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Esther picked up her spoon and dipped it into the bowl. “Perhaps it is time to seek out a consulting physician.”
“I wish we could, but they are more than we can afford.”
“I can see the fight draining out of her,” she admitted. “I worry it is only a matter of time before she passes.”
“Let’s hope not.”
After swallowing a bite of her food, Esther suggested, “Perhaps I could take in sewing to help with the cost of her medical bills.”
“No, I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that,” he said with a shake of his head. “After all, you already do so much.”
“You aren’t asking. I’m offering.”
“I don’t like this. I should be the one providing for you.”
Esther reached out and placed her hand over his. “You already do,” she said. “If it wasn’t for you, we would be in the poorhouse.”
“It is my duty to take care of you.”
“You are a good brother, but I want to help ease your burdens,” she remarked. “You already work long hours as a Bow Street Runner, especially this past month.”
“It is the least I could do for you.”
Removing her hand from his, Esther said, “If I take in odd sewing jobs, it might even allow you to be home more.”
“I doubt it,” he responded. “My new boss is quite demanding.”
Esther passed him a plate of hot rolls. “I am proud of you. You are keeping the streets safe from ruffians.”
“How do you know what I do?”
“I read the newspapers.”
Guy lifted his brow. “You do?”
“It is much cheaper to read the morning newspaper than it is to go to a circulating library.”
“That it is.”
Esther reached for the butter and spread some on a hot roll. “I have read about the Bow Street Runners’ exploits and how you are policing the streets,” she said. “After all, you are rather tight-lipped on what it is that you actually do.”
“That is for your own safety.”
“I think I should be the judge of that.”
Guy shoved back his chair and rose. “As much as I enjoy conversing with you, I need to depart if I wish to meet with my boss on time.”
“So early?”
“My boss doesn’t sleep.”
“Clearly,” Esther muttered. “You might want to say goodbye to Mother before you depart.”
He pushed back in his chair. “That is a splendid idea.” He walked over to the door and knocked. He waited for a moment before he opened it and stepped inside of the room. His mother was sleeping in bed, her silver hair in a cap.
As he approached the bed, her eyes opened, and she gave him a weak smile. “Guy,” she said. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“Good morning, Mother.”
