A half-dozen hackneys picked up the invited guests at the foot of the steps of St. Paul’s and carried them to the Bartlett’s townhouse. Most had never ridden in a coach, and the novelty was thrilling. For them, it was an evening not to be forgotten. The coaches took them to the door where a footman assisted them down to the street and up to the door, where Utley greeted them. Much to the children’s delight, the butler ushered them to the entrance of the large sitting room, announcing each child like royalty.
At the opposite end, Phillip and Amelia Peartree, Duke and Duchess of Bartlett, received their guests. Some of the little ones started to run toward her, but most stopped short and bowed or curtseyed. The parents followed suit, having watched the lessons Robert and Jeanne had taught. Amelia praised them and chatted with each child, begging them to tell her all that had happened since she’d last seen them.
Footmen floated about, carrying drinks and snacks until Utley announced dinner was served.
The duke and duchess led the way into the dining room, and the guests filed in just the way they had been taught: the tallest pupil and his father, the next tallest and her parents, and so on. At Amelia’s request, Robert and Jeanne joined the students and their parents at the table.
At previous Christmas dinners, the Bartlett cook had sent the dishes to the church. But that was far different from dining in the formal dining room. Jeanne was thankful Robert had insisted that each step of the meal be practiced. The guests waited patiently as the napkins were placed on their laps and the food was served. They waited until the duke picked up his fork before picking up theirs. And they ate quietly — well, relatively so. A few of them struggled with using the knife and fork to cut their meat, but in general, they did admirably.
It was during the second course that Utley entered the dinning room, his normally placid expression a bit strained. He leaned down and spoke quietly to the duke, who nodded and rose. “Mr. Townley, would you come with me?”
Curious, Robert followed the duke to his study. His eyes widened to see Ralph Wilcox.
Ralph nodded at Robert then turned to the duke.
“Your Grace, I apologize for interrupting your dinner party. I have a special delivery for your valet, Mr. Townley.” He stepped aside, revealing the wide-eyed child.
“Andrew!” Robert was unable to contain his relief and knelt before the boy. “I’m so glad to see you. Please forgive me for not coming for you sooner.”
“Mr. Townley, I waited for you, I did. I knew me mum was dead, but I stayed with her because you said you’d be back. Those men, they made me to go the big house. And it was scary there. I got food every day, but the bigger boys, sometimes they would take mine and eat it before I could.”
Robert’s heart bled for the poor lad. He took Andy’s hand and squeezed. “I’m so sorry you had to endure that. I promise you will never have to go to that house again, not as long as I live. I want you to be my ward, if… if you like.”
The boy’s eyes widened. “Truly? Like I’ll be yer boy?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll do whatever you say. I’ll learn how ta read and write and work hard, I will. So you won’t haf ta beat me.”
“I won’t beat you. Ever. That is a promise I know I can keep. I have never raised a hand to a child, and I don’t expect I ever will.”
“Never? Papa said I’d never grow up to be a man if he didn’t toughen me up.”
Robert wished he could have a few moments alone with the boy’s father to see how tough he would be when dealing with someone closer to his own size. “I don’t agree with him. There are ways to become tough, and when you’re a little older, I’ll show you how my father helped me. But right now there is a delicious dinner being served, and I think we ought to get some for you.” Remembering Ralph, he rose, intending to thank his friend, but he had gone. Stepping out of the study, Robert heard Utley letting the man out.
“Utley, will Mr. Wilcox be back? I need to thank him.”
The elderly gentleman shook his head. “I believe the duke took care of that.”
He thanked Utley and took his new charge to the dining room. Jeanne was the first to spot them. She leaped out of her chair and raced to them, her arms outstretched.
“Andy! You’re safe.” Heedless of the rest of the dinner party, she held the little boy to her breast and sobbed.
Several of the other children got up and started toward Andy, but they stopped suddenly and looked at Robert, remembering his admonition to remain in their seats until they had been dismissed. He nodded, understanding their excitement, and soon Andy was surrounded by his friends.
An extra chair was pushed up to the table and another plate filled. The boy sat, but his wide eyes kept going from the mound of food on his plate to the grandeur surrounding him.
After everyone ate their fill, the duke led the party into the sitting room. The children took their seats on the thick wool rug in front of the fire while the duchess read a special Christmas story by A. P. Worthington. While some listened intently, Robert noticed a few were more intrigued by the rich rug they sat upon, fingering it with awe.
After Amelia finished reading, she and Phillip, who’d been sitting in a chair opposite her, rose as a servant brought two enormous baskets of gifts. A large bundle was handed to each child: a warm blanket, a book, and a scarf and hat knitted by the duchess herself. Robert nodded with approval each time a child accepted his or her gift and voiced their thanks clearly and sincerely. Sarah had been right. They just needed to be taught the expectations, and they would behave accordingly.
Andrew stayed close to Robert’s side. After the rest of the guests left, he turned frightened eyes to Robert.
“Where do I go now?”
Robert’s heart ached. Would the child ever be able to trust him again? He took Andy’s hand. “You’re not going anywhere. We’ll have to arrange a proper bed for you, but tonight, you can have mine.” They headed toward the servants’ wing.
“Mr. Townley,” Jeanne called. “I would like a word with you. Tonight, if at all possible.”
He hesitated but then nodded. “I must settle Andy into bed first. I’ll come down to the library shortly.”