Chapter 9
Lawrence’s voice felt strangled so tight was his chest. He cleared his throat and looked at the trio sitting in his back room.
“Mrs. March, Mrs. Anderton, you have my undying gratitude for stepping in and helping out.” He nodded to them, but couldn’t look either woman in the eye. Christy was staring at him, so he avoided his gaze too. He walked past them into the shop, and pulled out money from the cash tin. He hesitated, then added a guinea, then another.
“Here.” He held it out to Christy, who had followed him.
“That’s too much,” he whispered.
“Take it. It’s a…a Christmas bonus. Don’t tell March about it, though. It’s for you and your mother.”
“Mr. Fenton,” Christy began, but Lawrence couldn’t bear it. Couldn’t bear the thought that his shame had been spread so…that Christ
