Sari Robins - [Andersen Hall Orphanage 01] by One Wicked Night Read Free Book Online Page B

care less about her lost coins, instead fearing for how to fill the remainder of the afternoon.
    For three days Lillian had visited him at Newgate Prison, bringing fresh baked goods, books, and tidings of the outside. They waited in a purgatory of sorts, for the first volley in the courtroom. Torturously slow, the clock ticked onward.
    Lillian had managed to maintain a stiff upper lip by keeping life a whirlwind of activity focused on Dillon. He was doing better at Newgate Prison than she might have imagined. Thanks in large part tothe fact that his father, the Duke of Greayston, was greasing Warden John Newman’s greedy palms. Not every prisoner got to inhabit a room in the Warden’s residence.
    Her eyes shifted about the small space. It was decent enough, with a bed, a chair and secretary set, a couch, table, chairs and a hearth. Certainly better than the unspeakably overcrowded, pest-ridden part of the prison where any other man awaiting trial would be housed.
    “I really would like to see a newspaper,” Dillon remarked, pulling her attention back to him.
    “What is the point of reading the papers?” She handed him the deck. “They will only upset you.”
    “I just feel so disconnected. If it weren’t for your visits, and the barrister’s, I would feel completely isolated. I thought it might help.” He dealt the cards. “Do you think that they might print a retraction when all is said and done?”
    Lillian would not bet a pickle on it. “What they should do is headline an outright apology. You deserve it.”
    “That bad?”
    “I never appreciated how inaccurate the news accounts were until now. Facts that I know as true they depict as wholly false. It’s really quite astonishing.”
    “Then I suppose you are right in keeping them from me.” He peeked at his cards. “I certainly don’t need any more bad news.”
    It was as if a scythe hung over Dillon’s head. But she would paste on a happy face if it killed her. “The proceeding tomorrow will go well, Dillon. You will see.”
    “Dagwood is running the show.”
    Her fists curled. “I know that the Solicitor General believes that he is just doing his job, but I swear he pushes too far.”
    “The barrister, Mr. Kent, says that if things go well tomorrow, then the matter will never even go to trial. I will be free.”
    Reaching over, she squeezed his hand. “Let us keep our thoughts positive then.”
    “I cannot wait to see what the investigator has scratched up.”
    Lillian tried not to be pessimistic about Sir Patrick and his findings. She had attempted to meet the man, but he’d claimed to be too busy to see her. She had buoyed her spirits by rationalizing that he was occupied with freeing Dillon. Moreover, the Duke of Greayston had promised to pass on her suspicions about Kane. There was little more she could do.
    “Has Sir Patrick not reported to you?” she asked, as if it did not signify.
    “Father is handling everything. And trying to take care of Mother as well.”
    “Any better?”
    “No. She will not remove from her bed.” He studied his cards, asking with feigned nonchalance, “Has Russell come to see you again?”
    “I am disappointed that he has not yet visited you. But he has promised to come to court tomorrow.”
    “Well, at least he checks in on you. I never would have guessed that his infatuation would actually turn out to be for the good.” He motioned to her cards. “You know, Lillian, the game cannot proceed unless you look at your hand.”
    Her cheeks heated. “Sorry.” A two and a three. Could her luck get any worse? “Russell seems to have matured in the last few days. I’m hoping that it is a permanent change.”
    “It is about time, is all I can say. The man is nearing two-and-twenty.”
    “Perhaps you will see a difference in him tomorrow.”
    “ If he shows up for the proceeding.”
    “He has committed to come and give his support. He will be there.”
    “What about Fanny?”
    “Fanny is not good with