Page 73 of Once Upon a Midnight Dream

“Not at all, though you may not approve.” Layton returned his brother’s grin.

Fletcher’s keen attention never wavered. “Try me.”

“I am creating a trust fund for Kelston Hall Children’s Home to be managed by its director, Lilibet Granger.”

“A worthy cause, to be sure, and I am not entirely surprised.” Fletcher leaned back, his too-astute attention boring into Layton. “I seem to remember at one time you considered adopting. Is that still the case?”

“I grew quite fond of the children at the home while I was there.” Layton could do more than adopt a child or two or four. He could use his inheritance to help many children. “Miss Granger has expressed an interest in expanding her operation. Now she can.”

And hopefully, Layton would be by her side through it all.

“I am not stupid, Layton.” His hand encircling his coffee cup, Fletcher pointed his forefinger toward Layton. “I know Miss Granger is much more to you than just the home’s director.”

“She saved my life.” Layton dropped his focus to the table for a moment, then raised his gaze. “I love her, and I want to marry her, if she will have me.”

“I could not be happier, brother.” Fletcher beamed. “Of course, she will have you.”

Layton wished he was as confident.

Fletcher leaned forward again, elbows on the table. “Now let me tell you what I learned about Viscount Merrivale last night.”

Twenty-four

Kelston Hall’s courtyard

5 November 1828—evening

Guy Fawkes night

A sharp, loud bang rent the chilly night, followed by crackling and sparks shooting five feet into the air. Exuberant clapping drowned out the children’s excited chorus of oohs and aahs, and a few startled shrieks from the adults present as well.

Smiling at their enthusiasm, Lilly adjusted the hand-knitted scarf around her neck.

This had been a wonderful decision, despite the added expense, which she had paid for with her savings. Besides, the children’s home was not destitute yet.

Layton’s sudden departure had affected the boys and girls far more than she had expected, and Lilly hoped the extra celebrations would lift them from their doldrums.

They did little to raise her spirits, but she refused to let anyone see her desolation.

Mourning his absence was pointless, anyway.

Returning Nellie’s excited wave from the other side of the roaring bonfire, Lilly roved her attention over those assembled here tonight.

These people were her family, and she loved them.

Yes, she was sad and missed Layton beyond words, but her heart would heal in time.

At least, she prayed it would.

Tonight, she was determined to enjoy herself.

A favorite holiday of the children and staff, every year, Kelston Hall Children’s School celebrated Guy Fawkes Night with a bonfire, roasted chestnuts, hot spiced cider, and toffee apples.

However, this year, Lilly had splurged and asked Charles to purchase several squibs. She had drawn the line at permitting the children to hold handheld firebrands as being too dangerous, even if the village children were wont to run amuck while holding them and screeching at the top of their lungs.

As another special treat, Mrs. B had spent most of yesterday making treacle toffee. Lilly and the teachers had supervised the children in creating Guy Fawkes effigies from straw and old rags. In truth, it was a rather barbaric practice to toss the effigies into the fire, but then mankind was rather barbaric.

Wasn’t that why men believed themselves superior to women for no reason other than they possessed different genitalia? Or why men made almost all the important decisions, and women were supposed to submit and agree without a word of objection?