Chapter 20 #2
Hugh swallowed. “Thirty pounds from the village all told, likely five pounds from the poor box.”
Sally whimpered.
“Yes, you see my problem,” the duke told her. “Add to that what was taken from the Kinsles and the value of the figurine from the manor, and we have well over two hundred pounds.”
“I took back the little statue,” Sally said eagerly. “I put it in Morrigan’s room, because I knew she’d see it right. And I have the money from Mr. Kinsle and his wife. I was just trying to find a way to return it.”
“The amount is still enough to see you hanged or transported,” the duke pointed out.
Hugh gasped, and Sally swayed. He strode to her side and put a hand on her arm to steady her. Her eyes were huge, and she seemed to be having trouble catching a breath. But she managed a shaky nod.
“If that’s my fate, I’ll not flee.”
The duke watched them silently, the figure of authority in a place where a greater Authority should rule. “Your Grace, you can’t,” Hugh urged. “Surely Miss Bailey has learned her lesson. We can find a way for her to make restitution.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t believe the thefts will stop,” the duke said sadly. “Do you, Miss Bailey?”
She bit her lip again and said nothing.
Hugh frowned. “Miss Bailey, Sally, you must promise never to steal again.”
She turned her tortured gaze on him. “I can try, sir, but I haven’t done a very good job of it so far. I can’t watch every moment.”
The truth slammed into him. “You’re not the thief. It’s your mother.”
Sally pushed away from him to hold out her hands again.
“But I have the watching of her. Don’t you see, it’s my fault I can’t stop her.
I try. I really do. But sometimes I’m busy in the kitchen, and she slips out.
I think she’s napping and take a walk, and she wakes before I return.
We go to the shops, and I turn my back for one moment. ”
She fisted her hands. “Please, take me. I can’t see her hanged. It would kill me and Tom. And she’d never survive transport. Besides, it’s not really her fault. She forgets where she is sometimes, and she gets so upset when she realizes Da’s not there to help.”
The girl turned to Hugh, tears now streaming down her face.
“I didn’t know about the poor box. I was doing the wash one morning and realized she’d gone.
She wandered home just as I was getting frantic.
She used to clean the church, so she had a key.
” She dug in her pocket and held it out to Hugh.
“Please! She doesn’t mean to hurt anyone. ”
“What about the manor?” the duke asked as Hugh took the key. “I have not seen your mother there.”
Sally grimaced, hands falling. “That was me. The vicar was asking questions in the village. I thought if something was taken from the manor, people would stop looking in Tyneham, and maybe I’d have a chance to keep her safe.
” She shook her head. “I don’t know how she does it.
My heart started hurting me the moment I stepped away from the manor.
I had to give back what I took. That’s why it really is my fault.
” She sucked back a sob. “Can’t you just take me away now and leave her be? ”
Hugh met the duke’s gaze. “Surely we can come to some agreement, Your Grace.”
The duke drew in a breath. “You may have heard that I came into my title and responsibilities suddenly,” he said, more to Sally than to Hugh. “At first, those responsibilities seemed a heavy burden. I can only imagine the burden you carry, Miss Bailey.”
He clapped his hands together, and she started.
“Here’s what we’re going to do,” he announced.
“My steward tells me a widow of one of my tenants in the village needs a new home. She’s of middle age and strong, and I have found her kind and firm in her convictions.
She misses having someone else around. I propose that we move her in with your mother, apprising her fully of the situation, of course.
I’ll allow a small stipend to help with the costs.
I’m sure we can find a position at the manor for you to earn additional income and help recompense those from whom your mother stole.
And I shall give the empty cottage to Morrigan and your brother when they marry. What do you think?”
Hugh wanted to shout a hallelujah. What a perfect, compassionate solution!
Beside him, Sally’s cape swept the church floor as she trembled from head to foot. “I think you’re just about the best duke that ever was.”
His Grace smiled. “I certainly try. Now, the weather seems to be worsening. I suggest you go home and stay with your mother until all the arrangements can be made. Mr. Caddington, I believe Georgie and Oliver will be along shortly. You might want to prepare yourself.”
Hugh shook his head in confusion. “Prepare myself, Your Grace? For what?”
The duke’s smile merely deepened. “You’ll see shortly.”
* * *
Hugh had barely come to terms with Sally’s revelations when Mrs. Hallet let Georgie and Oliver into the vicarage. His housekeeper tipped her head at Georgie and raised her brows at Hugh before escorting Oliver to the kitchen, where Pip was waiting.
Hugh could see why his housekeeper might be concerned. Georgie’s bonnet was askew, and mud spattered her hem. Alarm pushed him to her side. “Georgie! What’s happened?”
She grabbed the strings on her bonnet and tugged. “Morrigan has been accused of being a thief, and I don’t believe it. Neither does Tom Bailey nor Maisy nor His Grace, for that matter. But that’s not why I came. I brought Oliver as promised.”
“I see,” he said, though he wasn’t sure which of those statements had her in such a state. “I can lay your mind to rest about Morrigan, at least. The real thief has been identified, and His Grace has dealt with the matter admirably.”
Instead of sighing or smiling in relief, Georgie nodded far too quickly, then set about pacing the sitting room. “Good. Excellent. I’m very glad to have that matter resolved. But, you see, I told Bailey that he needed to explain to Morrigan that he loves and believes in her.”
“Very wise,” Hugh allowed, still mystified. “I’m sure he appreciated your advice.”
She waved a hand. “I can only hope. But I appreciated that advice, Hugh. If I’m going to go about telling others what to do, I should be prepared to do it myself, don’t you think?”
“Certainly,” he said. “But I’ve never known you to be a hypocrite, Georgie.”
She came to a stop in front of him, chest heaving. “I begin to think you’re wrong. There are many things I should have said that I hid inside. No more. I believe in you, Hugh.”
He stilled. Did she mean…? “Thank you,” he managed.
She drew in a breath as if to fortify herself. “I do, you know. Already, you’re making a fine vicar. You watch over your flock so carefully. I know it will make a difference, for everyone.”
“Thank you,” he repeated, not sure what else to say to such praise.
Wind roared against the eaves, but she didn’t seem to notice. “It’s easy for me to see the good in you. I love you, Hugh, and it would be my greatest joy and honor to stand beside you.”
He shook himself, unable to believe what he was hearing. “Georgie, again you leave me not knowing what to say.”
She took a step closer. “You might start by saying you love me too.”
“With every breath I take. With every beat of my heart.” He gathered her close, and she nestled against him as if he had been made for the sole purpose of comforting her, encouraging her. He rubbed his hand against her back. “I love you, Georgie. I always have, and I always will.”
She lifted her gaze to his, and he brushed her lips in a kiss. She whispered his name, a benediction, a blessing. He never wanted to let her go.
Something struck the side of the house, shrieking against the window glass. Georgie shuddered.
“A branch,” Hugh assured her, cuddling her closer. “A storm seems to be coming in. Good thing you reached the vicarage when you did. It can’t be safe out there.”
She pulled back with a gasp, eyes widening. “But Hugh, Oliver came with the express purpose of going out to hunt birds! He wants to find that storm petrel Sir Winfred told them about.”
“Surely he and Pip have more sense,” Hugh began, only to shake his head. What would boys born and raised in the city know of storms blowing in off the Channel? The noise alone might make Oliver hesitate, but if Pip wanted to go, the other boy would follow.
“We’ll find them,” Hugh assured her as he took her hand and led her toward the kitchen. “They can’t have gotten far.”