Chapter 6

6

2023

On Saturday morning, Janelle picked up her cell phone and tapped in Jonas Conrad's number. His phone rang twice, and he picked up.

"Good morning. This is Janelle Spencer from the Foundling Museum."

"Hi, Janelle." She could hear the hope in his voice.

"I spoke to Amanda this morning, and she gave the go-ahead for the film."

"That's great! Thanks so much." He paused for a moment. "How is she doing? I hope she and the twins are going to be all right."

Janelle smiled. That was thoughtful of him to ask. "Amanda is recovering. The twins are in the NICU, and they will be for quite a while, but they're holding their own."

"That's good to hear."

"Yes, we're all grateful and praying they'll continue to do well."

"I'll add my prayers to yours."

Surprise rippled through her. Jonas Conrad was a praying man?

"I've been reading those books I borrowed from you, and I've spoken to my associate. We're ready to dig into the research, so I can work on the script. Can I stop by today with the contract for you to sign?"

A funny sensation zinged through her at the thought of seeing him again. She squeezed her eyes shut and reminded herself to remain professional. "Yes. I'll be in the office until five. What time works best for you?"

"How about eleven o'clock?"

She glanced at her watch. It was ten twenty. "You live close enough to be here in forty minutes?"

"Yes. I'm in Soho. I can be there by eleven."

"All right. I see you then."

"Thanks again. I know this film will be a great tool to spread your message and increase support for the museum."

"That's what we need." She tapped off and set her phone aside, then she glanced at the list she'd made while talking to Amanda earlier that morning.

She needed to make sure everyone stayed on track, preparing for the classes and tours, in addition to sending out the next fundraising newsletter and continuing plans for the gala. They were counting on that event to raise the funds needed for the next year. She had to check with Iris about the volunteers' appreciation luncheon and speak to Mark about the items they were borrowing for the next exhibit. Amanda had also asked her to check with Simon about the repairs scheduled to be done on the second-floor windows as well as the annual fire alarm testing. She blew out a deep breath. There was much more to this job than she'd ever realized.

She pulled out her laptop and placed it on her desk. No time like the present to tackle that list.

Jonas tucked the signed contract into his rolling case and sent Janelle a warm smile. "Thanks. I'm eager to get to work. I finished the Thomas Coram biography, and I'd like to look at some of the museum's historical documents."

Janelle sent him a surprised glance. "You must be a speed-reader."

"I am." He grinned. "That's only one of my many exceptional skills."

She laughed softly. "Right up there with humility."

He chuckled. "Touché."

She stood and motioned to her desk and chair. "Have a seat, and I'll show you how to access those documents."

"I don't want to take over your desk."

"It's not a problem. I need to work on some things in Amanda's office next door. You're welcome to work in here today."

"Okay. Thanks." He walked around the desk and placed his laptop case on the chair.

"The team at the London Metropolitan Archives is helping us preserve our records. They've photographed a good portion of them. I can show you how to view those online. We have more than five hundred thousand documents dating back to the 1730s."

He looked up. "Wow, that sounds a little overwhelming."

She nodded. "It can be. The governors and Foundling Hospital staff were meticulous about keeping records. We have general registers, inspection books, committee minutes, petition letters, medical records, and letters from mothers appealing for the return of their children."

He pulled out his laptop and placed it on the desk. She reached for the extra chair and started pulling it toward him.

"Here, let me help." He took over and slid the chair into place next to his. "Here you go."

"Thanks." She took a seat.

He opened his laptop, and she leaned closer. The scent of lavender floated past his nose, and he inhaled deeply. He gave his head a slight shake and refocused on his computer.

It had been more than a year since he'd gone on a date. After he'd renewed his commitment to his faith about eighteen months ago, he'd put dating on the back burner. Instead, he'd focused on his work and gotten involved with a men's Bible study. In the last few months, he'd sensed a longing to connect and prayed about meeting someone who shared his faith and goals in life—someone who would be a good partner.

He glanced at Janelle, and a ripple of awareness passed through him. Maybe he needed to pay attention and see if the Lord was nudging him to get to know her. He smiled at that thought, typed in his password, and unlocked the screen. While he waited for his laptop to connect to WiFi, he glanced around her desk.

A blue ceramic mug held pens and pencils, and an African violet in full bloom in an attractive pot sat on the corner. Next to it stood a framed photo of Janelle with a man and woman and two young boys. Was that her sister and husband with their sons? The man looked Italian, and the woman didn't look anything like her, so he dismissed that idea. He quickly scanned the rest of the room. There were no other family photos or any of Janelle with a husband or boyfriend. She didn't wear a wedding ring. He'd checked the first day they'd met.

"Ready, Jonas?"

He snapped back to the moment "Yes ... I'm ready."

The corners of her mouth lifted. "All right. Let me show you how to access the transcription project."

She spent the next fifteen minutes explaining that project and showing him how to view the various Foundling Hospital documents. He enjoyed their interactions and asked several questions to keep her talking. It was clear she was not only intelligent and skilled with research, but she was also dedicated to her work and the cause of children in care. All that confirmed the feeling he'd had earlier, and it made him feel certain he wanted to know her more.

"How did you get involved in your work here?"

She sat back, looking a little surprised by the question. An emotion he couldn't quite read flickered across her face. Was it embarrassment or reluctance? He couldn't be sure because it vanished as quickly as it had come. "My parents both struggled with various issues and divorced soon after I was born. I went into care when I was two."

He pulled in a quick breath. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"I was one of the lucky ones. I had a good foster family, and I didn't have to move around from placement to placement as so many children do. I took part in some of the programs here when I was in school, and I became an intern at the museum when I turned twenty. After I graduated from the University of London, I started working here, overseeing art programs for children and adults, and I've had a few different roles since then."

He nodded, impressed with her honesty and drive. "You've accomplished a lot in a short amount of time."

"Thanks. I feel a strong connection to the current programs and those in the past. The Foundling Museum and our fellow organization, Coram, do a tremendous amount of good for young people who are in care or who have phased out and are trying to become established as adults."

He nodded. "That makes sense. Your experiences help you understand those in similar circumstances. You want to help them find what you've found."

She tipped her head and studied his face. "Yes, that's it exactly. We're not just a museum that brings the past to life. We are committed to making a difference for children in care today."

His face lit up, and he pointed at her. "That's brilliant! I think you just gave me the theme for our film."

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

He nodded. "That perspective is just what we need to make the film relevant and give it the greatest impact." He grabbed a pen and a lined yellow pad from his case and jotted down what she'd said. "Do you have any interns working here this summer?"

"Yes, we have two."

"Could I interview them?"

She nodded. "I can ask them. I think they'd be willing."

"How about kids in care? Do some of them come here for programs or as volunteers?"

"Yes, we have several classes and programs for children and teens. And we have all ages and types of volunteers."

He made a few more notes and looked up. "This is a great angle. If we can weave the past and present together and show the impact on these young people's lives, I know we can make a powerful film."

Janelle smiled. "What else can I do to help?"

"Are there any programs going on today?"

"We're open for tours all day. This afternoon, we have a special tour that includes opportunities to hold objects that are replicas of the tokens and other items related to the children who've stayed at the Foundling Hospital. At two, we have an art class for parents and children."

He glanced at his watch. "Maybe I can get ahold of Howie and have him bring over our camera equipment. We could start filming today." Grabbing his phone from his pocket, he started a text to Howie.

Janelle rose. "Let me check with the artist who is teaching the class. She should be setting up downstairs. I want to make sure she's open to having you film during her class. We'd also need the parents' permission before you film them or their children."

He nodded. "I understand. I have consent forms in my case."

They exchanged a smile. His spirits lifted. He had a good feeling about this project, and the prospect of spending more time with Janelle Spencer made it even more appealing.