Chapter 25

25

1885

The evening of the rescue, Lillian descended the back stairs to the kitchen. It was after nine, and her cook, maid, and housekeeper had retreated to their own rooms for the night. She was hoping for tea and something sweet, but she didn't want to bother any of the staff at that late hour.

She filled the kettle and put it on the stove, then opened the cupboard and scanned the shelves. She spied a biscuit tin and popped off the lid. The scent of cinnamon and ginger tickled her nose. Ginger biscuits, her favorite. She placed the tin on the worktable and took a teacup from the cabinet.

Leaning back against the counter, she pondered the events of the day with a sense of awe. Thank you, Lord, for all the answered prayers!

As soon as they'd arrived home, Serena had pulled Lillian aside. "I want to tell Alice I'm her mother, but I don't want to overwhelm her."

Lillian leaned closer. "So much has happened today. Let's wait and see how she adjusts to all the changes. I'm sure the Lord will make it clear when the time is right."

Serena gave Lillian a hug. "It won't be easy to wait, but I believe you're right."

They gave the girls a simple dinner, then with the help of Mrs. Pringle and Bessie, they bathed the girls and helped them change into borrowed nightgowns. Serena and Lillian decided to let them all stay together, hoping it would ease their fears. They moved another bed into Serena's room, so Mary could sleep with Ellen, and Cathy and Daisy could share the other bed. As the sun set, they'd tucked the girls into their beds, said prayers, and kissed each one good night. Serena had insisted on staying with them until they all fell asleep.

A wave of gratitude flowed through Lillian as she considered the progress Serena had made since coming to stay with her. Her health had been restored, and her faith had been renewed. She seemed ready to leave much of her sorrow behind and step into her role as mother now that she had the support needed to love and care for her daughter. Together, she and Serena would forge new lives for the girls.

It wasn't only Serena who had been transformed in the past few months. Bringing her sister home and searching for Alice had given Lillian a new focus. That had led to meeting Matthew and rescuing Ellen and the other girls. How good God was to lead her in this new direction, help heal her heart, and give her hope and a future. Tears misted her eyes, and she offered a heartfelt prayer of thanks.

The teakettle whistled, and she prepared her cup of tea.

Serena walked into the kitchen. "I thought you might be down here." She studied Lillian's face. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes, these are happy tears." Lillian brushed the moisture from her cheek. "Would you like some tea?"

"That sounds perfect." Serena took a cup from the cupboard, and Lillian poured the hot water into her sister's cup.

Serena sank onto a stool at the worktable in the center of the kitchen. "You should see them snuggled up in their beds. They look like little angels."

Lillian slid the tin of ginger biscuits toward Serena. All children looked like angels when they were fast asleep. But she didn't want to say anything that would dampen Serena's joy. "I'm glad they're settled for the night."

"I know what you're thinking."

Lillian sent her an innocent look. "What is that?"

"Caring for them won't always be as easy as it was tonight. I'm sure the hardships they've suffered will make their adjustment here a challenge. But Alice is home with me at last, and that's what matters most."

"I'm happy for you, Serena."

"I know I can't make up for the time we've lost, but I pray that being together will bring healing to her heart and mine." Serena took a sip of tea. "What do you think about calling her Mary Alice? That way she could keep both names."

"That's a lovely idea, but I think you should ask her and be sure she's comfortable with both names."

"Perhaps when I tell her she is my daughter and explain some of the story, that might be the time to talk about her name. I'm content to call her Mary for now."

"Yes, there's no need to rush."

Serena's eyes filled. "For eight years I've grieved the loss of my daughter and longed to bring her home from the Foundling Hospital. With the upheaval and uncertainty of my life, I couldn't imagine how it could ever happen ... but you made it possible."

Lillian's throat tightened. "I'm very glad she's here with us."

"How can I ever repay you? Your kindness and forgiveness have given my daughter back to me."

Lillian shook her head. "Seeing you and Alice together is all the repayment I want."

Serena's eyes glowed as she looked at Lillian. "I'll never forget what you've done for me and my daughter. No sister has ever shown more love."

Lillian reached for Serena and gave her a hug. "We're blessed to have each other, and now these dear girls. Together we'll love and guide them toward a brighter future."

Matthew stopped at the open doorway to Lillian's dining room while the butler announced his arrival.

Lillian's gaze darted to meet his, and she smiled as she rose. "Good morning, Matthew. Please come and join us."

He nodded and returned a smile just for her, then glanced around the table. "Morning, everyone."

Serena and Ellen said hello, while the other three girls sent him curious looks.

"Girls," Serena said, "this is Mr. Matthew McGivern. He is our good friend and a journalist with the Pall Mall Gazette . When someone greets you, it's polite to respond in like manner. Let's say, ‘Good morning, Mr. McGivern.'"

The four girls responded in unison, with some giggles.

He grinned. "What a pleasure to see you all looking so well and enjoying such a fine breakfast."

Smiles lit the girls' faces.

Lillian led him to the buffet. Matthew's gaze traveled over the silver serving dishes displaying various breakfast items, and his mouth watered.

She offered him a plate. "Please choose whatever you'd like."

"Thank you." He handed her a folded copy of the Gazette and accepted the plate. "The events of yesterday are featured front and center."

She opened the newspaper and read the headline, "‘Three Underaged Girls Saved from White Chapel Brothel.'" Her eyes skimmed the page.

He waited, eager to see her reaction to the article.

Finally, she looked up. "This is brilliant, Matthew."

"Thank you. Mr. Stead said he'll publish the article on Mercy House tomorrow, then he wants one more article to conclude the series."

"One more?"

"Yes. He wants me to return to the Foundling Hospital and write an article that will help restore their reputation."

Lillian glanced away with a slight frown.

"I know you have reason to doubt the staff's intentions after the way you were treated by the matron, but Parker told the police he worked alone to alter the records and make the arrangements to sell the girls."

"No one else was involved?"

"Not according to Parker." Matthew added a slice of bacon to his plate. "Mr. Stead is personal friends with some of the men on the Foundling Hospital's board of governors. He doesn't want to make it difficult for them to raise the funds they need to care for the children."

Lillian gave a slow nod. "I understand. I suppose if the matron and the rest of the staff were not aware of what was happening, then we shouldn't hold it against them." She lifted the lid on the serving dish of the eggs so he could help himself. "I'd like to go with you to the Foundling Hospital."

He nodded, pleased with her request. He'd wanted to invite her but was hesitant to ask her to leave her sister and the girls on their first full day together. "I was planning to go later this morning. Would that fit into your plans for the day?"

She thought for a moment. "Yes. I'm sure Serena and Bessie can handle things here." She ushered him to the empty seat next to hers. They both sat down and enjoyed breakfast with Serena and the girls. The conversation ranged from those who liked eggs and those who didn't, to who kicked more in their sleep, and when they might go out and explore Lillian's private garden. Cathy seemed to be the most talkative, while Mary and Daisy were quieter. Ellen joined with the girls' conversation as though she'd been their friend all along.

After breakfast, Lillian called for the carriage, and they rode to the Foundling Hospital. A young woman greeted them at the door and ushered them to the matron's office.

As soon as Mrs. Stark recognized Matthew, her expression grew stony. She narrowed her eyes and shifted her gaze to Lillian. "And you are?"

"Mrs. Lillian Freemont."

Recognition flashed in the matron's eyes, and she looked away.

"I spoke to you in April to ask about my niece, Alice Dunsmore, who was renamed Mary Graham. You told me she'd died as an infant, but I learned that wasn't true."

Mrs. Stark gave a solemn nod. "Yes, I remember meeting you." She shifted her stern gaze to Matthew. "You are the author of that ... scandalous series of articles in the Gazette ."

"I wouldn't call my articles scandalous. I'd say they've raised awareness of a serious issue and exposed men who needed to be arrested for their crimes."

Her mouth puckered as though she'd tasted a lemon. "Mr. Parker is no longer associated with this institution. That man is a thief and a deceiver. I'm sorry I didn't realize what he was doing sooner. I never would have allowed it to continue."

Matthew nodded. "I understand. We've spoken to the police, and Mr. Parker confirmed no one else on staff knew he was altering records and selling girls to brothels."

"Of course we didn't know!" Mrs. Stark raised her hand to her chest. "It's shocking. I don't know how we'll ever recover from such a disgrace."

"That's why I've come," Matthew continued in a calm and steady voice. "My editor, W.T. Stead, wants to make sure our readers understand that one man with evil intentions does not represent the entire staff of the Foundling Hospital. He asked me to interview you and write an article that will highlight the good work you're doing to help restore the hospital's reputation."

Mrs. Stark blinked. "Oh, well ... that would be very much appreciated."

Matthew nodded. "We know the Foundling Hospital has a long history of exceptional care for children in need, and we want to support you in that work."

"Very well." The color returned to Mrs. Stark's face. "I'd be happy to answer your questions." She nodded to Matthew. "How can I help?"

Matthew asked her a series of questions and jotted her answers in his notebook. When they were finished, Mrs. Stark turned to Lillian. "I apologize for the misinformation I gave you about your niece. I can imagine how upsetting that must have been." Her tone and expression sounded sincere. "I'm glad to know she has been found and returned to her mother."

Lillian hesitated, the struggle to release her resentment toward the matron clear. She pulled in a deep breath and met Mrs. Stark's gaze. "We're very glad she has been rescued and is safely home."

Mrs. Stark rose. "There's something I'd like to give you." She turned to the shelf behind her desk and ran her finger across the row of ledgers. She pulled out one and turned several pages. "When your sister left her daughter with us, she left a token."

Lillian straightened. "Yes, that's right."

Mrs. Stark returned the ledger and pulled out a box from a lower shelf. "They made a note of it in your niece's records." She opened the box and thumbed through several folded packets. "Here it is."

Lillian leaned forward as Mrs. Stark unfolded the paper and took out a round golden disk with a slim red ribbon looped through the hole. The matron held it out toward them.

Matthew scanned the writing on the token. Remember My Love was written across the front, along with two small hearts and a few flourishes. Matthew glanced at Lillian. Had she seen it before?

Lillian nodded, and moisture glittered in her eyes. "My sister has one that matches."

The matron handed her the token. "Please return it to your sister and her daughter with my good wishes."

Lillian held it in her open hand, a look of wonder in her eyes. "I'm sure she'll be grateful to have it. Thank you."

"You're welcome." The matron cleared her throat, obviously touched by the exchange. "Now, is there anything else I can do for you? Any other questions?"

Matthew picked up his pencil again. "Are there any final words you'd like me to include in the article?"

Mrs. Stark thought for a moment, then said, "Our goal has always been to care for vulnerable young children and give them a safe and stable place to live and receive the training they need to become healthy, productive adults. We look forward to continuing that work with the faithful support of our many friends and benefactors. We are grateful for their trust as we endeavor to do all we can for the children."

Matthew nodded. "Very well said." He rose. "This article should appear in the Gazette the day after tomorrow."

Lillian slipped the token into her reticule and stood beside him. "Thank you, Mrs. Stark."

"You're most welcome. Thank you for coming and for giving us an opportunity to restore our good name."

Lillian gazed out the carriage window as the coachman passed through the gate into Regent's Park. She turned to Matthew. "Did you tell the coachman to take us through the park?"

He grinned, a mischievous look in his eyes. "I was hoping we might have time to stop and take a stroll through the gardens."

"What about your article?"

"It's already half written in my mind. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two to get it down on paper."

How thoughtful he was to plan this stop for them. "A stroll in the park sounds lovely."

He lifted his hand and rapped twice on the side of the carriage. The coachman slowed and pulled to the side of the road. Matthew opened the door and helped Lillian down.

He looked up at Mr. Fields. "Would you please return for us in one hour?"

"Yes, sir." He nodded and touched his cap, then the carriage rolled away.

Lillian glanced across the park, admiring the tree-lined paths, manicured lawns, and flower beds filled with colorful summer blooms. "Oh, it's beautiful. I haven't been here in ages."

Matthew offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She slipped her arm through his. Walking side by side, they set off down the path. Up ahead, a plume of water rose above a large fountain. The soothing sounds of splashing water and birds singing in the trees calmed her spirit. They'd been through so much in the past few days, it was a pleasure to put it aside and soak in the beauty of nature.

She looked up at him. "I'm very glad you thought of this."

"I was hoping it might give us time to talk."

Her cheeks warmed as she thought about what she needed to say. "I've wanted to speak to you as well."

He sent her an earnest look. "Lillian, I know that you—"

"Please, may I go first?"

He sent her a concerned look but nodded. "Of course."

She paused to organize her thoughts. "I've been thinking about what you said to me the day we spoke in my garden."

"About my wanting to be more than a friend?"

"Yes. And I wanted you to know the reason why I asked for more time to consider my answer."

He gave a hesitant nod.

"It's not because there is anything lacking in your character or behavior toward me. You've shown true loyalty and kindness in many ways. I've had time to consider my reaction, and I realize I've let pain from the past and fear of the future cloud my thoughts."

Understanding filled his eyes.

"But I don't want pain or fear to guide my life any longer. I know there are risks involved in opening my heart to you." She looked up at him. "But you've proven you're a caring and wise man. So, if it's not too late, my answer is yes. I hope we can be much more than friends."

His eyes danced. "Too late? Never!" He held tight to her hand, and they stepped off the path and into a shady alcove of trees.

Lillian's heartbeat sped up.

Matthew faced her and took both her hands in his. "Lillian, from the first day we met, I realized you were someone very special. I didn't acknowledge my attraction to you because I doubted there was any possibility you could ever care for me. But as I've gotten to know you, I've learned you are a warmhearted and generous woman who would not judge me for my past. Your kindness and courage, as well as your trust in the Lord, shine through in all you do, and that makes me eager to spend more time with you and see where the Lord will lead us."

Lillian's throat tightened. "I don't know that I deserve any of those beautiful compliments."

He gazed into her eyes. "You do. And I look forward to pointing out those qualities in the days ahead, so you'll see them too." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.

She stepped toward him, and he encircled her in his arms and held her close. She rested against his chest with a deep sigh of contentment. Matthew was a gift from God—her second chance to love and be loved.