Chapter 20

20

2023

Janelle wove her way through the crowded tube station and followed Jonas toward the exit. He reached back and took her hand. She slid her fingers through his, and her heart swelled. His kind gesture offered an extra sense of care and protection. The crowd thinned as they reached the stairs, but he didn't let go of her hand. A smile rose to her lips as they climbed the steps to the street level.

"The library is just a short walk." He nodded to the right, and they set off, still walking hand in hand.

It was only midafternoon, and this had already been such a wonderful day. Jonas had been waiting for her in the lobby when she arrived at St. Mark's for the ten o'clock worship service. They'd found seats together, two rows from the front. He'd joined in singing with her and easily found his way to the book of Ephesians to follow along with Pastor Scott Brown's message.

When the service ended, she introduced him to the pastor and Maggie and Dan and their boys. Then Jonas greeted Olivia. Maggie and Dan asked him a few questions. He'd handled it all graciously, even when Dan teased her for not telling them Jonas was joining her that morning. Maggie had rolled her eyes and elbowed her husband.

After church, Janelle and Jonas stopped at the Sunflower Café and ate lunch outside under a bright yellow umbrella. They talked about the message and the similarities and differences between St. Mark's and Hope Church. Then they'd taken a crowded ride on the tube to King's Cross Station, which was only an eight-minute walk from the British Library. Each experience and conversation made her feel closer to Jonas and gave her more reasons to appreciate him.

When they reached the library, he pulled open the front door. "After you."

She returned his smile. "Thanks."

They stopped at the main reference desk, and the librarian sent them to the second floor. They rode the lift, then crossed to the periodical reference desk.

The gentleman behind the desk looked up. "May I help you?"

Janelle nodded. "We're looking for a booklet titled The Maiden Tribute to Modern Babylon. It's a compilation of a series of articles that was published in the Pall Mall Gazette in the summer of 1885."

The man turned to his computer and typed in their request. A few seconds later, he met her gaze. "We have an original copy." He rose from his chair. "I'll get that for you."

"Would we be able to check it out?" Janelle asked.

"I'm sorry. It's classified as internal reference and only available to view here at the library."

Janelle nodded. "Okay. Thanks."

The librarian stepped out from behind the desk and disappeared between the stacks.

Jonas turned to her. "It should be interesting to see what's included in the other articles."

Janelle nodded, but her stomach tensed. If one of them confirmed the Foundling Hospital's involvement in the scheme to sell young girls to brothels, she'd have some very serious decisions to make.

The librarian returned and handed her the booklet. "Here you go. Please handle it carefully."

"We will." She carried it to a nearby table and took a seat. Jonas sat next to her. She opened to the table of contents and skimmed down to the third article in the series, "Falsely Accused and Jailed in Pursuit of the Truth . " With a light touch, she turned the pages and settled in to read.

Jonas leaned closer, and they silently began reading the first page.

Janelle gasped and pointed to the fourth paragraph. "Can you believe the writer set up the man on staff at the Foundling Hospital?"

"Let's keep reading. It sounds as though he had good motives and was trying to expose what was going on."

She read the next section, and her head began to throb. The writer, a Mr. Matthew McGivern, accused an unnamed man at the Foundling Hospital of selling at least two young girls to brothels in White Chapel, and suggested there might have been more. It wasn't clear if the man behind the scheme had been caught and prosecuted, at least not in that article.

Jonas glanced her way. "Wow, the journalist ended up being arrested. That's a twist I didn't expect."

Janelle nodded and found her place in the article to continue reading.

A few minutes later, they finished making notes on that section, then turned the page to read the next. But Janelle found herself staring at the interior of the back cover. She ran her finger down the center fold. "Someone tore out the other pages! Who would do that?"

Jonas huffed and rose, taking the booklet with him. "Let me check with the librarian. Maybe they have another copy that's not the original."

As he left, Janelle made a few more notes. The accusations against the Foundling Hospital were painfully clear and left a bitter taste in her mouth. Why hadn't she heard these details before? She'd always believed the Foundling Hospital's full history had been shared in exhibits and articles with honesty and integrity.

They had never tried to hide questionable issues connected with their care and treatment of the children. A recent exhibit, Feeding the 400 , had shed light on the Great Milk Scandal of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. A guest curator had looked back at the records and discovered the cream had been skimmed from the whole milk before it was delivered to the Foundling Hospital. That meant, for years, the children drank milk that lacked the calories and nourishment needed. Amanda hadn't hidden that discovery. She'd called in an independent group to investigate and clarify what had happened.

But this scandal was much more serious, and making it known would need to be handled with great care. It was time to discuss what she'd learned with Amanda, but she dreaded the thought.

If Amanda knew the truth and had kept it all under wraps, that would put Janelle in an even more difficult position.

Jonas walked back toward the table where Janelle waited. He could tell she was discouraged by her weary expression. The article had confirmed her worst fears. Now she would have to deal with what they had uncovered.

She looked up as he approached. "Does he have another copy of the booklet?"

"No, but there's another one at a library in Essex. He sent a request and said he'd let me know when it arrives."

Janelle released a resigned sigh. "It's probably for the best. I've read just about all I want to take in today."

He sat down beside her. "I'm sorry. I know this is disheartening, but it's probably better that you discovered the truth rather than someone else reporting this and blindsiding you."

She offered a slow nod, then glanced at her watch and reached for her handbag. "I need to head home. Maggie and Dan are going out for dinner for their anniversary. I promised to spend the evening with Olivia and the boys."

He didn't like sending her off on this gloomy note. "Why don't I come with you?"

She cocked her eyebrow. "You really want to spend the evening with Olivia, Cole, and Caleb?"

"If that's what you're doing, then yes, I would."

Her smile returned, along with a look of relief. "If you're sure you don't mind."

"Not at all."

Janelle padded softly down the hall in Maggie and Dan's flat. Cole and Caleb were finally settled in their room for the night, listening to an audiobook with the lights turned down low. She heard Olivia talking to Jonas in the living room, which was interesting. Olivia hadn't said more than five words to them since they'd arrived.

She and Jonas had spent the evening playing a board game with Cole and Caleb. They'd invited Olivia to join them, but she'd said no, then fixed her eyes on her phone, scrolling through social media and texting the whole time. Janelle had been disappointed, but at least Olivia had stayed in the living room with them.

Jonas looked up as Janelle walked in. "I was just thinking, since Olivia is familiar with the museum transcription project, she might be able to help with our research."

Janelle sat down next to him. "What would she be looking for?"

"Maybe she could check the records in 1885 and see if she can find anything ... interesting." He sent her a pointed look, and she caught his meaning.

Was it wise to tell Olivia about the Gazette articles and the girls who'd been taken from the Foundling Hospital? She debated a moment more, then turned to Olivia. "Would you like to help with some extra research? You'd need to keep what you learn confidential."

Olivia shrugged. "Sure. Who am I going to tell?"

Tony's name came to mind, but Janelle wasn't going to mention him, not after the way Olivia reacted the last time she'd brought Tony into the conversation.

Janelle focused on Olivia again. "Okay. Here's what we're working on. We've found a series of old newspaper articles that say some young girls were taken from the Foundling Hospital and sold to brothels."

Olivia's eyes widened. "Whoa, that's not cool."

"No, it's not. The writer of the articles used fictitious names for the girls to protect them. We'd like to find out who they were and learn what happened to them."

Interest flickered in Olivia's eyes. "So, this is sort of like solving a mystery."

Janelle nodded. "That's right."

"Can I read the articles?"

Jonas frowned and glanced at Janelle. "It's a pretty serious topic. Do you think Maggie and Dan would be okay with that?"

Olivia huffed. "I'm sixteen. That's certainly old enough to read the newspaper."

"I think it's okay," Janelle added. "But I'll make sure to mention it to them."

He took out his phone and handed it to Olivia. "Text me your number, and I'll send you the link to the first two articles. We took some photos of the third article, but we're still searching for the last three in the series."

Olivia's fingers flew as she texted Jonas her number, then handed his phone back. He sent her the link and photos. She tapped on the link, then fixed her gaze on her phone. A few seconds later, she wrinkled her nose. "This article should definitely be rated for mature audiences only."

Janelle tensed. "If you're not comfortable reading it, you don't have to."

Olivia lifted her hand. "No. It's okay." She read a little longer, then looked up. "You're trying to find out the names of these girls?"

Janelle nodded. "Especially those who were taken from the Foundling Hospital. We also want to know what happened to them and who was behind it."

Olivia scrolled back to the top of the article. "Did you Google it?"

Janelle nodded. "We tried a few different searches, but we didn't find any direct links to the information we need."

"Did you look through Wikipedia? That's where I usually start when I'm writing a paper for school."

Janelle frowned. "I'm not sure Wikipedia is a credible source."

"No offense, but you shouldn't be a research snob. It's a great place to start." Olivia scanned the article once more. She typed something into her phone, scrolled for a few seconds, and her eyes lit up. "Here you go."

Janelle's pulse jumped. "What did you find?"

"I typed Pall Mall Gazette and the name of the series, and this website came up." She clicked through, and her eyes darted over the screen. "It looks like the guy who wrote the series worked for a famous editor named W. T. Stead. The website is about him." She read on for a few seconds. "It says the journal ist was arrested and sent to jail for buying a girl from the Foundling Hospital."

"Yes, that's what we read in a booklet at the library today." Janelle glanced at Jonas.

He sat forward. "Does it identify the girls who were taken?"

Olivia kept reading. "The girl he bought was called Eliza Armstrong in the article. But he was arrested before he got away with her. Her real name was Susan Peterson, and she was returned to the Foundling Hospital." Olivia looked up. "Is that the girl you're looking for?"

Janelle leaned closer to Olivia, trying to read her phone. "The third article mentioned two girls who were taken from the Foundling Hospital and sold to work belowstairs at brothels. It happened quite a while before the incident when the writer was arrested. Those are the girls we want to identify."

Olivia nodded, then looked down at her phone and kept reading.

"Why don't I go get my laptop?" Janelle stood. "Then we can all take a look at the website."

Jonas nodded. "Good idea."

She went over to her flat, retrieved her laptop, and rejoined Olivia and Jonas. Olivia emailed her the link, and Janelle opened the page. Her gaze darted over the information, and she sat back. Most of it related to the editor's life, work, and influence on society. There was a brief mention of the series, and it gave a few excerpts from the articles.

"Look at the bottom of the page." Olivia nodded to Janelle. "It has a list of other websites and books that have more information about the editor. One of those might help you find the answers to your questions."

Jonas nodded. "Thanks, Olivia."

Olivia grinned. "I told you to check Wikipedia."

Jonas chuckled, then winked at Janelle. For the next half hour, they hovered over her laptop, following links and making notes to help continue their search.

Jonas pointed to the list of references and external links at the bottom of the Wikipedia webpage. "Maybe we should see if we can find some of these books."

Janelle studied the titles. "I'll check the British Library online catalog." She quickly brought up the British Library website and typed in the first title. "They've got that book. Let me see if they have any of the others." She typed in four more titles, but only one of those was listed. She showed him what she'd found.

He nodded, looking pleased. "We'll pick them up tomorrow."

The way he'd said we warmed her heart. Turning back to her laptop, she quickly reserved the books.

Jonas leaned back on the sofa. "That was a good lead. Thanks, Olivia."

The girl was grinning from ear to ear, but she didn't seem to hear Jonas. Her gaze was glued to the phone.

Janelle leaned forward. "Olivia, did you hear Jonas?"

"Hmmm?" Olivia turned to Janelle. "What?"

Jonas chuckled. "Who are you texting?"

Olivia's cheeks flushed beneath her freckles, and she looked away. "A friend."

Janelle's happy mood deflated. No doubt she had been exchanging messages with Tony.

Jonas grinned. "Is it your boyfriend?"

Olivia shook her head. "He's just a friend."

"So, he's a boy, and he's your friend, but he's not your boyfriend?"

Olivia huffed. "You're worse than Maggie and Dan."

"Oh, come on," Jonas continued in a humorous tone. "You can tell us."

Olivia shot up off the couch. "Why are you asking me all these questions?"

Jonas held up his hands. "Hey, I'm sorry. I was just teasing."

The front door opened, and Maggie and Dan walked in. Maggie's gaze darted from Olivia to Janelle. "Is everything okay?"

Janelle met Maggie's gaze. "Yes. We've had a good evening. Olivia helped us find some information we've been looking for."

Maggie placed her handbag on the side table. "What kind of information?"

Olivia crossed her arms and shot an irritated glance at Maggie. "Don't worry. It was just some old newspaper articles about the museum's history. Why do you always think I'm doing something wrong?"

Maggie's eyes widened. "I don't think that."

"Yeah, right."

Dan frowned. "Olivia, don't use that tone with Maggie. She just asked you a simple question."

Hurt glittered in Olivia's eyes. "You always take her side. You never stand up for me."

"I'm not taking anyone's side."

Janelle sent Jonas a worried glance, and he returned an uncomfortable look.

Olivia spun away and started down the hall.

"Olivia," Dan called.

Maggie reached for Dan's arm. "Let her go. She needs time to cool down."

"It's past nine. She needs to turn over her phone."

"Let's give her a few minutes before we have to fight that battle." She turned to Janelle. "Sorry. I hope she wasn't like this all night."

Janelle sent Maggie a sympathetic look. "No, she was fine."

Dan shoved his hands in his pockets. "We appreciate you both coming over. It was a nice break for us."

Jonas nodded. "Glad to do it."

Janelle agreed and gave Maggie a hug. "I hope you two had a nice evening. Happy anniversary."

Dan slipped his arm around Maggie's shoulder and sent them a weary smile. "Thanks."

Janelle gathered her belongings, and she and Jonas said good night, then stepped out to the landing and crossed to her door.

"Why do you think Olivia reacted like that?" Jonas asked. "I hope it won't spoil Maggie and Dan's evening."

"I think they'll be all right." Janelle looked up at him. "I enjoyed today."

Humor lit his expression. "Even the board game with the boys and Olivia's teenage angst?"

She smiled. "Yes, even that. Having you there made it all ... special."

His eyes glowed as he took a step closer. "Thanks. I enjoyed it too." His gaze slowly traveled over her face, as though he was taking in each feature.

Her heartbeat sped up. Was he going to kiss her good night? Did she want him to? Memories of the way he'd sung with her that morning at church, how he'd reached for her hand and guided her through the tube station, his playful laughter during the game with the boys, and the silent looks they'd exchanged that evening, communicating their thoughts without needing any words, all flowed through her mind.

He waited, holding her gaze, silently asking her permission. She lifted her face toward his as he dipped his head. Her eyes slid closed just as his lips met hers with a kiss so soft and tender it melted her heart. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was long enough to make her senses spin with delight.

He stepped back, grinning. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Goodness, she could hardly catch her breath.

"We'll have to do this again ... soon."

She laughed softly. "Yes, it was a lovely day."

He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Janelle."

"Good night."

He pushed open the door to the stairs, looked back with a smile, then started down the steps.

Janelle released a soft sigh as she opened her door. Jonas's kiss and all he'd done today had made her feel special and cherished. It was a good feeling, easing away her worries from the past and giving her a fresh wave of hope for the future.