Chapter Eight

"You can understand languages too, Lady Roxton?"

"Yes, Morgan. I've been able to do it all my life."

"Isn't it odd that we both possess the same ability. It's almost as if we're magical." Morgan settled down and laid her head back on the pillows. "But enough about languages. Would you mind awfully telling me a story?" She saw the hesitation in Marguerite's eyes. "Oh, if you don't want to I understand. I'll just go to sleep then. Thank you for making me comfortable. I hope you sleep well." Morgan turned over, wanting to cry but holding back the tears. It wasn't like Lady Roxton was her mother. How could she expect someone she hardly knew to read her a story like a mother would to her child?

Marguerite was about to say 'yes' to the girl when Morgan turned over. Had she not hesitated Morgan wouldn't feel out of place. "I'll stay till you fall asleep, and then John and I will check on you." Marguerite sat in the chair quietly, her mind wandering. How had the girl gotten this ability? Marguerite's thoughts didn't even touch on the fact that Morgan could be her long lost daughter. She was too wrapped up in family heritage. Maybe Morgan was one of her cousins and the ability to decipher any language was a gift that her family possessed.

Once Morgan was asleep, Marguerite got up to leave, only to notice that John was standing at the door. "How are the boys?"

"Fine, how is Morgan?"

"Sleeping. She told me something John…she told me she has my ability for languages. She can understand languages she's never heard before."

"Really? I'm surprised she was so open with you. She got upset at me."

"John, you mustn't get so attached to the girl. She'll be leaving for another orphanage in a few days."

"I don't think I want her to leave. Couldn't we adopt her?"

"John, you hardly have time for your sons. What makes you think another mouth to feed will keep you home?"

"I come home to you everyday and I spend time with Jude and John. You three are my world. Couldn't we share that?"

"I don't know, John. Something isn't right about her. I can tell."

Morgan lay awake in bed, pretending to sleep. Her heart was breaking. Lord Roxton had given her hopes of a family and now they were gone. She wiped one stray tear from her cheek and resumed her position. Once again her hopes had gotten the best of her and they had been dashed as had happened before.

"She's perfect for us. She could pass as one of our children. She could be our Morgan."

"No, John she can't! Our Morgan died ten years ago. This little girl has lived in an orphanage her entire life and knows nothing of her real parents. I will not allow you to replace our Morgan!" Marguerite turned to leave, but John caught her arm.

"I grieve for our daughter too, Marguerite. I'm not trying to replace Morgan. I just wanted to give someone else the chance our daughter would have had. Maybe she could fill the void in our hearts."

"I don't want her to, John." Marguerite left, and John turned with a sigh and followed his wife. He hadn't meant to upset her and now he had to comfort her. John looked at the little figure in the bed with a soft smile, hoping in his heart of hearts that he could get Marguerite to agree to adopt her. Then he left.

Morgan waited till she heard the door down the hall close before making her get away. She was still incredibly sore, but the bed had given her the best rest she had had in her entire young life. Standing up, she put on her tattered dress and brushed it off the best she could. She wished she had a coat. Avebury was a long way from London and the walk back to any orphanage would be long. It would probably take her days, but it would take less time if she hurried.

With one last glance at the luxury of her temporary surroundings, Morgan went down the stairs and into the foyer. She hadn't really seen the entryway. It was beautiful with ornate wood detailing. Taking it all in as quickly as possible, Morgan silently opened the front door and left the Roxton home, hoping that no one would come looking for her and hoping for the day that she turned 18 and was on her own.