the tart, ask her if there is any work you can do for her. She will tell you to go to the kitchen and wash dishes. You will go to the kitchen and there will be a dark-haired man waiting for you. You will go with him,” Cassandra instructed. “You will not be returning to Farrington or to your home. Take only those things you can carry or wear, nothing more. You want it to appear as if you are getting breakfast and some extra work, that is all. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, me lady, but what ‘bout me mum, brother, and sister?”

  “Give their address to Tom on your way out of the warehouse. He is the man at the desk near the main entrance of the warehouse. Don’t worry about your family. You will see them soon, Seth. Everything will work out, and before you know it, you will be with your family, starting a new life.

  Getting up, Seth extended his hand across the table. “Thank ye, me lady. I truly ‘ppreciate ye help.”

  “You are welcome, Seth.” Impressed with his manners, Cassandra shook his hand and watched him leave. Standing up from the desk, Cassandra went to her door and yelled. “Randy!” Randy McBride, a boy of twelve with tawny brown hair and brown eyes, came running.

  “What is it, Captain?” He asked.

  “Send for Conrad and Raven. I need to see them immediately.”

  “I thought Captain Morgan was up the coast,” he said.

  “He docked two days ago. He should be on his ship.”

  “Aye, Captain,” the boy nodded and rushed off.

  Less than an hour later, Conrad and Raven sauntered into Cassandra’s office, and sat down in the two chairs in front of her desk.

  “What was the rush, luv?” Raven inquired, relaxing in the chair. Raven gave the impression of bored indifference, but underneath the easy-going veneer, he was a very alert and observant man.

  “I am helping a boy escape from Farrington and he gave me some very unsettling information,” Cassandra disclosed, leaning forward in her chair behind the desk.

  “Can you trust this boy?” Conrad asked cautiously.

  “No, he could be lying for Farrington to infiltrate us, but Farrington has tried this before and was not successful,” she shrugged. “However, I have a feeling this boy is not lying. I think he is desperate and scared, and I think the information he gave us is worth checking out.” She felt a little out of her element with this and believed it was best to hand this situation over to Conrad and Raven, since they had helped many children who came from charity houses. She knew nothing about orphanages and had no idea how to begin to help.

  “If you think it is worth checking out, we will check it out,” Conrad commented, pleased she had come to them instead of trying to deal with it on her own.

  “Tell us the information, my little one,” Raven urged, stretching out his long legs and crossing his feet at the ankles.

  “He claimed Farrington bought the Dravenport Orphanage for starters.”

  “That is a fairly respectable orphanage, which is rare for most orphanages. The placement rate is higher than most and the care of the children exemplary,” Conrad informed them, puzzled by this new turn of events.

  “If it is, it will not be for long,” Raven stated the obvious. There were few respectable orphanages that took good care of the children and made attempts to find children good homes or work when they came of age. So many of the children were abused in London’s orphanages, but Dravenport had been one of the few which had cared and loved the children.

  “The orphanage is not Farrington’s only source,” Cassandra stated irritably. “According to Seth, Farrington has been taking kids off the streets and buying them from other orphanages for his personal use. Seth told me he personally witnessed some of this. He was genuinely frightened, which is why I believe him.”

  “Damn, the son of a bitch. I thought he had stopped taking children,” Conrad cursed, sickened by the man and his propensity for children.

  “Apparently not,” Raven added derisively.

  “Pierre will take care of Seth and his family, but I will need your help to stop Farrington from taking these kids.”

  “There is not much we can do about the street kids, Cassie,” Conrad told her. “Once we rescue one, there is always another to take his place.” He lowered his head with sadness and frustration. There were times he believed it was all hopeless, and all he and Raven did was for naught, but then, someone that they had saved would thank him, and his determination was renewed. Someone had to help. Someone had to make a difference, even if it was for only one child, one woman, one lost soul, and maybe one day, there would be no one left to rescue.

  “I know, but what about the orphanages?” She was confident that if anything could be done, Conrad and Raven would figure it out. They always did.

  “We can do some investigating, see which orphanages are being targeted, and we can talk to the deans and warn them about Farrington, but chances are he already has them fooled, paid off or terrified, and we won’t get much help there. In any case, many of them are happy to have one less mouth to feed,” Raven spoke from experience. “We would have a better chance of watching for Farrington and checking out anyone who comes to adopt. If we suspect it is Farrington, we can then take the children ourselves and relocate them.”

  “Sounds like a plan, Raven,” Conrad agreed, standing. “You go ahead and see what you can find out and I will check on Dravenport.” Conrad regarded Cassandra sternly and ordered, “Cassandra, you stay put, I don’t want you involved in this. You are too close to the situation and this may be a trap. Farrington will be expecting you to fall for the bait, not us.” He gave her a warning look that foreboded dire consequences if she didn’t obey him. “Promise.”

  “I promise,” Cassandra agreed, not wanting to test Conrad Morgan by disobeying him on this occasion.

  “Good girl.” Conrad nodded and squeezed Raven’s shoulder in a signal for them to leave. Cassandra watched them go with a heavy heart, wondering when Farrington’s immoral activities would end.

  “Madeline, you are not going to that ball,” Brandon dictated.

  “Yes, I am, Brandon,” Madeline replied. They had been arguing over this ball for days and Madeline was not missing it. She would disobey her brother if she had to, despite his wishes and the consequences. She would not disappoint Gretchen, and she had to meet the Farringtons. She really wanted to know what they were up to. Brandon was unaware of her plans and she certainly was not going to tell him. He would never agree to let her attend if he knew the F
arringtons had been invited.

  Brandon cocked his head and refused to budge. He did not believe she was well enough to attend a ball, let alone stand. “You are not completely recovered and I will not allow it.”

  “I am fine, Brandon.” Madeline got out of bed and walked across the room several times, stopping in front of the bed to prove her point. “The headaches are mostly gone and the ball is in three days. That is plenty of time for me to recover completely,” Madeline argued.

  “I do not want you going. There are dangers, Madeline. You could get hurt again and this time worse,” Brandon explained, becoming exasperated with his sister. He refused to allow her to risk her health or her life.

  “Brandon, nothing is going to happen at the Malany’s ball,” Madeline disagreed. “There will be many people there, and Nick is going as is Mother and Father. No one would dare hurt me there.”

  “No,” he refused inflexibly.

  “I am going, Brandon. I promised Gretchen.” Madeline raised her voice to make her point.

  “I don’t care who you promised. You are not going and that is final.” Brandon was adamant about this. She may seem healthy, and Raven’s ministrations had worked well, but that did not mean she was well enough for a ball.

  “I am going!” Madeline yelled and stomped her foot.

  “That is enough. Stop it, both of you,” Raven ordered firmly as he entered the room. “I could hear your yelling downstairs.” He flicked his gaze to Madeline standing at the foot of the bed. “Madeline get back in bed,” he commanded.

  “I am fine and I am going to that ball.” Madeline’s body defied her words. Becoming dizzy, she swayed and was forced to grab onto the bed post or fall.

  “Of course, you are, luv. That is why you are holding onto that post for dear life.” Raven put his arms around her and eased her down onto the bed.

  As Raven situated her on the bed, drawing the covers over her, Brandon stated, “You are not going to that ball and that is the end of it.”

  “Yes, I am.” Madeline refused to give in.

  “You can’t even stand, Madeline.” Brandon gestured to her.

  “Brandon, please. I have to go,” she begged.

  “I see no reason why she can’t go, Brandon,” Raven intervened. “By Friday, she should be fine and I am sure she will promise to take it easy.” He sat down next to her and brushed her hair back from her flushed face. “And if you are worried about her safety, we can set extra guards at the Malany’s, and we can send Damon with Nicholas as extra protection. Damon doesn’t mind these functions and he is more acceptable than Connie or I would be.”

  Running his hand through his black hair in frustration, Brandon capitulated. “Limit your dancing and no alcohol of any kind, and do exactly as Nicholas and Damon tell you.”

  “Oh, thank you, Brandy.” Madeline reached for his hand in gratitude.

  Grasping her hand in his, Brandon gave it a squeeze and demanded, “Promise, Madeline.”

  “I promise,” Madeline agreed with a beaming smile.

  “Now that that is taken care of,” Raven intoned as he studied her. “How are your headaches?”

  “Much better,” she replied, letting go of Brandon’s hand. “Whatever you did lessened them. Thank you, Raven.”

  “You are welcome, but if you are going to go to that ball on Friday, I want you to get more rest and follow Brandon’s instructions. He knows best how to help you regain your strength.”

  “I will,” she nodded and stifled a yawn. The argument had tired her out.

  “Good.” Raven kissed her forehead. He stood up and squeezed Brandon’s shoulder. “If there is anything else you need, Cat, let me know.”

  Brandon nodded. “Thanks, Raven, I appreciate your help.”

  “That is what I am here for.” Raven winked and exited the room, deciding not to burden Brandon with the news about Farrington and the orphanages as of yet. Brandon had more than enough on his hands, and Conrad and he could handle the issue for now.

  Turning to Madeline, Brandon pointed at her and warned, “You, young lady, are going to do precisely as I say for the next few days. Eat what I tell you to eat, sleep when I tell you to sleep, and walk when I tell you to walk. Understand?”

  With a big grin, happy she got her way, Madeline agreed. “Yes, Captain, whatever you say, sir.”

  Brandon chuckled. “Get some sleep. I will check on you in a few hours.” Brandon softly shut the door behind him as he left the room, leaving Madeline alone again.

  Madeline hated being alone, and she could not sleep anymore, even though she was tired. Trying to fill up the empty hours, Madeline began making a mental list for redecorating the house. She honestly hated her mother’s taste, and she had been planning on changing the house’s decor for the past year, but never had the time. Now it seems, she had more time than she knew what to do with.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Madeline put the last touches on her hair, pleased, that finally, she was able to hide the bald spot her wound had left behind. She had been arranging and rearranging it for the past half hour after her maid, Hilda, had made a mess of it. She had to consider hiring a replacement. Madeline didn’t want to dismiss Hilda. The girl tried, honestly, she did, but she didn’t have the ability to make a good ladies’ maid, and she was terrible at setting hair. She had hired Hilda when her previous maid, Meg, had married and started a new life in Kent some months ago before all this mess with Joselyn had started. She missed Meg, who had not only been her maid, but her friend for the past six years. Madeline was finding it difficult not having her around and the girl did like to gossip. The things Madeline had learned about her staff. She smiled to herself. That information helped her deal with the servants, see to their needs, and detect any problems. Not only had Meg been a wonderful source of information, she had been an excellent maid, and she had done wonders with her hair. She truly hoped Lady Collingsworth was appreciating Meg’s abilities. Madeline frowned. She was going to have to do something about Hilda and soon, but she didn’t have the heart to dismiss the girl. Perhaps she could find Hilda work that would better suit her.

  Her mind made up on the matter, Madeline’s thoughts turned to the evening’s coming events. She was looking forward to the Malany ball, and her emerald gown turned out beautifully despite her being unable to have the last fitting. She was quite fetching in it, if she did say so herself. Feeling satisfied with her image, the door opened and Madeline saw her mother’s reflection as she walked into the room. Madeline braced herself. She knew what was coming and she refused to let it ruin her mood.

  “That gown is horrid on you, my dear, and the color is too dark and unbecoming on you,” Elizabeth Cathcart berated as she approached her daughter who was sitting at her dressing table.

  “It is fine, Mother,” Madeline belied as she glanced down at her rich, green gown. She liked the dress. It hid all her flaws and complimented her green eyes.

  “Dear, perhaps a little more cleavage. I could have Fran alter the bodice for you.”

  “No, Mother, it is fine,” Madeline sighed. If she had shown more cleavage, her mother would have said to show less. She was never satisfied with Madeline’s appearance. “Besides, I don’t have time. I promised Gretchen I would arrive early to help her.”

  “I don’t know why you bother with that Malany girl. Her family is scandal in and of itself. All those men raising one girl,” Elizabeth sneered as she fiddled with the hair brush on the table. “It is not right.”

  “Not that much different from me,” Madeline replied with scorn in her voice, which her mother ignored.

  “I don’t like that girl. She is too outspoken,” she stated blandly, inspecting herself in the mirror above Madeline’s head.

  “She is my friend, Mother,” Madeline declared as she dabbed a little perfume, the scent of lilac, on her neck.

  “I don’t know why you can’t be more like Deirdre. She is such a lady. She is soft spoken, sweet, kind, petite, so much like myself.” S
he paused to admire herself in the mirror before continuing her criticism, ignoring Madeline’s snort. Madeline knew for a certainty that Deirdre and their mother were nothing alike, not in appearance or personality. “She will have no trouble finding a husband. I worry about you, Madeline. You are two and twenty years old.” Elizabeth glared pointedly at her daughter’s reflection in the mirror. “At this rate, you will never find a husband. You need to be softer, demure. Perhaps lose a little weight. You are becoming fat, don’t you know. Really, you are starting to look, well, hideous, and you are embarrassing the family. I don’t mean to be harsh, but a little rouge wouldn’t hurt. You are as white as a sheet. And perhaps a different hair style, that one is not attractive on you. I know you try, dear, but if you would try a little harder. Try being reserved like your friend, Joselyn. She is a good and proper girl. She does as she is told. She knows her place and her manners are perfect. You really should try harder.”

  “It is time for me to leave, Mother,” Madeline rose from the dressing table’s chair. She wished she could become accustomed to her mother’s barrage of insults, but Madeline was still hurt by her mother’s critical words, no matter how many times she received them. She knew she wasn’t the delicate beauty Deirdre was, nor did she have Joselyn’s statuesque elegance, but honestly, she wasn’t as ugly as her mother made her out to be. The way her mother described her, she should see an old hag in the mirror. Instead, she saw the same Madeline with pale blond hair, green eyes, fair skin, and with more curves than what was in style. Despite starving herself and using a variety of creams and remedies, she was still the same Madeline. Madeline swallowed back her tears as she turned from the mirror. This wasn’t a night for tears, but for celebration. She was alive and going to her best friend’s ball. That was all that mattered.

  “Is your friend, Joselyn, attending this ball?” Elizabeth inquired vaguely as she leaned forward to examine her beauty more closely.