“Like me granny,” Tess said with a grin. “If I had one, that is. You know these things, Mrs. H. I was too scared to make anything more than a chicken with some cream.”

“Which you have done very well. I’ve said time and again that simple cooking is best. Tasty and flavorful without being exotic and strange. People want to know what they’re eating.”

“I do, anyway.” Tess, her sunny outlook restored, threw the lettuce into a bowl of water and shook it hard to remove any dirt. She did this with so much gusto water slopped over onto the table, rushing toward a fresh-baked loaf. I stopped the flow with a towel and gave her an admonishing look. Tess only grinned at me.

“Mrs. Holloway?” The soft voice of Elsie cut through. “Did you find out what’s become of the children?”

“Not yet, dear.” I didn’t want to tell her all that Mr. Fielding had told me until I knew more, not wishing to upset her. “I will continue looking.”

“Elsie told me all about it,” Tess said. “Dreadful wicked what people do, innit?”

“Tuesday’s me half day out,” Elsie said. “I’ll go ’round and speak to Mabel. She might have seen something.”

“Please do not alarm her,” I said quickly. “We do not need the entire Hospital panicked if there is a simple explanation.”

Elsie shook her head. “I’ll just mention it, like. And about Nurse Betts.”

“Do not anger anyone, and do not talk too freely. But I would welcome whatever you learn.”

Elsie gave me a nod, happy, and returned to her sink.

“I could go with her,” Tess began.

“No,” I said quickly. Tess was a good soul, but I did not want her running about the Foundling Hospital, questioning the staff in her frank way. She’d lately formed a friendship with the constable who patrolled this street, and was beginning to enjoy interrogating people a little too well.

“I need you here,” I extemporized. “I will want plenty of help if I am to remain in Mrs. Bywater’s good graces.”

“I’m happy she changed her mind,” Tess said, retuning to washing and tearing the lettuce. “But I don’t know why she did.”

“Snobbery.” This last from Mr. Davis as he strode in and plunked a bottle of wine onto the table. “That Miss Townsend took tea with her today—Mrs. Bywater insisted I serve. Butter wouldn’t melt in the mistress’s mouth. She learned all about Miss Townsend’s family and was quite impressed. From the conversation, she no doubt believes Miss Townsend the perfect companion for our Lady Cynthia. Will introduce her to the right young gentlemen and all.”