Start an upstanding orphanage that truly cared for children? He didn’t have the money.
Turning over again he let out a rumble of frustration.
That was when his door creaked open. “Mr. Sinclair?” Fiona called.
He sat up in bed. “What are ye doing in here?”
She stepped through the door. “I…” Fiona stepped closer. “I had a bad dream and Miss Gemma is asleep.”
He swung his legs over the bed. “What was yer dream abou—” but she threw herself into his arms before he could finish.
He wrapped her in a hug. “The nuns,” she whispered.
His eyes closed and a long breath left him. Then he lifted her against his chest. “It’s all right. Ye’re here now. Ye’re safe.”
She was silent for a minute and then she lifted her head. “I heard you and the man.”
Sick dread sat like a stone in his stomach. The man?
“You’re going to send us away.” Her little fingers gripped his shoulders.
He shook his head. “Fiona, I’m going to find you a good family. One that can care for you.”
Fiona gave a tentative nod as she scooted over to lay her head back on his chest. “We could stay with you,” she said softly. “We won’t be any trouble. I promise.”
His heart broke a little for her at the words. “Let’s talk about it later. Why don’t you try and get some sleep?” He tucked her under the covers and then grabbed his shirt and pants and tugged them on, then lay down on top of the blankets next to her.
She yawned and snuggled against his side. “I trust you,” she murmured as her eyes drifted closed.
Her features softened as she fell asleep. When she began to twitch, Will wrapped her in his blanket and carried her to the nursery. She looked so sweet and little, her pretty face that of an angel’s.
He’d see both Fiona and Ewan would have a good life. Of that, he was certain. Though he had no idea how he’d give them one, he’d find a way.
As he lowered her to her bed, he looked over to Ewan, his thumb tucked between his lips. Such a little babe still.
“Are they still asleep?”
Gemma. He turned and caught sight of her, her auburn hair loosely plaited as it fell over one shoulder, her night rail billowing about her. His breath caught in his chest. “Fiona had a bad dream. She came to my room.”
Gemma nodded as she reached down and touched the girl’s forehead. “Poor lamb. She’s been through so much.”
Will winced in response. “I’ll make sure to keep an eye on them even after they’ve gone.”
She reached out and touched his arm. “Why not just keep them?” Gemma asked. “They love you already.”
The touch made him ache. “I don’t have a wife. I’m gone from sun up to sun down. If I make a profit this year, I can hire more staff but what if I don’t?”
She stepped closer. “I could stay for longer. I don’t have much to go back to. Food and a warm bed are enough for me right now.”
He closed his eyes for a moment. Her words tempted him. Her proximity more so. Which was why he wasn’t certain that could ever work. Lord, he wanted this woman. “It’s a very generous offer.”
“I’m quite fond of them already and…” She cleared her throat. “I like being here.”
He opened his eyes again, and he stared down into hers. They were the color of new grass, a bright and vibrant green. “I’ll think on it.”
She grimaced. “I know it’s hard for you to trust me after what I’ve done. We can discuss it after I’ve had a chance to prove myself.”
That was true, he supposed, though he was tempted to admit it was his attraction to her that was the real issue. If he allowed her in his bed, he had a feeling that he’d lose all reserve where she was concerned. She could rob him blind. “If you’ll excuse me, Gemma, I need to get ready for the day. There’s a widow in one of the crofts with two small boys. She needs help getting her fields planted.”