School For Heiresses 2- Only a Duke Will Do by Sabrina Jeffries Page B

Lord Trusbut scowled at them both. “They’re criminals. That’s different.”
    Releasing her arm, Simon sat back and cast her an expectant look.
    She took his cue. “They’re not all criminals. Nearly a third are awaiting trial, which means they haven’t been convicted. And there are children, too, subjected to the filth and indignities of a prison merely because their mothers were sent there. Surely you don’t think children belong in a prison, sir.”
    “Certainly not, but—”
    “Despite what Lord Sidmouth claims, we’re not advocating that the women escape punishment. But we’
    ve found that if they are given rules and a suitable occupation in prison, they often become law-abiding citizens once they’re released.”
    She chose her words carefully. “But until Parliament agrees to fund permanent matrons and schoolteachers, we need many charity-minded females to provide those services. We’d hate to see the prisoners return to their old ways because ladies like your wife and I aren’t there to help.”
    “And if it’s the ladies’ safety you’re concerned about,” Simon added, “I intend to go with them from now on.”
    “Really?” Lord Trusbut said. “You will accompany them to Newgate?”
    Louisa was as surprised by the statement as the baron.
    “As often as I can.” He fixed the baron with a steely look. “It is a worthy cause. And women will have their little causes, so why not indulge them?”
    She didn’t like him speaking of prison reform as some female whim, but she couldn’t deny the effect his words were having on Lord Trusbut.
    The man sat back, rubbing the ivory knob of his cane as if it were a fortune-teller’s crystal ball and he thought to find answers in its creamy surface.
    Simon pressed his point. “I have taken a personal interest in Miss North’s organization. A very personal interest.”
    That seemed to push Lord Trusbut over the edge, for he glanced over to his wife. “What do you think, Lillian? Is this something you would like to do?”
    Lady Trusbut stared down to where Raji chattered at her canary. “Well…you see, Edward, many of my friends are joining. And I can’t help thinking how sad it is that those poor children must suffer for their mothers’ crimes. If I could make myself useful to them…”
    It suddenly dawned on Louisa that the Trusbuts had no children, despite having been married practically forever. Her heart constricted to see how carefully the baroness handled her birds, how gentle she was with Raji.
    “We’d be delighted to have you bring a few canaries to the prison sometime,” Louisa said softly. “The children would adore hearing them sing.”
    Lady Trusbut brightened. “Do you really think so? Opal is the best for singing, though Emerald has a fine voice, too.” She held Emerald up to eye level. “What do you think, dear? Should you like to entertain some poor children?”
    The bird cocked its head, and Lady Trusbut nodded, then flashed Louisa a blazing smile. “She would be happy to go.”
    Louisa glanced at Lord Trusbut, who was staring at his wife with a haunting tenderness that made a lump lodge in Louisa’s throat. Oh, to be loved like that. It might make even the risk of childbearing worth it. Simon must have seen it, too, for his voice was thick when he spoke again. “Then it’s settled. Lady Trusbut will join Miss North’s little group.”
    Lord Trusbut’s gaze snapped to Simon, suddenly fierce. “But she will only go to Newgate if you are in attendance, too.”
    “Of course,” Simon said. “I will ensure her safety at all times.”
    The rest of the visit passed in a happy daze for Louisa. As she explained the project they were considering, she marveled at how easily Simon laid it out, how firm he was with Lord Trusbut about his assurance that it would be successful. Could this be? Could Simon really be this enthusiastic about their cause?
    And could it really be all for her?
    She dared not let herself believe that.