In the past, she came to the orphanage every fortnight at least, but she hadn’t been in weeks. Even when she had come, she’d noticed there were sometimes gaps in the delivery of necessities, but her father had always assured her that all was well.
As the one in charge of the orphanage’s finances, she’d believed him—a mistake, perhaps. Or was what he’d always said true? Had the other donors turned to causes that were closer to their hearts? Her father had long argued that having a catholic name might harm the orphanage…
“Kenneth,” she began softly. “We’ve both been preoccupied, but that doesn’t matter now. What matters is these children and ensuring they have enough to eat.”
“I will ensure that the butcher, baker, and greengrocer are paid, Joanna,” Kenneth assured her. “But it will take some time for a delivery to come. The same is true for firewood?—”
He was interrupted by the sound of heavy wheels accompanied by the neighing of horses.
Joanna smiled at him. “I know, that is why I took it upon myself to take action. I sent my coachman back to Carlisle Manor and asked him to deliver a message. The carriage that just arrived contains my sisters and supplies for at least a day or two.”
“Joanna!” Kenneth exclaimed and smiled at her. “You are a woman of action.”
“That I am. Although my mother will wonder what has happened to our larder,” she said with a chuckle. Then, she headed outside.
If her sisters had followed her request, the carriage would contain firewood and food. Kenneth followed her, his countenance a little lighter than before.
As the carriage rolled to a stop, Joanna’s eyes narrowed at the unexpected sight of Judith. What was she doing here? Her thoughts raced momentarily, wondering about the implicationsof Judith’s presence. However, the urgency of the situation at the orphanage quickly took precedence, and she set her reservations aside.
Sally, Rosy, and Judith alighted from the carriage and hurried toward them.
“Jo!” Sally called. “We brought everything we could think of. Cook is highly displeased, as there is not much left for dinner, but I dare say we will survive—oh, Your Grace,” she said and then curtsied to Kenneth.
He waved a dismissive hand. “Never mind with the formalities, Lady Sally. Let us unload.”
The group converged around the carriage, unloading bundles of firewood and crates of provisions. The children, their faces brightening with anticipation, watched the bustling activity with wide-eyed curiosity. Joanna found himself stealing glances at Kenneth, admiring his dedication to her beloved orphanage.
As they worked side by side, she felt some of the tension that had lingered between them ease. She knew they had much to talk about and many decisions to make, but right now, their sole focus was the children’s well-being.
“What a horrid situation for these poor children,” Judith said as she helped bring the last of the supplies in. “It was fortunate that I was having tea with Sally when your message arrived, so I could help,” she explained, answering Joanna’s unasked question as to her unexpected presence.
“Pray,” Kenneth asked suddenly, “is your father very fond of this orphanage?”
Judith looked up at him. “Not this one in particular. Although he made a donation.” Her eyes flicked back to Joanna. “He had promised he would, and he still did, despite the end of your arrangement.”
Joanna gulped, the awkwardness descending rapidly on the three of them.
Did she have to mention her father in front of Kenneth?
“He did? How kind of him. Do you know how much he donated?” Kenneth pressed.
Joanna narrowed her eyes at him. What was he implying?
“He gave the money to Lord Carlisle, of course,” Judith replied, suspicion rife in her voice.
“I see,” Kenneth uttered and nodded before carrying firewood into the great room.
They worked quietly and put away what had been brought when Mrs. Hardly entered. “Goodness, what good fortune has befallen us!” she exclaimed. “I will make dinner for the children now, and you all must stay.”
“If we are to stay, we will help,” Joanna offered with a smile.
The idea of dining in the orphanage with Kenneth filled her with a certain warmth, and for a split second, she imagined them taking her father’s place as the chairman and chairwoman of the orphanage. Would it not be wonderful if they could help these children and many more?
“Jo, stop woolgathering,” Rosy called and waved a knife in a manner only someone unfamiliar with such instruments would do. “Cut carrots.”
Obliging, Joanna joined her sisters, while Kenneth set out to cut meat for a stew beside her. They did not speak, but his arm brushed hers more than once as they worked side by side, and she noted that he made no effort to increase the distance between them.
Soon, the fires were finally crackling in the fireplaces, and warmth returned to the orphanage. While chopping the vegetables, Joanna stole glances at Kenneth. His demeanor was pleasant, and he smiled at her the way he had before the fire, yet something was amiss. It was obvious that he had something on his mind, but whatever it was, he did not share it. She wanted to ask him what was wrong but understood that the timing wasn’t right.
