After the butler departed, Daniel told the company all that had transpired, and to lighten the mood, I related the tale of visiting Mr. Fielding and the children staying with him today. Much merriment was had at Mr. Fielding’s expense, the man now finding himself in the middle of a crèche.

As our friends sipped wine—which was exceedingly good; I’d have to ask what it was for Mr. Davis’s benefit—I managed to step to a solitary corner with Miss Townsend.

“I hope you will not take offense at my lack of delicacy,” I began, “but I was thinking through who I knew with wealth. And yours was the only name that leapt to mind.”

Miss Townsend regarded me calmly, if a trifle coolly. “Oh?”

“To be blunt, Mr. Fielding—while he might possibly have a fortune stashed away from ill-gotten gains—likely has very little. Not enough to keep six children of varying ages in his house, anyway. He has promised not to send them to a workhouse, but without a benefactor, they might have little choice in what happens to them.”

Miss Townsend’s brows arched. “I see. And you wish me to be their benefactor?”

“Not necessarily. But you move in prestigious circles, and I’ve seen that you can encourage people to do as you please. Do not protest—you enthralled Mrs. Bywater as easy as anything, and I know you’ve done the same to me. But these are unfortunate children, and I will put aside my pride and ask you to help.”

Her coolness vanished. “Of course, Mrs. Holloway. Could you doubt that I would be happy to assist? The fact that you let me into your kitchen, your sanctum, and allowed me to sketch you in spite of the inconvenience of it, shows that you have a kindness in you. I will be their benefactor, have no fear. I won’t bother canvassing my friends and clients, who, I am afraid to say, can be a bit closefisted.”

I held up my hands in protest. “Truly, I did not intend to have you do it single-handedly.”

“Nonsense. I know how to set up a trust. Who knows, I may extend it to help still more unfortunate children. I have no intention of marrying and having children of my own, so why not help those who have nothing?”

“You are very kind.”

“No, I am conceited. But pleased to help for your sake. I have been watching you, Mrs. Holloway, and I know you have a goodness in you with extraordinary depth.”

I had said much the same thing about Mr. Fielding. No wonder he’d brushed my observation aside. It was a bit embarrassing.

*   *   *

Daniel saw me and Grace back to the coach, telling Lewis to return us to the Millburns. He would not accompany us, he said, explaining he had business to take care of, but promised he’d speak to me later.