He scurried over to the seat and perched himself atop one, clutching his parcel to him. He reminded Roe of a very small and nervous mouse, one caught in a cat’s path, perhaps. “I was told you and Miss Jellico stopped by the orphanage yesterday. Is there something you needed?” Roe could swear the man’s nose actually twitched.
“We came by to tour the grounds. Since I am to become more active with my board position, I want to see what my money is funding.”
“Yes, yes, very good. Perhaps we can schedule such a tour for you then,” Mr. Lamb said.
Evidently Mrs. Hancock had mentioned their visit, but hadn’t detailed that she’d already shown them much of the orphanage herself.
“It is those funds you speak of that brings me to your door today.”
Nigel shifted in his seat and looked around the room. “Lovely home here, Your Grace.”
“Thank you.” The attempt at flattery was laughable. This room had been decorated when Roe had taken the title and he hadn’t bothered to look around much since then. It seemed a great waste of time in his mind. When something needed replaced, he’d purchase a new one, but other than that, he had no real interest in upholstery and wall coverings. “Funds for what, Mr. Lamb?”
“Right, well it would seem we have a few of the girls who are sickly and are in need of medical attention. Doctors are quite expensive, as you can imagine. Also, we should like to open a new wing and doing so would require a hefty sum to purchase furnishings and clothing for the girls.”
“You are expanding?” That had not been mentioned at the board meeting, which seemed a grave oversight.
“We were contacted by another orphanage over in Liverpool that has to close its doors. There are girls who will end up on the streets if we cannot take them in,” Nigel said.
“It is quite a worrisome situation.”
“Indeed.” Roe knew he could probably unsettle the man enough to garner a confession, but it wouldn’t prevent him from doing it again. If they could prove he was embezzling funds, though, he would be arrested. So Roe would bide his time until they had had discovered precisely what Lamb was up to. “And why was this expansion not brought before the board?”
“We only just received notice about it two days ago. I intend to visit the other board members as well.” He sniffed, clutched his bag closer to him.
How very convenient for him to have received such a request. Roe would most assuredly have to investigate this other orphanage in Liverpool.
“Those poor girls, I can only imagine how terrified they must be, thinking they will be turned out onto the streets,” Nigel said.
“Yes, well, we can’t have that now can we?”
Nigel Lamb smiled and sat straighter in his chair. “Oh I knew I could count on you, My Grace. You are most generous.”
“The first thing you need to do is write up the proposal for how much all of those areas of improvement will cost and I shall meet with my solicitor and have the funds made available.”
“All of them?” he asked, eyes wide.
“I have more than enough. And I can always win more if I need it.” Then Roe paused. “Do you play?”
Nigel blanched. “I beg your pardon?”
“Cards? I’m quite gifted, you see. I could likely earn what you need in a night, no more than two.”
“I’ve never been much of a player,” Nigel said with a shake of his head.
According to Caroline that was a true statement. Mr. Lamb enjoyed gambling, but he was not a skilled player.
“Very well, Mr. Lamb,” Roe said coming to his feet. “You prepare the proposals and I shall get your monies. Now if you will excuse me, I have many other things to attend to this afternoon.”
“Yes, Your Grace, of course you do. I shall work on those proposals straight away. Thank you.” He clutched his bag and skittered out of the room.
Yes, it was most definitely a mouse that Nigel Lamb reminded Roe of, a scrawny twitchy rodent.
…
Caroline burst into Roe’s study ready to tell him precisely how angry she was that he had given that idiot American permission to marry her. But as she threw the door open, she found the room empty. She entered nonetheless and made her way over to his desk and sat. Everything was orderly. The books he had out sat like little soldiers all in a row to her right, whereas the parchment he had was