Page 68 of When You Rescued Me

“Good evening, Corbridge,” Samuel said.

The porter raised his lantern higher and studied Samuel through narrowed eyes. “Do I know you?”

“I’m one of Sir John Fielding’s men,” Samuel said.

Corbridge grunted. “I should’ve guessed as much. The magistrate never ’as been a respecter of daylight workin’ hours.”

Samuel considered reminding Corbridge that winter’s shortened days were wholly beyond Sir John’s control, but baiting the fellow was not in Alfie’s best interest. “Unfortunately,” he said, “crime does not sleep.”

“’As there been a crime, then?”

“A fire at the wharf,” Samuel said, drawing Alfie forward. “And this young man now finds himself without a home or family.”

Corbridge sniffed the air. “I thought I smelled smoke. ’Ow bad was it?”

“We won’t know the full extent of the damage until morning,” Samuel said, “but you may be sure that Bow Street intends to capture the arsonist.”

“This isn’t ’im, then?” Corbridge jerked his chin toward Alfie.

“Not at all.” Hannah spoke before Samuel could respond. “Alfie was a victim of the fire and has come here for assistance in getting on his feet again.”

The lantern swung toward Hannah.

“And you are?” Corbridge asked.

“Miss Hannah Dennington,” Hannah said, ignoring the porter’s discourteous greeting and raising her chin slightly. “And given what this boy has been through this evening, I should be most grateful if you would delay the care he needs no longer.”

“Miss Dennington,” the porter repeated. The name obviously meant something to him, but he was likely trying to reconcile Hannah’s tattered state of dress with a name associated with affluence.

“Her father, Mr. Henry Dennington, is waiting in the carriage at the gate,” Samuel said, following his hunch. “Would you like to speak with him?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Corbridge said, his attention snapping from Hannah to Samuel. “Though the gentleman is welcome to visit at a more favorable hour.” He turned to Alfie. “What’s your name, boy?”

Alfie faced him stoically. “Alfie.”

“Your full name,” Corbridge said. “The one given to you at birth.”

“A-Alfred Sawyer.”

“Very well, Master Sawyer, you’d best come in, and we shall see about finding you a bed.”

“And a bath and clean clothing, if you please,” Hannah added.

“Yes, Miss Dennington,” Corbridge said.

“Thank you.”

At Hannah’s heartfelt expression of thanks, Corbridge’s hardened expression softened slightly. “I’ll see it done, miss.” Corbridge backed into the entrance hall and beckoned Alfie forward.

“It’s time, Alfie,” Samuel said. He did not envy the boy. The road ahead would be fraught with difficulties, but Samuel fully believed it was in Alfie’s best interest to take this step.

“Face the changes with courage,” Hannah said.

The boy nodded mutely and stepped over the Marine Society’s threshold. With a nod directed at Samuel and Hannah, Corbridge closed the door behind him. They heard Alfie’s cough and then the sound of retreating footsteps.

Hannah moved to stand beside Samuel. “Do you think he will manage?”

“If he is fortunate enough to secure a worthy mentor, I believe he will.”