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She trailed off as identical expressions of disbelief registered on the children’s faces.
“Actually, I was asking Tilly what her plans were,” Graeme said.
Sabrina went hot with embarrassment, but forced herself to ignore it. “They’re children, Mr. Kendrick. They need adults to help them formulate a proper plan.”
“The adults haven’t been doing such a good job of it, so far.”
“Aye, that,” Tilly agreed. “And I got a plan, miss, remember? Me and Charlie are goin’ to London.”
Sabrina couldn’t help planting her hands on her hips. “And I toldyouthat London was much too dangerous for children on their own. Especially children without any means of support.”
“You could give us more blunt, miss,” Charlie suggested. “Tilly says you have lots.”
“I do, but—”
“We wouldn’t need much,” Tilly wheedled. “Just enough for the stage and to get us set up in London.”
“And just how do you intend to support yourself?” Sabrina asked.
When brother and sister exchanged a furtive look, she shook her head. “Absolutely not. I amnotproviding the means for you to fall back into your criminal ways.”
“But it’s what I’m good at.” Tilly gave a fatalistic shrug. “I don’t know how to do anythin’ else.”
“An’ I’m practicin’ real hard how to be a rum diver,” Charlie proudly added.
Sabrina threw Graeme a confused glance.
“Pickpocket,” he replied.
When Sabrina glared at him, she got the distinct impression he was trying not to laugh.
“Do you think you might try making a useful suggestion?” she snapped.
“I’m waiting for yours.”
“Very well. The children should go to school and be trained in respectable professions.”
“As what?” Tilly pointed a finger at her face. “I ain’t exactly respectable lookin’, ’specially in a place like this.”
She meant Edinburgh, or anywhere in Scotland, for that matter, where her mixed-race parentage counted against her. That was utterly heartbreaking, and Sabrina wished she could take in the children herself. Her father, however, would pitch an apoplectic fit.
“I ain’t gonna lose Charlie again, if someone tries to say he ain’t my brother,” Tilly defiantly added.
“London is a splendid idea,” Graeme said.
Sabrina gaped at him. “Are you mad? A pair of friendless children there? They’d be eaten alive.”
“They’re not friendless because they have us. And I can send them to Aden. He’s dealt with children in these circumstances before. Remember Tommy?”
“Of course. He was the boy with you that morning in the park.”
“He also came from a”—Graeme slanted a glance at Tilly—“difficult background. Aden and Vivien are very good at helping such children.”
“Who’s this Aden bloke?” Tilly asked, suspicious.
Graeme gave her a reassuring smile. “A good friend and a good man. He and his wife can give you shelter and help you get set up.”
“Respectably,” Sabrina firmly said.
