To Dare a Rogue - Lana Williams (novels for beginners TXT) 📗

“We have found that giving them a purpose, even if it's different from what they expected to do upon their return, has made a significant improvement to their wellbeing.”

“I'm sure it lifts both their spirits and finances.” Hadn’t his father suggested having a purpose would aid him?

“The reason I wanted to speak with you was because as an officer, many soldiers continue to look up to you. Your name has been mentioned several times by soldiers with whom I’ve spoken.”

“Oh?” James hadn't been in contact with any of his men since his return. In all honesty, he’d felt too unsteady to be of assistance or offer advice, but that hadn’t eased his guilt. How could he help others when he was experiencing his own difficulties? But Granger’s remark had him reconsidering whether he could help in some way. In fact, he’d be honored to do so.

“Unfortunately, a few of the officers we approached insist the men need to have a stiff upper lip and get on with their lives rather than dwelling on the past.” Granger’s brow furrowed, leaving James in no doubt how strongly the earl disagreed with that line of thinking.

“I can attest to the poor results of such an approach,” James admitted.

“You’re not alone. Some men have adjusted more easily than others. Our goal is to reach as many former soldiers as possible. By increasing the variety of trades willing to train them, everyone benefits. We’ve most recently added a screen maker and a tire smith.”

“Interesting.” A screen maker would need a certain degree of artistic skill to paint or design the screens many residences used to keep heat where they wanted it. And there was always a need for ironworkers skilled in building and repairing carriages and other vehicles.

“Some positions pay better than others, of course. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered a fair number of men who are too proud to take an apprenticeship, insisting that such things are better suited for boys rather than men.”

“Pride can be a difficult beast.” James had seen that for himself. Accepting help felt like admitting a problem existed, something men were often reluctant to do.

“That is where we could use the assistance of someone such as you. A conversation with a well-respected officer might shed a different light on the opportunities we offer.”

James nodded, surprised to realize how much the thought of helping appealed to him.

“We would ask you to visit with the men from your battalion first and explain what the charity offers. Your encouragement might convince them to try one of the apprenticeships. Do you remember Barnaby or Polton? Each of them lost a leg.”

“Of course. I remember them well.” The fact that Granger knew the men by name was impressive and suggested how personally involved he was in the charity. “I knew they’d been injured but lost touch with them after they returned home.” While he’d taken care to visit the makeshift hospitals set up for the injured, his battalion had marched on soon afterward, leaving some of his men behind.

“They’ll be meeting with a few tradesmen at our registry office later this week. If you could stop by, I know they’d be pleased to see you. Your recommendation might make all the difference.”

“I would be honored.” James had searched for several of his men upon his return with little success. Speaking to them now seemed the least he could do given what they’d lost in the war.

“Excellent.” Granger nodded. “While you’re there, I’ll share more of what we’re doing and see if you have suggestions as to how else we might help. The more people who know what we’re doing, the broader our reach.”

“I look forward to it.” James realized it was true. What better way to help himself than to help others? For the first time in a long while, he looked forward to the next day because of something other than seeing Charlotte. Perhaps his life truly was taking a turn toward the better.

James had her to thank, along with his mother and father and Granger, for the renewed purpose that filled him.

He could only hope his conversation with Edward this evening went as well as this one had. The time had come to advise his friend of how much he’d come to care for his sister. He had no idea how Edward would take the news. But if James was going to successfully convince Lord Wynn that he was the right husband for his daughter, he needed all the assistance he could gather.

~*~

Charlotte spent the entire day wondering what might happen if James called on her. Did he truly feel something for her that went beyond friendship? Even if he did, what hope was there of a future with him when arrangements with Lord Samuelson had already progressed so far? She and Lord Samuelson might as well have announced their betrothal as far as her father was concerned. Convincing Lord Wynn to consider someone else as a potential husband for her seemed impossible.

But they weren’t betrothed, and this was her chance. James was everything her father could want in a son-in-law. He was titled, wealthy, intelligent, a former officer, and an honorable man. What more could he ask?

Yet she worried none of that mattered. Her father would only be happy with the person he’d selected—Lord Samuelson—and whatever he would gain.

However, if she didn't act now it would be too late. A knot of dread formed in the pit of her stomach each time she thought of broaching the subject with her father. He was stubborn enough to not consider James simply because he hadn't been his choice. While his gout had calmed, that hadn't improved his disposition over much.

After pacing the length of her bedchamber for what seemed like hours as she considered possible scenarios, an idea came to mind. Announcing how much she cared for James would not help. Not when she’d already shared that she didn’t care for Lord Samuelson. Her feelings weren’t important to either of her