Evelyn threw her hands up. “I haven’t the faintest idea. But I remember the feeling I had in my stomach the night I found Alexander at Stony Cross. My mind told me to take a different path, but my feet refused to follow. I have a similar feeling now. We have no choice but to go where our hearts lead us.”
“Well, if nothing else, I should like to hear about the children. The gentleman must surely be kind and generous for giving them a home.”
What was the worst that could happen? The devil woman could poison their blood, could infect them with the same debilitating affliction. Grace could cope with anything as long as she had Elliot by her side. Nothing could be as terrifying as the thought of losing him.
“Herr Bruhn,” Evelyn suddenly chirped. “That’s what she said his name was.”
“Come, let us get our capes,” Grace said with some enthusiasm. They would go now while she felt confident. “It has started raining again, and there’s every chance the old man won’t even let us in.”
Ten minutes later, they stood outside the door of Herr Bruhn’s house, threaded their arms and huddled together as a way to suppress the shivering. Evelyn knocked once, knocked again when he failed to answer.
“Perhaps he is busy with the children,” Grace said glancing at the upstairs window.
“As I said, they are bound to be in bed at this late hour.”
Evelyn was about to knock for a third time when they heard the shuffling of feet behind the door, followed by the clunk of a lock opening. As the door creaked ajar a few inches they saw the old man peering out at them, confusion marring his already wrinkled brow.
“Good evening, Herr Bruhn,” Evelyn said with all the confidence of a lady of her station, although they had already agreed not to use their titles. “I am sorry to call when it is so late. I am Evelyn Cole, and this is my good friend Grace Markham. Frau Lockwood told us about the children and asked us to call and speak to you about making a financial contribution to your worthy cause.”
Herr Bruhn’s apprehensive gaze scanned them from head to toe. “Frau Lockwood asked you to call?”
“Yes, we met her up at the castle on the hill.”
Herr Bruhn’s countenance suddenly brightened. “Of course, of course.” He opened the door wide. “Please, come in out of this nasty rain.”
The old man hung up their damp capes and escorted them into a small parlour.
“Oh, what miserable weather,” Evelyn said, patting her hair.
“Please, take a seat by the fire.” He gestured to the two chairs hugging the hearth. “I shall just go and get a stool so I can join you.”
They sat down, grateful for the heat generated by the roaring flames.
Grace leaned forward and whispered, “It’s rather small considering he has so many children to care for.”
“Yes,” Evelyn replied with a weary sigh. “But it feels comfortable and homely. I could happily spend my days snuggled in this chair reading a book.”
Herr Bruhn shuffled back into the room, placed the wooden stool between the two chairs and sat down. “I must say it is a joy to have company this evening.” He suddenly shot to his feet. “Forgive my rudeness. I have not offered you refreshment.”
Grace waved her hand. “Please sit down. We have only just eaten.”
Herr Bruhn nodded as he settled back into his seat. The dark circles framing his eyes marred his cheerful countenance. His lips were dry and chapped, his complexion pale and drawn. A man of his years must surely struggle to cope with energetic infants.
“Frau Lockwood spoke very highly of the work you do here,” Evelyn said.
“I do not see it as work. The children are my family. Frau Lockwood is an angel sent to do the Lord’s bidding. Without her tireless efforts, we would not be able to care for them as we do.”
Grace swallowed down her surprise. How could a woman be an angel to one man and a devil to another? Perhaps there had been some mistake?
“Does Frau Lockwood come to visit you every evening?” Grace asked, wondering what the old man knew of her affliction.
“Yes, yes. She comes to read to the children and to put them to bed. It gives me a chance to eat my supper and tend to my wife who is still ill in bed.”
Grace felt a rush of relief, quickly replaced by a feeling of dread. As the children appeared to be in their beds, Frau Lockwood must have already been and left. She would be on her way back to the castle.
“She told us she cannot help you during the day, which is why we thought we could contribute. With the extra funds, you could employ someone else to assist you.” Grace was sincere in her offer. The old man looked so tired and weary she felt compelled to help. Judging by the look of pity on Evelyn’s face, she was of a similar mind.
Herr Bruhn clapped his frail hands. “That would be wonderful. Frau Lockwood is so busy during the day, and she does so love to read her folk tales. I know she worries terribly, worries that she cannot do more for them.”