Duke, if we have pleased thee too,
And have done as Boys should do,
His lordship ran his finger along the page of the book he was holding out of the child’s reach. Meanwhile, the boy followed his lordship’s reading. Gurgling. And swinging his hands about to the rhythm of Lord Thompson’s recitation.
Give us but a tree or twain
For a Maypole, and again
Ere another year run out,
We’ll make thee laugh and all this rout.
“You are reading him what sounds of Shakespeare, but not the Shakespeare I know,” she said from the open door’s portal.
“You said the child appears to like the sound of my voice. Should not the boy enjoy what many believe to be a John Fletcher and William Shakespeare collaboration? This one would be near the end of the Bard’s career.”
“And what is the name of this play?” she asked. “I am most curious.”
“The Two Noble Kinsmen,” he responded. “First published in 1634 with the names of John Fletcher and William Shakespeare on the title page.” He held up the book for her to see. “However, most scholars believe, because parts are borrowed from Beaumont’s 1613 masque and referred to in 1614’sBartholomew Fair, it was written earlier and was revised merely by Fletcher.”
“Both the boy and I learned something new today,” she said softly, while marveling at the man who possessed a heart of gold and was a champion for those, like her, who required a hand up.
She circled the desk to look down upon the child, whose eyes were opening and slowly closing as sleep called his name.
His lordship stood and gathered her to him. Victoria stifled the sigh of satisfaction she wished to admit. Instead, she relaxed into his presence. “I am exceedingly grieved you have suffered all that has occurred, but I do have some good news. Mr. Sustar has agreed—though a bit reluctantly—that you may, at least for the immediate future, work from your home. My man of business, Mr. Froschele, convinced Sustar that the evening and overnight hours were evidently becoming too dangerous for you to be coming and going and being alone in the shop at such unusual hours. Sustar has permitted Mr. Froschele to send you a variety of young women to assist you. Sustar will furnish the cloth, needles, and thread. You, however, must train the women so there is no waste. Once you choose your assistants, I will have several large tables and some chairs brought in. I was thinking the large room at the front of the house would be the best, for the light is better there, and that room could keep your living quarters and your workstation separate. I believe that is the best plan, but if you prefer another room, just say so. I know little of a young woman’s sewing needs beyond Lady Theodora’s efforts to net a purse or cover a screen. I fear my adopted sister is better with a bow and arrow than she is a needle.”
“When I take the lady’s acquaintance, should I tell her what you said?” Victoria teased.
“Not unless you wish said lady to turn her bow and arrow on me,” he said with a chuckle. “You must remember, Theodora is not as likely to understand your humor as, say, Lady Emma Orson, my other adopted sister through her marriage to my eldest brother Richard. Her ladyship dearly loves verbal swordplay.”
