Page 94 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

“Did you send for him?”

“I may have sent him a note, but he came on his own. See how much in love he is with you?”

I huffed out a breath and marched down to the sitting room, leaving the door open for propriety’s sake.

Mr. Welton was smiling as he slid to the floor on his knees. “MissRobbins, won’t you please reconsider my proposal to adore you all the days of your life? Please say you will marry me.”

I stared hard at him. “What is going on with you and Mrs. Drake?”

A look flitted across his face as he averted his eyes, his smile all but gone. “Wha—what? She is my mother’s friend, nothing more.”

“Tell me, or so help me, I shall—”

“Very well. I was so in love with you that I asked for her help in seeking your hand. But that is all. I swear, there was nothing more than that between us. You must believe me.”

“Did you promise her something for her help?” That would make sense, as she’d been so bent on me marrying him. “Did you give her money?”

“No, no.”

I put my hands on my hips and glared down at him, feeling almost like a mother scolding a child.

He made my mental image seem even more real as he looked sheepish and said, “Very well. You are much too clever, Miss Robbins. You have found me out.” He paused a moment to take a deep breath and let it out. “I did offer her money if she was able to help me secure your acceptance of my proposal, and I told her she could have the cottage at my estate, as my mother’s friend, when I came into my inheritance. But it was only because I loved you so dearly, Miss Robbins.”

Or at least loved my money dearly.

“Won’t you please say yes, Miss Robbins, and make me the happiest man in England?”

I pressed my hand to my forehead and took a few deep breaths, praying silently,Lord God,help me.

“You do know that I no longer have a fortune, do you not? Did Mrs. Drake tell you that?”

“She told me you were planning to give it to your uncle’s daughter, but you don’t need to do that. Marry me and I will have my solicitors take her to court. I am sure that you will get to keep most, if not all, of the money.” He leaned forward, an earnest look on his face. “Let me guide you in this, Miss Robbins. I can help.”

I made a mighty effort not to roll my eyes heavenward and said, “I am flattered by your attentions, Mr. Welton, and I thank you for your offer, but I must decline. Please do not ask me again. Good day.”

And with that, I left the room to his sputtering behind me, “B-but, w-wait. Miss Robbins?”

I tried to go back to packing but ended up in my room, my forehead against the closed door, whispering, “God, please help me. Give me peace and wisdom. Please.”

A gentle knock came at my door. I was just able to take a step back before a servant opened the door.

“Miss Robbins, forgive me.” She looked startled, either because I was standing so close to the door, or because of the look on my face. “Lady Derringer is here to see you.”

I didn’t want to talk to Lady Derringer. I wanted to go to bed and hide my face. I would go back to Mrs. Southey and beg for my old teaching position and realize that adventures and experiences in the big world were not the pleasant things I had imagined them to be. I needed to be content in Milford with the lot God had given me.

But first I needed to ensure that Joshua and Sarah were taken care of.

I walked as regally as I could down the stairs to the sitting room.

“My dear.” Lady Derringer looked at me with so much sympathy that tears sprung to my eyes.

I forced myself to think only about the most polite words of greeting, and soon the tears stopped threatening.

“I’m so sorry all this has happened this way,” Lady Derringer said. “My nephew wished to come himself and talk with you, but ... well, I could offer excuses, but that is for him to—”

“Let us not speak of him, if you don’t mind. Please, won’t you tell me what you have planned for Joshua and Sarah’s care?”

“Yes, of course.” She paused a moment. “Do you remember you spoke to me of an orphans’ home where street children could go to school and be cared for? Well, why don’t you remain in London andhelp start that very home? You can use part of the fifty thousand pounds. You could be the home’s director.”