“And you are fulfilling that promise.”
Lord Grenton’s eyes grew guarded. “It is the least I can do,” he said. “I know how important this orphanage was to her.”
“I can see how important it is to you, as well.” Georgie unclasped her hands, then said, “I will stay on, but I have one condition.”
“You should know that I do not respond to ultimatums, but I find myself curious as to what you are foolish enough to demand of me.”
Georgie held his gaze as she replied, “You will spend time here and become acquainted with the girls.”
“For what purpose?”
“I think it is important that the girls know their benefactor,” she said. “Don’t you?”
Indecision crossed Lord Grenton’s face, and she feared that he would call her bluff. If he refused her request, she still intended to stay on as the headmistress, assuming he would let her. She knew she was being brazen, but she suspected that Lord Grenton would benefit from spending time at the orphanage. She certainly had, and was hopeful that the girls’ vibrant energy would help the intractable lord as well.
After a long moment, Lord Grenton said, “I agree to your condition, but you should know that I am a very busy man. I will spend only as much time as I am able to.”
“That is all I can ask for, my lord.”
Lord Grenton frowned. “Can I hope that you won’t be frequenting the market anymore?”
“There is no need, since I have already sold my gowns,” Georgie replied. “Those funds will go to clothing the girls.”
“You could have asked me for additional funds.”
“I could have, but you are already doing so much for them.”
Lord Grenton turned his attention towards the empty bookshelves. “I have rounded up many of the books on your list, and I will see that they are delivered tomorrow.”
“That is wonderful news!” Georgie gushed. “I can’t wait to start reading to the girls.”
Lord Grenton brought his gaze back to meet hers. “May I ask you a question?”
“You may.”
“Why do you care so much about them?”
Georgie gave him a baffled look. “Why wouldn’t I care about them?”
“I just find it odd that a lady of your station would embrace these girls so lovingly. After all, they are nothing to you.”
“I have never met someone who isn’t important,” Georgie replied. “I’ve been using every opportunity I can to get to know the girls here, and they are no different. They have had a rough go of it and deserve to be loved. Furthermore, they need someone to advocate for them, no matter their status in society.”
Lord Grenton studied her for a moment, as if gauging her sincerity. “I have never met someone quite like you before, Miss Lloyd.”
Georgie smiled. “I shall take that as a compliment.”
“You should, because it was meant as one.”
He was staring at her so intensely that she felt a betraying blush creep up onto her cheeks, but she refused to drop his gaze. She found solace in his eyes. It was a feeling that she hadn’t had since her father was still alive.
Lord Grenton blinked and stepped back. “It is late, and I should depart before I wear out my welcome.”
“This is your orphanage, my lord,” Georgie responded graciously. “You are welcome to come and go as you please.”
“I intend to.” Lord Grenton walked over to the door and stopped. “Thank you for staying on as headmistress. I know it will mean a lot to the girls.”
“It is my privilege.”
