The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow Read Free Page A

you want to climb all the way up there to tell, go ahead.”
    As Sarah flounced up the narrow back stairs to the butler’s apartment, Charlotte picked up the knife again and sliced more beef, working her lips in and out with the motion of the knife.
    Soon enough she heard the urgent rhythm of double footsteps descending the stairs, Mr. Penard’s larger feet pounding each step, followed by Sarah’s smaller, lighter step. Charlotte glanced at the baby, who dropped the spoon and turned his head toward the sound on the stairs.
    Mr. Penard appeared, his sleeves rolled up and his vest open. “I understand we have an unexpected situation.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Regardless of her lungs’ protest, Charlotte held her breath and shoulders steady.
    Mr. Penard’s eyes moved to the child playing among the chairs. “Mrs. Edwards is well known for her tireless efforts on behalf of the children at St. Andrew’s. It would seem someone in need has learned of her work and decided to trust a child to her care.”
    Sarah scoffed. “Why didn’t they just take it to the orphanage?”
    Penard and the baby inspected each other. The child grinned and banged his spoon against the side of a chair, his blue eyes wide and welcoming. Eventually Penard squatted for a closer look. “He seems to be well cared for. His circumstances cannot have been overly desperate.”
    â€œPerhaps there was an emergency.” Charlotte picked up a fresh knife to slice bread. She weighed her words carefully.She did not want to tell an outright lie, but she could not possibly tell the truth.
    â€œHe’s here now and we have to deal with him,” Mr. Penard said.
    â€œHe’s probably getting hungry at this time of day. The food is ready.”
    â€œDoesn’t a child of this age require a special diet?” Mr. Penard asked. “Sarah, what did the babies in the orphanage eat?”
    The girl shrugged. “Soft foods.”
    â€œI noticed he has quite a few teeth.” Charlotte spoke calmly, quelling the tremble in her hand. “I’m sure he can handle bread and some bits of apple and cheese.”
    â€œWhy don’t we just take it to St. Andrew’s?” Sarah crossed her arms and with a foot nudged the edge of one of the chairs penning the child. “They have people there who know what to do with a baby, no matter what time of day. You just have to knock on the front door. They don’t ask a lot of questions.”
    â€œNo.” Mr. Penard stood to his full height again. “We’ll keep him here for the time being.”
    Turning to keep her face out of view, Charlotte breathed relief.
    â€œIf someone left him here for the attentions of Mrs. Edwards,” Mr. Penard continued emphatically, “we must respect that it should be the family’s decision to respond to this situation.”
    â€œDo you seriously expect they are going to want a baby?” Sarah eyed the child.
    Penard scowled. “Miss Cummings, I suggest you learn your place before the family returns. It is your role to do what you’re asked and to anticipate the family’s needs and desires within reason. It is expressly not your role to make decisionson their behalf. We will keep the child until Thursday at least, and give Mr. and Mrs. Banning time to consider the situation and advise their wishes under these unusual circumstances.”
    â€œI’m going to feed him.” Charlotte snuck in a smile at her son. “There’s no telling when he ate last. Babies can get cranky rapidly when they get hungry.”
    â€œYou seem well versed in the needs of children,” Mr. Penard observed.
    â€œI have three younger brothers.” Charlotte laid a plate of bread on the table alongside the beef.
    â€œI believe that’s the first glimpse I’ve ever had into your personal history. Your experience certainly proves relevant.”
    Charlotte quickly transferred