Page 68 of The Not So Perfect Duke

Christian came to stand by Damon and looked at the papers. “Jonathan,” Christian said. “Must be the father. Simon Wolstenholme was an original member of The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park. Gideon said that Simon was only a member for less than two years. He went to war and was horribly scarred in a battle. Cloistered himself away, though Gideon said he’s been happily married for several years now.”

“Well, there will be no contacting these reprobates to give donations to Chellenhome. Most are deceased,” Damon frowned. “What a blasted tangle this all is.”

“I have the feeling most wouldn’t give a toss if you did approach them,” Althea said quietly. “These men of means wouldn’t care where these children ended up. And I doubt they would be concerned if you exposed their doings publicly, either. Isn’t this how things are done? And have been, for centuries? Although, centuries ago, unwanted babies were often dropped down a mine shaft.” Yes, she was getting angry now. The injustice of it all cut deep.

“If we took this to the newspapers, most wouldn’t print it,” she continued, her ire rising. “And if they did, it would be swept away as so many other scandals have concerning peers and wealthy men of means!” Althea cried. “I am sick to death of it. No consequences for corrupt behavior and doings.”

“You have the right of it, unfortunately. Why pay to have the unwanted children sent to Chellenhome in the first place? Why not abandon them as many had done in the past?” Eleanora asked.

“A good point,” Althea replied. “And I will wager we find the answer within these ledgers.”

“So, what will you do, Damon?” Christian asked.

He sank into a nearby chair, deflated. “I have not the foggiest idea. This is far bigger than I originally imagined. I believed it was a list of seven or eight names and concerned my father only. But this? It is a scandal, a conspiracy. But it is not illegal, is it? Althea is right. There will be no consequences, legal ones at least. Or societal. Most would read this in the paper, shrug, and turn the page. For decades, workhouses, orphanages, and the streets of London have overflowed with unwanted children.”

“All true, but what about Browning?” Eleanora held up a bundle of notes. “There are five hundred and twenty-two pounds here, along with a few shillings and florins. Some of the notes are the old issue, and most are in five-pound denominations. Obviously, this is Browning’s savings.”

“Savings from buying and selling children?” Damon spat.

“Yet, he earned this, nonetheless. It is his property, and he wants it. Where will he break into next?” Eleanora observed.

“I say we give it to him in exchange for information,” Althea suggested.

“What good is information? We can do nothing with it,” Damon replied, clearly exasperated.

“And I think, Eleanora, we should depart and allow Althea and Damon to look over the records. If you need us, we will be at home,” Christian stated.

Eleanora embraced Althea. “Anytime you wish to talk, I will listen. I love you, Sister. And I am here for you.”

The rare declaration of affection caused Althea’s heart to tighten. “I love you, too.”

The sisters parted, and Eleanora and Christian turned to leave.

“Tell Dawson to run you home if he has returned,” Damon declared.

Christian grinned. “We will. If not, we can catch a hansom quick enough. We should remain vigilant. That is a great deal of money, and Browning might be desperate enough to break into any of our residences.”

“Wise advice. Although I do not know the man all that well, I cannot see him jeopardizing his freedom or savings by burglarizing our homes while we are there,” Damon stated. “But who knows what a desperate man might do?”

“Exactly, stay cautious,” Christian replied. With a wave, they were gone. And Althea and Damon were alone.

“When the carriage returns, I will depart. That is if you wish it.”

No, she didn’t wish it. Not at all. Althea stepped close and grabbed his lapels. Standing on the tips of her toes, she kissed him, hard. “Come upstairs.”

Damon took her hands and stepped back. “I cannot believe I am about to say this, but I should head home.”

“For God’s sake, why?” Althea was hurt by his gentle rebuff but was more curious than anything.

“You said it yourself; you have much to work out.”

“And you made the invitation. You said, ‘come to me tonight,’ remember?”

“It appears that I also have matters to work out.” Damon caressed her cheek. “You are so incredibly wise, Althea. And brave. Will you let me know when your hospital appointment is? And allow me to accompany you?”

“Yes, of course. I don’t understand this.”

“For once in my life, I am thinking of someone else before my self-seeking needs. You asked for time, and I wish to give it.” He leaned in to kiss her forehead, then turned toward the table and picked up one of the ledgers. “Mrs. Seddon’s copy. I will take this with me. As far as the money, I will take that and put it in my safe at Clarendon Place. I leave the other ledgers with you. Please write me a report about the donors, how many children, and how much money exchanged hands. That sort of thing.”