“I doubt that,” Lord Grenton said. “My solicitor has already gone through the budget, eliminating any excess.”
“Lord Grenton…” Georgie started.
He put his hand up, stilling her words. “I find what you are trying to do admirable.”
“You do?” She found that hard to believe, since he was fighting her on it.
“These girls are lucky to have a headmistress who cares about them as you do, but it is time to face the facts.”
“I am trying to help these girls have a better life.”
“Do you take issue with these girls obtaining work as a scullery maid?” Lord Grenton asked.
“I do not.”
Lord Grenton gave her a curious glance. “Then what is bothering you?”
Georgie leaned forward in her chair. “I love to read. There is nothing better than escaping into a good book, and I want these girls to experience that joy.”
“They were not raised like us. I doubt that any of them have ever even handled a book.”
“I want to change that,” Georgie said. “We have been given much. Should we not try to give back as much as we can?”
“We are, by allowing these girls to live at the orphanage.”
“You must think bigger.”
A line between Lord Grenton’s brow appeared as he asked, “Do you always get what you want, Miss Lloyd?”
Georgie grew silent. “I used to,” she replied. “My parents doted on me something fierce, but it changed after my father died.”
“I am sorry to hear that.” His voice sounded genuine.
Georgie forced a smile to her lips. “That is all in the past,” she said. “I am here now, and I am grateful for a chance to help these girls.”
“I know your reduced circumstances must be hard on you, but you must come to terms with it. You are in a life of servitude now.”
“I understand, my lord.”
Lord Grenton bobbed his head. “You may comb through the budget, but I doubt you will find anything that the orphanage can do without.”
“I will find a way.”
Rising, Lord Grenton said, “I do not approve of you teaching the girls on your own, but if you find the money, then I give my blessing for you to hire tutors for them.”
“Truly?” Georgie asked. Would he really concede so easily?
“You will find that I can be reasonable when the situation warrants it,” Lord Grenton remarked. “But it will not be an easy task.”
Georgie perked up. “I am up to it.”
Lord Grenton moved the chair back to the corner of the room. “I will see to providing some of the books on the list.”
“Any books you acquire will be appreciated.”
Lord Grenton returned to the desk and picked up the list. “I was surprised at some of the titles on it.”
“Why was that?”
