The officials went through every room of the house, making notes about cleanliness and organization. They checked the children's sleeping arrangements, examined their clothes for signs of wear or neglect, looked through the pantry to assess food supplies. They questioned each child separately, asking about their daily routines, whether they were happy, whether they felt safe, whether Eliza had ever mistreated them in any way. Eliza stood in the kitchen the whole time, her hands gripped so tightly together that her knuckles had gone white. B stayed close, a solid presence at her shoulder.
But even his support couldn't calm the terror rising in her chest. They were going to take her away. She'd finally found a home, a family, a purpose, and it was going to be ripped from her because of one bitter woman's vendetta. When the officials finally emerged, the children trailing behind them with tear stained faces, Mr. Carile's expression was unreadable.
"Based on our investigation," he said formally, "we found the following. "The home is exceptionally well-maintained. The children are clean, wellfed, and properly clothed. They show no signs of physical abuse or neglect. In fact, they appear to be thriving under Miss Morland's care. " Relief flooded through Eliza so powerfully she nearly collapsed.
Bose's hand steadied her elbow. However, Mr. Carile continued, and the relief turned to ice, the legal irregularity of the situation remains concerning. Miss Morland has no formal standing as these children's guardian. If something were to happen to you, Mr.
Thatcher, she'd have no legal claim to them. They could be taken by relatives, sent to an orphanage, or distributed among other families. That's not a stable situation for children who've already lost one parent. Then tell me what I need to do to fix it, B said urgently. Whatever legal paperwork you need, whatever arrangements have to be made, I'll do it.
Just tell me how to protect her place in this family. Mr. Worth and Mr. Carile exchanged glances. The simplest solution would be marriage, Mr.
Worth said. If Miss Morland were your legal wife, her position as the children's mother would be unassailable. No one could challenge it. Then we'll marry," Bo said without hesitation. Eliza's heart stopped.
"Bo, no, you said you weren't ready. You said you might never be ready. " "I also said you were part of this family permanently," Bo countered, turning to face her. "I meant that," Eliza. "If marrying you is what it takes to keep you here, to protect you from people like Agnes Peton, then that's what we'll do. But that's not You can't marry me just to satisfy a legal technicality, Eliza protested.