Page 77 of An Uncommon Earl

“Forgive me for keeping you waiting, Lord Bloxley.” Mr. Barrett rose, his hand moving to tug his off-centered cravat to the left.

“I realize that you do not usually conduct business on Sunday evening, Mr. Barrett,” Alexander said, “but this cannot wait.”

“Of course, my lord. I received your letter regarding Mrs. Stanley’s failing health, and a follow-up letter from Mr. Fossum regarding her passing. Be assured that we are working to relocate the two children currently without a wet nurse.” He gestured toward a high-back wooden chair across from the desk. “Please have a seat.”

Alexander ignored the chair, choosing instead to draw David and Elijah forward. “Mr. Barrett,” Alexander said, “may I present David Wells and Elijah Hunter. They are wards of the Foundling Hospital and spent the first four years of their lives with Mrs. Stanley in High Brodmore. More recently, they have been living in Norton Ripley with Mrs. Stanley’s brother-in-law.”

David kept his chin up even as it quivered. Elijah stayed glued to his side, his fear-filled eyes on Mr. Barrett.

The director stared at the boys in confusion. “You say these boys are wards of the hospital?”

“They are. I believe you will find their paperwork on file if you wish further confirmation.”

He frowned. “We pride ourselves on our record keeping, Lord Bloxley. It is very difficult for me to believe that two boys from the same wet nurse were misplaced like this.”

“In actuality, there were three boys. And they were not misplaced; they were sold. The hospital administration was told that they had died of disease and had no reason to question it. Mr. Stanley made money from starving these boys to the point that their growth was stunted so that he could then sell them to his brother, who works as a chimney sweep. David and Elijah have been climbing chimneys since they arrived in Norton Ripley. The older boy, Daniel, died because he was unable to escape a flue.”

Mr. Barrett stared at Alexander in obvious incredulity. To his credit, however, he did not immediately question the story, so Alexander stood behind the boys, waiting for the initial shock to wear off to see how the director would act.

“Disgraceful! Absolutely disgraceful!” the man said.

Alexander smothered a sigh of relief. The director’s indignation would undoubtedly motivate action.

Mr. Barrett moved to the door and opened it wide. “I need our files on David Wells, Elijah Hunter, and Daniel last-name-unknown all living with a Mrs. Stanley in High Brodmore,” he called. “And send down Mrs. Albury. We have two boys who need to be cleaned and put to bed.”

“I might suggest that some food would not go amiss either,” Alexander said.

Mr. Barrett eyed the small boys’ thin arms and legs and nodded. “I believe Mrs. Albury can find some bread to tide them over until breakfast.”

David was trembling slightly, and Elijah had yet to release his grip on the older boy. Alexander bent down so that he was closer to their height. “I pray that your transition into life at the Foundling Hospital will be easier than the hardships you have endured in the past,” he said. “Work hard, and mind your teachers well, and you will succeed.”

Elijah looked up at him. Even with his knees bent, Alexander was still so much taller than the small boy.

“Are there truly no chimneys to climb?” Eli whispered.

Alexander placed his hand on the child’s narrow shoulder. “When I next come to visit, I expect you to tell me that your only climbing occurs when you are getting into bed.”

Elijah offered him a tremulous smile. “All right.”

“Good lad.” Alexander gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze and rose to his full height again as a dark-haired woman wearing a mobcap and an apron over her simple dress entered the room.

“David and Elijah, is it?” she said.

“Yes, ma’am,” David said.

“Right you are, come along with me. It looks like we’ve some coal dust to take care of behind the ears.”

David and Elijah started for the door, but as they stepped out of the office, David stopped and turned back to look at Alexander.

“Thank you, my lord,” he said. “I reckon you may well have saved our lives.”

Before Alexander could respond, however, David disappeared from view.

Moments later, Mr. Morris walked in carrying a handful of files. After handing them to Mr. Barrett, he exited without a word.

“Rest assured, my lord, David and Elijah will find their places here, and I will personally see to the updating of these files immediately.” Mr. Barrett withdrew one and opened it. “In addition, if you would be good enough to give me the names of those who have so blatantly abused the charitable nature of the Foundling Hospital, I shall see to it that formal charges are filed with the appropriate magistrates on behalf of the board.”

“I appreciate your assistance with the matter,” Alexander said.